Cooling Fan Guide
Do you often experience your car overheating during long drives or in traffic? Selecting the appropriate radiator fan can make a significant difference in keeping your engine cool and preventing expensive damage.
 
This comprehensive guide will guide you through our fans, their features and how to determine the correct size and airflow for your vehicle.
 
The main fan features you'll need to consider are:
  1. fCFM (airflow)
  2. Fan Size
  3. Blade Style

A radiator fan is responsible for regulating the engine’s temperature by cooling the radiator and dissipating heat. The fan pulls or pushes air through the radiator to transfer heat away from the engine.

fCFM

Zirgo's airflow requirements are measured in fCFM (forced cubic feet per minute) and represent the volume of air the fan can move in one minute. Higher airflow is generally required for larger engines and high-performance vehicles.

Consult your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications or call our dedicated technical support line for expert advice on determining the recommended fan size for your vehicle.

Consider the following minimum fCFM ratings for basic engines:

  • • 1,250 fCFM for a 4-cylinder
  • • 2,000 fCFM for a 6-cylinder
  • • 2,500 fCFM for a 8-cylinder
  • • 2,800 fCFM or more for engines that are 5.0-liter (302 cubic inches) or larger
Size

When considering a fan for your vehicle’s radiator, it is important to consider the space around it.

Taking accurate measurements of the area is crucial to ensure that you select a fan that fits appropriately and does not obstruct other essential components. Measure the radiator and the distance between the radiator and engine components. Measure the radiator core (the finned surface between the two tanks). You’ll want to select one of our fans that covers as much of this space as possible.

In some cases, you may be better off with a dual fan because the shroud will pull air through a larger area of the radiator than a single fan. 

The size of a radiator fan is typically measured in inches and refers to the diameter of the fan blades. The fan size should be proportional to the size of your radiator for efficient cooling. A fan that is too small may not provide adequate airflow, while a fan that is too large may cause clearance issues or unnecessary power consumption. It is recommended to have at least 70% of the radiator core covered by the fan shroud.

Blade Style

There are 2 styles of blades to choose from:

  • Straight Flat Blades - these blades are flat & balanced which provides higher performance (airflow) than S-blades
  • Curved S-Blades - these blades are slightly thinner in depth than straight blades which allows them to fit in tighter spaces. An S-Blade design also has quieter operation.
Additional Considerations

Your vehicle - One of the most important factors is the size and power of your engine. A larger engine will generate more heat and thus require more effective cooling. Additionally, your vehicle type (car, truck, SUV) can also impact cooling needs. For example, an SUV may require a more robust cooling system due to its larger size and weight.

Finally, any modifications or aftermarket parts you’ve added to your vehicle can also impact its cooling needs. Consider these factors and make necessary adjustments to ensure your car stays cool and runs smoothly.

Keep In Mind...

All Zirgo® fans are designed as a puller, but can easily be turned into a pusher. See installation instructions for more details.

  • Puller Fans pull air through the radiator core. These are more commonly used and tend to be more efficient than push fans. They are suitable for vehicles that have sufficient space between the radiator and the engine.

  • Pusher Fans are mounted before the radiator and push air through the core. These fans are commonly used in vehicles with limited space between the radiator and the engine. Push fans are generally less efficient than puller fans but can still provide adequate cooling for many applications.

All Zirgo® fans are electric and powered by an electric motor, which you can control with a thermostatic or manual switch.

  • Electric fans offer precise temperature control and are more efficient than mechanical fans. Electric fans are a popular choice for modern vehicles due to their reliability and ease of installation. 

Check out our Fan Selector below for detailed fan specifications.

Universal Fan Selector

Zirgo Fan

*Fans may not fit all vehicle applications. Please consult your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications or call our dedicated technical support line for expert advice on determining the recommended fan size for your vehicle. Check out our cooling fan guide here for more information.

Compare Fans

8" Zirgo 605 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan 12V
8" Zirgo 605 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan 12V
9" Zirgo 839 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan 12V
9" Zirgo 839 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan 12V
10" Zirgo 1149 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
10" Zirgo 1149 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
10" Zirgo 1019 fCFM High Performance Black Curved “S” Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
10" Zirgo 1019 fCFM High Performance Black Curved “S” Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
12" Zirgo 1248 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
12" Zirgo 1248 fCFM High Performance Black Straight Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
Price
$59.95
$69.95
$72.95
$79.95
$69.95
Blade Size
8 in
9 in
10 in
10 in
12 in
Blade Style
Straight Balanced Blades
Straight Balanced Blades
Straight Balanced Blades
Curved S Blades
Straight Balanced Blades
fCFM
605
839
1,149
1,019
1,248
Finish
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Total Thickness
2.5 in
2.5 in
2.5 in
2.31 in
2.5 in
Foot–Foot Width
8.63 in
10.5 in
11.88 in
12.75 in
13.63 in

Compare Fans

14" Zirgo 2122 fCFM High Performance Black Curved “S” Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
14" Zirgo 2122 fCFM High Performance Black Curved “S” Blade Radiator Cooling Fan
16" Zirgo 2803 fCFM High Torque Straight Blade Performance Radiator Cooling Fan
16" Zirgo 2803 fCFM High Torque Straight Blade Performance Radiator Cooling Fan
16" Black Zirgo 3000 fCFM High Torque S-Curved Blade Performance Cooling Fan DC
16" Black Zirgo 3000 fCFM High Torque S-Curved Blade Performance Cooling Fan DC
16" Chrome Zirgo 3000 fCFM High Torque S-Curved Blade Performance Cooling Fan DC
16" Chrome Zirgo 3000 fCFM High Torque S-Curved Blade Performance Cooling Fan DC
Price
$99.95
$119.95
$149.95
$199.95
Blade Size
14 in
16 in
16 in
16 in
Blade Style
Curved S Blades
Straight Balanced Blades
Curved S Blades
Curved S Blades
fCFM
2,122
2,803
3,000
3,000
Finish
Black
Black
Black
Chrome
Total Thickness
3 in
3.5 in
3.5 in
3.5 in
Foot–Foot Width
16 in
17.75 in
17.75 in
17.75 in

Installation & Maintenance

Keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Check out installation instructions at Instructions Now