Enthusiasts often wonder how to handle programming an SPAL Brushless Fan using a Holley ECU. Finding reliable data takes effort. Fortunately, a detailed shop visit captured the exact steps required to get this modern cooling hardware operating perfectly.
SPAL’s North America Aftermarket Sales Manager Tom Longo sat with Paul Bosserman of Old Anvil Speed Shop to share some explanations about the entire software calibration process from start to finish.
Prepping The Cooling Hardware
Old Anvil Speed Shop wired the physical hardware on an LS-swapped 1974 Triumph TR6 built for Holley LS Fest. The team modified a Corvette radiator and attached the three-wire cooling unit.
This heavy-duty harness includes a battery positive connection, a negative ground, and a white signal wire. The installer left the yellow wire disconnected entirely.
Programming An SPAL Brushless Fan In The Software
Inside the Terminator X software, calibration began by establishing a brand-new pulse-width-modulated negative output. Paul Bosserman accessed the toolbox, built a custom output named PWM Fan, and instructed the system to activate only when engine speed climbs above 400 rpm.
The trigger guarantees the electric motor remains dormant until the engine physically runs. Setting these parameters gives the electronic control unit a solid foundation to manage temperatures.
Building The Duty Cycle Table
Next, the software required some temperature parameters to map the cooling performance. Bosserman set the frequency to 128 Hz and created a reverse duty-cycle curve. At 0 percent, the motor stays off.
Bosserman commanded the hardware to turn on at 160 degrees F by applying an 85-percent duty cycle, while an 8-percent figure forces maximum speed by 210 degrees F. Assigning the custom PWM output directly to pin B12 finished the wiring logic.
Reflections On The Calibration
Properly programming an SPAL Brushless Fan demands strict attention to those reverse duty-cycle numbers. Menus inside the Holley system require just a few minutes of navigation once you know the exact parameters to enter.
When dialed in correctly, the custom temperature curve keeps any modified street car running cool right in the sweet spot.
You might also like
Built to Be Noticed: 900-Horsepower ’41 Willys Coupe
The first thing that jumps out at you is the paint. It is breathtaking. It is a PPG Butterscotch Yellow. It truly makes the vehicle.
