So I want to install some low profile radiator fans to make more room up front. What's the consensus on the straight zip tie kits that you get with radiator fans from siliconeintakes.com to mount the fans? Legit? Or do they cause other problems over the long term?

 

Unless you have purchased real SPAL slim fans, I would not recommend running cheap slim fans. They have been proven to not provide enough air flow to be effective. The general consensus on here is either stock fans, or expensive pal fans.

 

Advice noted.

How do you feel about the straight zip ties through the radiator?

 

I did not have great luck with them years ago when I tried some. I think a few fell out within the first 1500 miles. I ended up going to a hardware store and buying miscellaneous parts to keep my fan secure.

 

I did a quick look through the products, didn't find straight zip ties, but this company makes the highest quality "zip tie" fasteners in the world. They go all the way up to a 120 pound rating. Look through, maybe you'll find what you are looking for...

http://www.tnb.com/ps/endeca/index.c...move=3778+4329

 

When I was on a FSAE team we ran those when testing different fans and radiator combination because they were easy to change but they did hold up well. I think we had about half fail in less than two hours. In the end we ran fan with ducted a shroud that bolted radiator as it used all the surface area of the radiator and had more secure mounting.

I would not recommend using straight zipties after that experience

 

I dislike the possibility of them rubbing through a core. Those go right in the trash, and I make a proper bracket, personally.

 

If you get a proper, high-flow fan, they will prohibit mounting with the straight zips due to the torque.

 

I use them with a SPAL VA33 among others and have had no issues. My ducting configuration prohibits me from running some other mounting option, but I haven't had a need.

 

I will add the caveat that I have only run them with a steeply angled radiator, where the weight of the fan is not supported by the zips, they are primarily for locating the fan only.

 

They fail. Either make simple metal tabs or use normal zip ties and fender washers.

 

I've been researching this recently too.

From https://www.a1electric.com/spal/faninfo.htm:

"Pin mount: The pin mount mounts the fan directly to the radiator core. This is the easiest mount and also the least desirable. With this type of mount, radiator core damage after prolonged usage is inevitable."

ie. Just say "NO!"

 

Linkee no workee

 

I was thinking of that instead of buying one these mounting "kits". Did you actually try regular zip ties with fender washers? I would think it could work pretty well

 

it works in a pinch when the stupid ones in the kit break.

 

I have had good luck with the through the core zip ties that include sticky pads. Otherwise some flat bar stock that mounts to the factory fan holes and then to the fan, creating an X takes very little time to rig up.

 

Great resource!
Thanks