Will a Black Magic Fan cool a 331?

302 LX Eric · 08-27-2002, 03:04 PM

My new motor is a 331 cu. in. stroker with ported TFS TW heads, Steeda #19 cam (.516/.516 w/ 1.72's), 9.2:1 compression, GT-40 intake, Accufab 65 mm TB, 75mm Pro-M, 24# injectors, 155lph pump, 3.55's, Tremec, etc.

Currently, I'm running a 195 thermo and Griffen radiator. Under hot and humid (say 90* and 80% humidity) conditions, the car runs right at 185-190 on the Autometer gauge - all while moving at any decent speed. However, at long stops, drivethroughs, etc. the temp will SKYROCKET to 230* in a matter of minutes. The car never did this with the old 302 motor. I know I've got a ton more torque and power, but is this what's causing my overheating issues?

I was going to step down to a 180 thermo, but was thinking maybe I should just free up some HP by gettng a Black Magic setup. However, after a topic search, I've noticed that the Black Magic fans don't seem to cool strokers too well or 351's for that matter.

So what would you guys recommend? Should I get a dual electric fan setup? Get the Black Magic and 180 thermo? Stick with the stock fan and get a 180 thermo?

Thanks in advance for the replies.
E

BTW - I'm running a 70% distilled water & 30% Prestone mix - no water wetter, yet.

Chris_H · 08-27-2002, 05:06 PM

To be honest, I hated my Balck Magic. Never knew if it was ruuning, other than when the temp shot way up. I was running a Fluidyne and a 180* t-stat. Still didn't like it. Bought a HD polics fan and clutch and never have a problem. It does heat up some in traffic, but as soon as I move, the rpms from the engine help pull the air through at a higher speed, unlike the Black Magic. I would definately stick with the stock, or even get a HD one. I would rather lose the HP than have the heat. Hope this helps.

Chris

Mustang_289 · 08-27-2002, 05:24 PM

Got a fluidyne and a BlackMagic - love it. You can hear the fan running while you're sitting idling, I'm sure you can rig up an indicator light when the fan is on.

As far as the original question, I've seen info on the www.flex-a-lite web site you can run upwards of 428,429s in Stangs - these are earlier mustangs. The best way to see if you can run your BlackMagic with your 331 is send an email to the following:
flex@flex-a-lite.com

chris91LX · 08-27-2002, 09:11 PM

My buddy runs low 11's in his 332 cid stroker and the BM works fine for him.

87gt17815 · 08-27-2002, 09:21 PM

I have a aluminum headed 306 w/ 9.7-1 compression a 160 stat a Ron Davis radiator and a BM. My car on a 95 degree day whether being beaten or sitting in traffic never goes above 175. A i wired the fan to come on with the key.
The Black Magic is a great choice.

302 LX Eric · 08-28-2002, 07:25 AM

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Keep them coming.

Thanks,
E

blown5.5 · 08-28-2002, 10:20 AM

Same engine - same problem. As I didn't have A/C in mine I reversed the BM fan in its frame and mounted it in front of the radiator. Wired to a lighted switch in the console. Worked fine.....

avbcon12 · 08-28-2002, 01:59 PM

it works great for me with the stuff in my sig no matter what the temp is outside.... and i got it brand new for $100 (private sale) so i couldnt complain... thats one of the most talked about portions of buying an electric fan... the cost doesnt justify the black magic fan but if you find one cheap, get it!

take care,
adam

mikew88gt · 08-28-2002, 03:20 PM

If you're interested in saving a few bucks you might do well to check out your local salvage yard. I found a fan that I think was out of a truck. Anyhow, I had to make a custom shroud out of aluminum and I only need to run it in traffic or while stopped. The only problem I have is at night with my headlights on it really taxes my alternator with the underdrive pullies. The plus side is I can turn it off when I race and when I sit in the staging lanes the fan can run while the car is off. Cools things down fast. I don't think I had $25 in my setup. (Junkyard fan, relay, switch, splices, etc).

