Radiator Fans

High-flow radiator fans — SPAL and universal

A high-performance electric radiator fan is essential in any serious performance build. When the stock fan can't keep up — during track sessions, in tuned cars with more waste heat, or in custom installations — a SPAL electric fan ensures the airflow needed to keep engine temperature under control even in the most demanding conditions.

SPAL Automotive is the world's leading manufacturer of electric fans for automotive use. Its fans are used in production vehicles, motorsport and industrial applications worldwide, standing out for high airflow, low power consumption and exceptional durability.

Axial fan vs. radial fan

AXIAL — the most common in automotive

Air enters and exits in the same direction, parallel to the motor's axis of rotation — just like an airplane propeller. It is the standard solution for cooling radiators because it moves large volumes of air with low resistance and efficient power consumption.

✔ High airflow (up to 2,500+ m³/h)

✔ Compact design — slim installation depth

✔ Low power consumption

✔ Ideal for direct radiator cooling

RADIAL (centrifugal) — special applications

Air enters through the center and exits at a right angle to the axis, driven by centrifugal force. It generates higher static pressure than an axial fan, making it useful when the airflow has to overcome resistance such as ducts, filters or long runs.

✔ Higher static pressure

✔ Overcomes duct and filter resistance

✔ More concentrated, directable airflow

✔ Climate control, auxiliary heating, cockpit

Pusher vs. puller — how is it mounted?

PULLER

It is installed behind the radiator — between the radiator and the engine. It pulls air through the radiator into the engine bay. It is the most common and efficient configuration for most applications.

✔ Higher cooling efficiency
✔ Simpler installation on most cars

PUSHER

It is installed in front of the radiator — between the radiator and the grille. It pushes air into the radiator from outside. It is used when there is no room behind the radiator or in custom installations.

✔ Useful when there is no room behind the radiator
✔ Can be combined with a puller for more airflow

Airflow — how much do I need?

Airflow is measured in m³/h (cubic meters per hour) or in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher the airflow, the greater the cooling capacity. As a rough guide:

Fan diameter	Approx. airflow	Typical use
225 mm	900–1,200 m³/h	Small radiators · Intercoolers · Oil
255 mm	1,200–1,600 m³/h	Small cars · Cars up to 120 hp
280 mm	1,400–1,800 m³/h	Sport sedans · Up to 180 hp
305 mm	1,700–2,200 m³/h	Mid-level builds · Street rally
335 mm+	2,000–2,800+ m³/h	High power · Track · Rally

Tip: For highly tuned cars or intensive track use, the most effective solution is to install two 280–305 mm fans in a puller configuration, covering the whole radiator surface. This maximizes total airflow without relying on a single large-diameter fan that can be difficult to install in tight spaces.

Frequently asked questions about radiator fans

What is the difference between a puller and a pusher fan?

The puller is mounted behind the radiator and pulls air through it toward the engine. The pusher is mounted in front of the radiator and pushes air into it from the grille. All else being equal, the puller is slightly more efficient because it works on air that has already passed through the grille. The pusher is used when there is not enough room between the radiator and the engine, or combined with a puller to maximize total airflow.

Which SPAL fan do I need for my car?

It depends on the space available in the engine bay and the car's power. As a general rule, choose the largest diameter fan that fits your installation — the larger the diameter, the higher the airflow. For cars up to 150 hp in normal use, a 255–280 mm fan is enough. For tuned cars or track use, a 305 mm fan or two 280 mm fans in parallel. If you are unsure of the exact part number, contact us with your car model and intended use.

Can I use the same fan as a puller or a pusher?

Yes, many SPAL models are reversible — reversing the motor polarity or mounting it on the opposite side of the radiator switches it from puller to pusher. Each product page indicates whether the fan is puller-only, pusher-only, or valid for both modes depending on how it is mounted.

What does m³/h mean and how does it compare with CFM?

They are the two most common units of airflow. m³/h (cubic meters per hour) is the European standard; CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the Anglo-Saxon standard. The conversion is simple: 1 CFM ≈ 1.7 m³/h. A 305 mm SPAL fan moves around 1,860 m³/h, equivalent to about 1,094 CFM — a very high airflow for an automotive electric fan.

Is an axial or radial fan better for cooling the radiator?

For cooling a radiator, an axial fan is always the best option. It moves large volumes of air with low resistance and is compact and energy-efficient. A radial (centrifugal) fan makes sense in applications where the airflow has to travel through ducts, pass filters or be precisely directed — cabin climate control, auxiliary heating, cockpit cooling — but not for direct radiator cooling.

How do you wire a SPAL electric fan?

SPAL fans run on 12V DC (some models on 24V for industrial vehicles). Basic installation requires a direct supply from the battery with a suitable fuse and a relay so as not to overload the switches. On street cars it is usually connected to the engine temperature circuit so the fan starts automatically when a temperature threshold is exceeded. On competition cars it is controlled manually or by a separate electronic thermostat.