Grafting aftermarket fan(s) into stock shroud
 

Has anyone had luck doing this on the radiator shroud? I have one bad fan (passenger side) due to my airbox grommet obstructing the blade some time ago. It looks like the blade may be slightly warped as well. Driver-side fan is good to go.

So i'd like to replace the passenger fan with a suitable aftermarket version - looking at Spal, Flex a Lite, and Derale round 12" fans without shrouds. My plan would be to remove the dead fan and graft one of these in its place.

Reason for this approach would be to save money. On sale, some of these fans are in the $100 range. A fair bit cheaper than a series 1 fan motor + blade, and cheaper still than buying a series 2 shroud + fans, or a shrouded fan kit.

Anyone see anything wrong with the plan?

are these new fans two speed like the factory ones? how long is it going to take to mount vs stock, and how much do you value your time?

i think all said and done the aftermarket fan is an expensive way to save a small amount of money...

the factory fans seem to be pretty robust, used ones should be totally fine.

Just get the FAL 420 puller (2500CFM). The 480 will also work and is 3000CFM and reversible and comes with the controller. The fan motors are taller.

FAL 420 on my radiator

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...498c883620.jpg

FAL 480 on a buddies car (don't mind the sexy beast holding it).

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...19647745f1.jpg

If your time is worth anything...the stock fan replacement doesn't seem so pricey ;)

9k, from the pics, the FAL fans don't look like they direct bolt on to the factory radiator fan mounts. How'd you mount them? Interested in those.

You just use standard radiator mounting pins. I recommend the ones sold by Derale. A few of us locally have been running them for years without issue.


Such as these. or you can get the all plastic ones but these work well.


Also, OP, the S2 RX-8 fans (and radiator) are better. Search the junkyards, you make get lucky.

)

I just picked up a complete OEM assembly (shroud, both fans) for $75 on ebay. Came off a 2006 with 40k miles, and the seller offers a 6 month warranty. I'll test them to make sure the amperage is within spec.