302 LX Eric · 08-29-2002, 07:20 AM

Will I need to get a 130amp alternator with the BM? I've still got the stocker and it works fine with my March pullies, but I concerned that the BM may be too taxing on the system.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again,
E

Mustang_289 · 08-29-2002, 07:24 AM

Anytime you're running pullies - I would suggest upgrading your alt to a 130A 3G. I've got a BM, MAC pullies, with a PA PERFORMANCE 130a unit and we've got plenty of juice.

302 LX Eric · 08-29-2002, 07:38 AM

When I purchase the 130a 3G alternator, will it just bolt up and plug-in like the stocker? Or, will I need to do any special wiring or other parts to make it work?

Thanks,
E

Mustang_289 · 08-29-2002, 07:52 AM

Only thing you might have to do is grind your alt bracket a little as the 130A casing is a little bigger than stock 65A alt, no big deal - simply mark with a sharpie pen and grind off. PA PERFORMANCE recommends changing one connector from the stock alt - as it's a fire hazard. Ford has even changed over the connector.

Directions are easy to read, and PA PERFORMANCE has great support and a life-time warranty. Only issue with the warranty is not to remove their alt pully - as it voids the life time warranty. Not a problem as there isn't much difference between their pully and my MAC alt pully.

check them out: http://www.pa-performance.com/

08-27-2002, 05:06 PM	#2
Chris_H Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: New Mexico Posts: 488	To be honest, I hated my Balck Magic. Never knew if it was ruuning, other than when the temp shot way up. I was running a Fluidyne and a 180* t-stat. Still didn't like it. Bought a HD polics fan and clutch and never have a problem. It does heat up some in traffic, but as soon as I move, the rpms from the engine help pull the air through at a higher speed, unlike the Black Magic. I would definately stick with the stock, or even get a HD one. I would rather lose the HP than have the heat. Hope this helps. Chris __________________ 1987 LX, Best times: 13.47 @ 102.49, 1.80 60ft 6900' DA

08-27-2002, 09:11 PM	#4
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	My buddy runs low 11's in his 332 cid stroker and the BM works fine for him. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'

08-27-2002, 09:21 PM	#5
87gt17815 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bloomsburg,PA Posts: 34	Cooling I have a aluminum headed 306 w/ 9.7-1 compression a 160 stat a Ron Davis radiator and a BM. My car on a 95 degree day whether being beaten or sitting in traffic never goes above 175. A i wired the fan to come on with the key. The Black Magic is a great choice.

08-28-2002, 07:25 AM	#6
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Keep them coming. Thanks, E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

08-28-2002, 10:20 AM	#7
blown5.5 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philly Suburbs, PA Posts: 14	Same engine - same problem. As I didn't have A/C in mine I reversed the BM fan in its frame and mounted it in front of the radiator. Wired to a lighted switch in the console. Worked fine..... __________________ 92LX - D.S.S. 331 Stroker – T/F Heads Stage I porting - 75mm MAF & TB – AFM Power Pipe - AFM Programmable Management System - Vortech S-Trim, 10 Rib Belt - Holley 50# Injectors - Vortech Maxflow Fuel System - MSD Billet Distributor & 6A Ignition Module - Meziere Electric Water Pump - Black Magic 15in Fan - Evans Propylene Glycol Coolant - Tremec TKO - Centerforce Clutch & Pressure Plate - Lakewood Scatter Shield - FRPP Aluminum Driveshaft - Eibach Drag Launch Coil Spring Set – Battle boxes - Strange axles & C-clip eliminators - Powertrax Locker, 3.73 Gears

