| jimmyt |
Hi, folks,
I've been looking at a website (there are a few) where a guy describes the process of installing dual vent fans on the engine trunk. They're designed to suck out hot air, I guess, not draw air in. I'm wondering, have any of you done this modification or know someone who did and, if so, did they see any noticeable benefit?
It looks like a pretty non-invasive modification, so it's something I might consider if it does do the engine some good. It's also something I could do myself, given my pretty limited mechanical ability at this point.
Here's the site I've been reading - old, but still relevant, I think:
http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/MkIIEngineFans.html |
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| SilverFire |
| I'd be surprised if there is much of a benefit, especially on an N/A. I could see it if there were an intercooler mounted on the engine cover, but the whole "cold air" advantage is seriously overrated IMO. It looks easy, but I still wouldn't bother. Especially with your goal for the 2. |
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| jimmyt |
Thanks for that. I noticed that Brad Bedell's V6 MR2 had these installed with, I think, a carbon fibre surround. But his machine puts out WAY more power and heat than mine every will, so... Pic is on his site in the 2004 Ultimate Street Car Challenge link...
http://www.bedellracing.com
I'm finding that the more I read, the more I'm conflicted about keeping the Two I've got as it is. The solution - buying another one to play with - will probably result in my divorce, so that's not gonna happen! :)
Think I'll just have to start meeting you guys and living vicariously through your Two's and stay on course with mine... |
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| Tech2 |
I remember reading something on the mr2oc about the fans actually reducing airflow when driving at speed (air is moving faster than fans can push, while reducing engine temps when sitting in traffic.
Looks cool though. |
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| jimmyt |
They don't look very heavy duty - they draw over 10 amps of power, but I think you're right. Down the highway, they probably won't be doing much good. They look great, though. However, when I look at pics of Ferrari mid-engine hoods open, they don't have fans at all on them. Wonder what system they use...
Maybe a guy could wrap the whole engine in one of those freezing blankets they use in hospitals to cool down hyperthermic patients. Wouldn't that be neat... There are liquid-cooled engines, aren't there - with piping surrounds that essentially act like the coils in a fridge? |
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| SilverFire |
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyt
However, when I look at pics of Ferrari mid-engine hoods open, they don't have fans at all on them. Wonder what system they use...
Remember, those cars' bodies are VERY highly engineered. They often don't have wings because the whole body acts as one big one. Pretty much all mid-engined cars work on the same principle for cooling the engine bay.
Notice that the rear windows are pretty much all straight up and down. No slants. At speed, (and you don't need much) this creates a low pressure vortex above the engine bay, sucking air up from underneath the car through the engine bay. The faster you go, the bigger the vortex and the lower the pressure. I seem to remember hearing that some vehicles have some sort of air dam behind the engine to deflect more air upwards too, but the MKI MR2 isn't one of them (I don't know about the MKII).
In theory, if the fans aren't big enough, they would get in the way of the air being drawn out. Provided you did the engineering, you COULD have fans that blow enough air to keep up, but if you're spending that kind of money, how long are you really going to standing still? Maybe that's why the MKIs have the fan on the side of the engine bay, it's out of the way for airflow headed up, but still helps get the hot air out of the bay.
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyt
Maybe a guy could wrap the whole engine in one of those freezing blankets they use in hospitals to cool down hyperthermic patients. Wouldn't that be neat...
ummm, yeah... OK... Why not?
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyt
There are liquid-cooled engines, aren't there - with piping surrounds that essentially act like the coils in a fridge?
You've got an air cooled 5S-FE? No radiator? That would make it liquid cooled, wouldn't it?
j/k - you mean something that works on a air conditioner principle, right? Still don't know if that would work particularly well either. There IS such a thing as running TOO cold. |
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| jimmyt |
You got me - duh! Yes, I was thinking along the lines of an air-conditioned engine, essentially.
Now you see why I have to keep my car stock - I don't know squat about engines, especially compared with most of you guys. That, hopefully, will change with some study and hands-on experience!
Bear with me, man... |
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