'96 cooling fan shroud blocking the entire radiator.

Lately, I've been feeling like the '96 cooling fan shroud works great at low speeds, but restricts airflow at highway speeds. I'm wondering if that's why Ford eliminated the giant shroud for '97.

My car runs cool in traffic, yet hot on the highway in California heat--around 225 degrees, with A/C running. I've been trying to understand why, for years. This is with a properly bled system, a 97+ A/C condenser, stock replacement radiator, and intact air dam/deflector.

Stationary, or at low speeds, the fan cools the engine quickly. At 80 mph, I just can't see much air getting past that shroud and spinning fan. (I know others have said their fans cut out at highway speeds, but mine runs anytime it needs to).

I've read a bit about cars with shrouds that have cutouts and rubber flaps to address this issue. I'm replacing my original fan in about a week, and am thinking about modifying it with flaps, before I retire it. Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts or experience with any of this--the giant shroud design blocking airflow? Thanks.

Also, is it possible to make a 97+ fan work with a '96 radiator?

Your best bet is to do what ford did to fix the issues. Unfortunately you did not get the recall/TSB done when it could have been done.

me32 said:

Your best bet is to do what ford did to fix the issues. Unfortunately you did not get the recall/TSB done when it could have been done.

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True. I'm surprised the original owner never had it done, since the car came from Florida. That probably explains why I've already had to replace a blown head gasket, a couple years ago.

Twisted2 said:

True. I'm surprised the original owner never had it done, since the car came from Florida. That probably explains why I've already had to replace a blown head gasket, a couple years ago.

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Unfortunately the original owner must of refused to get the work done. I remember some people getting things in the mail to get it replaced with all the updated parts. Im sure you can still look up the recall/tsb to find the parts list. Another great option would be to get a complete 03/04 cobra/mach 1 radiator/fan setup.

I think the start of the recall on the 96 was the ac condenser. I think it was too dense and not allowing air to get to the radiator.

You should look at what parts were replaced in the recall.

I can try to dig some info up.

Also I think the 99-01cobra and 03-04 mach had the same radiator fan setup.
The 03-04 terminator had something more robust because of all the stuff, intercooler...condenser...in front of the radiator.

https://www.svtperformance.com/threads/1996-cooling-tsb.384925/

Post #3.

EDIT: Ok...sorry..see you already got the 97 condenser!!!

Here is the parts list for the cooling system TSB:

I think people get confused. It's not like owners just neglected to do it. The package wasn't a recall. It was a TSB. The owners had to pay for it. It cost quite a bit, too... I want to say approaching $1,500.

If the car was still under warranty there was no charge to the customer.

shurur said:

he 03-04 terminator had something more robust because of all the stuff, intercooler...condenser...in front of the radiator.

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nope, same fan. Ive researched cooling fans pretty thoroughly with my big ass A2A in the florida heat.

DSG2003Mach1 said:

nope, same fan. Ive researched cooling fans pretty thoroughly with my big ass A2A in the florida heat.

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Probably thicker radiator though?

shurur said:

Probably thicker radiator though?

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Radiator is a little thicker and the end tanks are metal vs. plastic.

AFAIK the only good fan upgrade for our cars is the Mark VII fan.

Well, Mark VIII fan anyway.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. That TSB upgrade list is crazy--extensive. As an update, I got a stock replacement fan, and ordered a Mishimoto radiator. It should be here tomorrow, and I'll put it in on Sunday. I'll just use the fan as is, for now.

Maybe one day, I'll get curious and rig up the old fan with flaps--in the interest of science. Hopefully the radiator will do it though. Thanks again.

Deleted. Double post.