hybrid ranger rover/ series

[CliftonRover]

I am in th middle of building a hybrid, its a RRC frame with a stretched 88" body. I am ditching the viscous fan for an electric fan set up but im not sure which, or how much cooling i need. this is meant to be a budget build, so no $400 dual fan setups. does anyone have imput on this. I am ditching the viscous fan to save gas, save space, and get a little more power.

[junkyddog11]

unless you can spend the big $$'s on a really good electric fan system, you'll be better off with the standard engine driven fan. I can't count the amount of builds I've seen with electric fans that are prone to various failures and overheating, that have gone back to engine driven fans.

[CliftonRover]

thanks, ill see if the front end will fit together with the stock fan in there. will the fan work if its not shrouded? and how close is a safe distance between the fan and the radiator?

[junkyddog11]

A good fan shroud is the key to having an effective fan no matter how it is driven.

Safe clearance 'tween the fan and rad depends somewhat on the engine mounting system. Series and V8 mounts can be fairly close...I've run them as close as 1 inch. Softer mounts and you'll need to be further away.

[CliftonRover]

I am going to need a defender nose for the front of my truck. grill, hood, and fenders. I suppose the fenders could be series III. If I do this I can use the factor monts for the radiator and keep the mechanical fan and oil cooler positions. Where can I find one of these, and how much would a used one cost?

[KMW]

My first post here...

I've got a '69 Series IIa 12 passenger 109 Safari (original 12 passenger Safari) with no engine. I've got a '90 RR chassis, and the goal is a hybrid that looks as close to the original 109 as possible.

I picked up an electric fan setup from another vehicle -- I don't recall from what, but it's a modern twin fan unit that seems to be high quality. For someone doing a "budget" build, that may be an option.

Not meaning to hijack CliftonRover's thread, but is there any way to do a V8 powered hybrid build without resorting to a Defender nose?

My "hybrid" parts collection is the '90 Rover with a 3.9, an LT-77 and LT-230 from a Discovery. In addition to the hybrid project, we've got an '87 Rangie, a '96 Disco, and a Triumph TR-8 coupe (Rover in engine only).

[TeriAnn]

unless you can spend the big $$'s on a really good electric fan system, you'll be better off with the standard engine driven fan. I can't count the amount of builds I've seen with electric fans that are prone to various failures and overheating, that have gone back to engine driven fans.

The wrecking yard can be your friend



Bosch electric pusher fan off a V8 Mercedes - $15.

[Paul 84]

I have not been on this forum in a long time. Sorry!
I would like to answer the last question posted.

The tilt hood does not need to spread wide to close, it's the location of the front hinge that matters. If the hinge is on the same level as the lowest part of the back of the hood then it will not need to clear the bulkhead because it doesn't reach the bulkhead until it's closed.

On the cooling. I have absolutely no problem with cooling not having a mechanical engine driven fan. In fact I never took off my Rovers North Radiator Muff this summer, I only opened it. Having a shroud designed for the radiator makes a huge difference because all of the air pulled by the fan must go through the radiator, also the fact that this is not a thirty five year old radiator really helps. If the outside temp is not very hot I can leave my house, get on the highway, get up to speed (70-80+) and it often takes more than 10 miles before the fans come on. Another benefit of not having a mechanical engine fan is the ability to switch it off while in deep water.
If my Rover were still stock I believe I would still fit an electrical fan with shroud but I would also make sure the radiator was in more than just good condition.