"In defense of the electric fan, the electric runs at a constant speed while the engine-driven fan's speed varies with that of the engine. This means during yellows or in corners when the engine slows, the electric runs at a constant speed. This can provide extra cool-down during these breaks."
Back to Howard Stewart, "If the fan's air volume is matched to the rest of the system, the engine will cool. If a fan doesn't have the capacity needed, then the system might require a larger radiator to match its needs."
Fan shrouds are an essential...
Fan shrouds are an essential part of the cooling system. A longer shroudallows air to be pulled from the corners of the radiator in a smootherflow. Using a fan shroud that's too short permits dead air areas in thecorners of the radiator.
The result of this is that if you use an electric fan it must have the capacity to cool the engine as well as an engine- driven fan. To move enough air will require the same power from any source. A given amount of heat must be transferred each lap no matter how you do it.
In your tow vehicle, the electric fan can pay dividends because it can turn off when it isn't needed. This can save a few bucks on gas that can then be spent on the race car.
Keep in mind, the cooling system doesn't make you go faster. It lets you go faster longer!
You can e-mail Sleepy at: sleepy.gomez@primedia.com