08-27-2002, 03:04 PM	#1
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Will a Black Magic Fan cool a 331? My new motor is a 331 cu. in. stroker with ported TFS TW heads, Steeda #19 cam (.516/.516 w/ 1.72's), 9.2:1 compression, GT-40 intake, Accufab 65 mm TB, 75mm Pro-M, 24# injectors, 155lph pump, 3.55's, Tremec, etc. Currently, I'm running a 195 thermo and Griffen radiator. Under hot and humid (say 90* and 80% humidity) conditions, the car runs right at 185-190 on the Autometer gauge - all while moving at any decent speed. However, at long stops, drivethroughs, etc. the temp will SKYROCKET to 230* in a matter of minutes. The car never did this with the old 302 motor. I know I've got a ton more torque and power, but is this what's causing my overheating issues? I was going to step down to a 180 thermo, but was thinking maybe I should just free up some HP by gettng a Black Magic setup. However, after a topic search, I've noticed that the Black Magic fans don't seem to cool strokers too well or 351's for that matter. So what would you guys recommend? Should I get a dual electric fan setup? Get the Black Magic and 180 thermo? Stick with the stock fan and get a 180 thermo? Thanks in advance for the replies. E BTW - I'm running a 70% distilled water & 30% Prestone mix - no water wetter, yet. __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

08-27-2002, 05:24 PM	#3
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Got a fluidyne and a BlackMagic - love it. You can hear the fan running while you're sitting idling, I'm sure you can rig up an indicator light when the fan is on. As far as the original question, I've seen info on the www.flex-a-lite web site you can run upwards of 428,429s in Stangs - these are earlier mustangs. The best way to see if you can run your BlackMagic with your 331 is send an email to the following: flex@flex-a-lite.com

08-28-2002, 01:59 PM	#8
avbcon12 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: West Bloomfield, MI Posts: 391	it works great for me with the stuff in my sig no matter what the temp is outside.... and i got it brand new for $100 (private sale) so i couldnt complain... thats one of the most talked about portions of buying an electric fan... the cost doesnt justify the black magic fan but if you find one cheap, get it! take care, adam __________________ 90 GT black/ grey leather ported GT-40 heads w/ 1.7RR, Cobra intake w/ ported lower, 24# injectors, 190LPH pump, 75mm Pro-M MAF, 65mm TB, K&N panel, BBK long tubes, Off road H-pipe, 2 ch. Flowmaster, Black magic fan, Kirban FPR, 180 deg. T-stat, 3.73's, Steeda Tri-Ax, 130 amp alt. Accell 8.8 race wires/cap/rotor, motorcraft plugs, Factory Five suspension, etc etc etc.... http://avbcon12.stangnet.com

08-28-2002, 03:20 PM	#9
mikew88gt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: New York State Posts: 242	If you're interested in saving a few bucks you might do well to check out your local salvage yard. I found a fan that I think was out of a truck. Anyhow, I had to make a custom shroud out of aluminum and I only need to run it in traffic or while stopped. The only problem I have is at night with my headlights on it really taxes my alternator with the underdrive pullies. The plus side is I can turn it off when I race and when I sit in the staging lanes the fan can run while the car is off. Cools things down fast. I don't think I had $25 in my setup. (Junkyard fan, relay, switch, splices, etc). __________________ Your basic carbed 302 with Edelbrock Performer heads, Performer RPM intake and 650 Speed Demon. My 1988 Mustang GT

08-29-2002, 07:20 AM	#10
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Will I need to get a 130amp alternator with the BM? I've still got the stocker and it works fine with my March pullies, but I concerned that the BM may be too taxing on the system. Any thoughts? Thanks again, E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

08-29-2002, 07:24 AM	#11
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Anytime you're running pullies - I would suggest upgrading your alt to a 130A 3G. I've got a BM, MAC pullies, with a PA PERFORMANCE 130a unit and we've got plenty of juice.

08-29-2002, 07:38 AM	#12
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	When I purchase the 130a 3G alternator, will it just bolt up and plug-in like the stocker? Or, will I need to do any special wiring or other parts to make it work? Thanks, E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

08-29-2002, 07:52 AM	#13
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Only thing you might have to do is grind your alt bracket a little as the 130A casing is a little bigger than stock 65A alt, no big deal - simply mark with a sharpie pen and grind off. PA PERFORMANCE recommends changing one connector from the stock alt - as it's a fire hazard. Ford has even changed over the connector. Directions are easy to read, and PA PERFORMANCE has great support and a life-time warranty. Only issue with the warranty is not to remove their alt pully - as it voids the life time warranty. Not a problem as there isn't much difference between their pully and my MAC alt pully. check them out: http://www.pa-performance.com/

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