Fan removal--1946 Commodore 8-Cylinder Coupe

Jim Kilday
Jim Kilday Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
My mechanic wants to remove the fan blades and install a "pusher" fan on the front of the radiator. He thinks that will give a noticeable boost in horsepower.



I don't have a clue as to the wisdom of this move but I am sure the experts on this forum will know the answer.



I am not a stickler for perfect authenticity and would consider doing it if it still cools the engine adequately and, in fact, does give the old girl a boost in horses.



If it is acceptable, does anyone know a source for a really good fan? I know that Fifth Avenue carries them but they are pricey.



I thank you very kindly for you comments and thanks for the comments on the interior.



Jim Kilday

Comments

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    It may give a very small amount of boost, but I would venture to say hardly "noticeable". I take the fan off my Essex every winter, and I cannot detect any "boost", nor improvement in fuel economy. In fact, if you are going to fit an electric fan, when it is running it will take energy from the generator to run it. Go ahead , by all means, but I suggest you get a "before-and-after" dynamometer test done to see if in fact there is much difference. My thinking is that it would take a very long time to recoup the cost of such a conversion. Good luck,

    Geoff.
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    Jim Kilday wrote:

    If it is acceptable, does anyone know a source for a really good fan? I know that Fifth Avenue carries them but they are pricey.



    Jim Kilday



    You might try these people. Email: scottscoolingfans@yahoo.com



    http://scottscoolingfans.com/
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    If you want more HP from that 8 get an aluminum head for about 10 more.
  • Jim Kilday
    Jim Kilday Expert Adviser
    I only recently learned that a high-compression aluminum head was offered. How will I know which head I've got. Will the iron head deliver a clearer tone when struck with a metal object than an aluminum head? I would think the AL head would be a muted tone when struck.



    The car is not here or I would have already hit the head with a crescent wrench.



    jim kilday
  • nick s
    nick s Senior Contributor
    Jim Kilday wrote:
    I only recently learned that a high-compression aluminum head was offered. How will I know which head I've got.
    easiest quick glance way - the cast iron has raised hudson letters, the aluminum does not
  • oldhudsons
    oldhudsons Senior Contributor
    all you have to do is lift it & you'll notice a MAJOR difference, LOL.

    Also I believe the alum. heads have "ALCOA" cast into them.
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Try a magnet
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Find a new mechanic. Preferably one with gray hair.. Grinnn
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    LanceB wrote:
    Try a magnet



    "There is nothing more uncommon than common sense".



    Frank Lloyd Wright
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