I’ve used several name brand e-fans (Spal, Flex-a-lite, Derale), but seem to have issues with the drive pins failing (causing them to go out of balance).
Spal were good enough to provide some replacement pins, and said the issue is not having a flat mounting surface... I’m within a 1/64” of planer, and using their rubber mount gasket to compensate, so don’t see that as being enough to be an issue.
When asked, they didn’t (couldn’t more likely) explain how not being planer actually causes the drive pin failure.

Anyway, to my question: how is the quality of the generic e-fans on Amazon and eBay?... since I’m going through fans every two or three years, I’m thinking I should save my $$$ and buying generic instead of name brand.

 

You may end up replacing the generics more often...... I might be tempted to score a couple Ford Taurus fans from the scrap yard. Those guys move some serious air, and last forever.

 

I heard good things about wizard coming. Seen them at Carlisle. I always wanted e fans but nobody sells a kit. Can you post pics of your setup?

 

I have a TCP shroud (bought it blank, no cutouts) and two 16” fans on a Flex-a-lite controller.

[Edit] Looks like Wizard Cooling use Spal fans, the same as TCP... Spal are supposed to be really good, but...

 

Sorry can't help you out more than that. They said they build custom ones (so I figured for my truck) and know a few guys that run them on the older mopars and had no problems
Guess I could buy that kit and tap into the AC compressor connector

 

Not sure what Flex-a-lite fan you had but i have the twin set up on mine with a custom made mount(just a bracket going from the fan to the shroud bolts). It's been in for 10 years and no issues.

 

I had a pair of flex-a-lite 116.
I just looked back and checked actual purchase dates... Spal did just over a year of service each time... Flex-a-lite 2yrs... Derale lasted 4yrs.

In each case, the motors have been fine, it’s the drive pin between the shaft and fan blade that snaps on one side, causing it to vibrate on rundown... this ultimately leads to the other side of the pin snapping, or chewing out the plastic boss in the blade.

 

I just got a price drop notification on Amazon for the 16” fans i was looking at... so I grabbed a pair for $28 each... at that price I‘m not risking much.

 

Congrats everyone loves a good deal! Let us know how they work out!

 

Even if they’re relatively short lived, the $/mile cost is going to be less than where I’ve been to date.