Is a radiator shroud necessary with a stock bladed fan?

[Carbonsnail]

I own a 92 S13 with a stock KA24de with a Mishimoto radiator with dual fans that constantly drain my battery. I'm also using a higher output alternator. Can I run an OEM-type bladed engine fan instead of the dual fan setup minus the engine shroud, or will the engine overheat? Thank you for your responses.

[Thursday7]

Depends on your location and driving style, I'd imagine. I always use a shroud in combination with the mechanical fan. They are both required components of an air-moving system.

That being said, if you have a higher capacity aluminum rad and your climate + use are mild, you are probably ok, but without peace of mind.

My educated guesses, if using clutch fan w/ no shroud:

>Traffic jam in Arizona? Overheat
>Any type of track driving? Overheat
>Rural daily in New York? Probably ok
>Daily driver pretty much anywhere without traffic looking like a bozo with no front bumper? Probably ok

KA shrouds are pretty hard to find these days unfortunately. I may have one I'd be willing to offload if it helps out a forum member. I have also retrofitted SR20 shrouds (still available from Nissan for pretty cheap) to work on KA's as well.

[tuzzio]

If you want the mechanical fan to work properly to its potential - a shroud is very important.
Also, Why are the fans draining your battery? Sounds like they're wired incorrectly.

[jr_ss]

All of the above answers are proper.