F41eatsFords

OK, first off, I've done a lot of searching over the years, but can never find a definative answer. My Camaro has an LG4 with a single electric fan, and I'd like to get a reliable lower-temp fan switch. The temp is usually perfect and the fan rarely comes on, but for those really hot days, sitting in traffic, or my spiritted drives on mountain roads, I want it to come on at a bit sooner than 235°, for my own comfort. I've tried some over the last couple years with no long-term success. First, I tried one from O-reilly's (BWD brand TFS3(?)). It worked perfectly- for about a month. Got the warranty replacement, and that one lasted until the end of the summer. Next spring, had to replace it again. 3 months later (after another failure), I splurged and bought the NAPA brand switch for a Buick GN (lower temp specs); didn't even last a day. I finally gave up and threw back on the factory switch and ran that until now (still working, but I don't like that temperature rise when it comes).

Is there anyone who makes a good quality factory-type switch for lower temps? I've read a lot that once the Hypertechs turn on, they don't want to go off until the engine cools all the way down, which is pointless (unnecessary power draw, cycles the thermostat more, wearing it out), and my operating temp is perfect whenever cruising without the fan. I've searched, but most of the brands that are recomended, ppl seem to have issues with somewhat regularly. Maybe not everyone, but a good percentage.

Obviously, I'd prefer one I could just go pick up at the local parts store, but if the only good ones available are online, I'll do it. I just want to buy one and not have to deal with it again in 2 months (or 2 years, for that matter, if ever again). Thanks!

SilverChicken

iTrader: (1)

I have a SPAL fan switch on mine and it works quite well as well as being cheaper ($30 I think). Granted it's only been on a month or so since the car has been on the road again but that still beats my old JET switch that worked one time straight out of the box and it switches on and off as it should. The SPAL also has a lower profile way of connecting to the wire, stud and eyelet. I'm sure the JET/Hypertech would have soon melted being so close to the headers tangled up behind the oil dipstick tube with spark plug wires.

midias

My duralast switch from autozone had worked for years. probably made by wells although I would be surprised if there were more than 3 manufacturers.

SilverChicken

iTrader: (1)

It really depends on what operating temp range you want whether or not a parts store will have anything available. Neither autozone or o'rielly's had anything I could use with a 170* t-stat. The SPAL I use is 195 on 175 off. If you're not using a cool t-stat you can probably use parts store available parts.

F41eatsFords

Thanks guys, I'll have to look into those options. Silverchicken, the headers aren't an issue; I moved my switch up to the intake manifold when I installed them (another reason I want a lower temp, though the temp difference isn't that great). But the lower profile would be less conspicuous and wouldn't be as close to the heater hose.

midias

Here are a few with lower temp options. I use SW555. with the pipgtail PT770

I think SW502 is factory

I use a 180 degree thermostat. It sits at 180 while driving then if it gets to 210 at a light the fan kicks on

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

I used a Painless Performance switch in my camaro for a couple years. It worked flawlessly. I need to replace it now, not cause it quit, but because I broke the terminals off it pulling the engine. It wasn't cheap at around $50 from Summit, but it turned the fan on and off right on the dot according to my mechanical temp gauge. It had 2 terminals on it instead of the usual one terminal most switches have. The single terminal switches ground through the threads on the switch into the head(or intake manifold), and once those threads corrode or fill up with gunk or due to too much thread sealer/tape, the ground path for the switch goes away and it can't function.