RELAYS, Solid state vs mechanical
Posted: Wed May 03, 2023 1:56 pm
So, I am thinking through my electrical for the Bronco and I was considering solid state relays. I have seen the 8 or 12 gang solid state controller, but at almost $1000 for a 8 gang controller it seems high priced and I don't like the switch panel look. I would like to do the old toggle switch style on the 72 dash to keep it kind of old school looking. I even plan to run a retro stock looking Stereo with Bluetooth.
I am not sure how many switches I will need yet, I need to map out the wire harness to see. I know lights, Air compressor, GPS, whip light for the dunes, race radio and CB. Probably a engine fan override or something for deep water crossing, I am not sure. I do want the fans to come on automatically when the water temp gets to high, not sure what temp to turn on yet. I also will have two transmission oil coolers with electric fans on both sides of the rear quarter panels with Mustang side scoops to draw in cool air. I like to dunes, so keeping the C6 cool year around is needed. I will also have a engine oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler up in front of the radiator. Since I am making a custom core support, I am thinking to going with a wider 34 inch 4 core aluminum Chevy Suburban radiator with dual Spal 16 inch electric fans. On my old 302, I ran a single 18inch Vintage Air electric fan and it did ok, but still ran hot with ac on in the dunes during the summer. So I am looking to cool things down better.
So all that being said, I have had mechanical relays go out on everything at one point or another and was wondering if anyone is running Solid state relays and what is your long term experience with them. What brand and where to get them?
As always
Thanks guys
David
I am not sure how many switches I will need yet, I need to map out the wire harness to see. I know lights, Air compressor, GPS, whip light for the dunes, race radio and CB. Probably a engine fan override or something for deep water crossing, I am not sure. I do want the fans to come on automatically when the water temp gets to high, not sure what temp to turn on yet. I also will have two transmission oil coolers with electric fans on both sides of the rear quarter panels with Mustang side scoops to draw in cool air. I like to dunes, so keeping the C6 cool year around is needed. I will also have a engine oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler up in front of the radiator. Since I am making a custom core support, I am thinking to going with a wider 34 inch 4 core aluminum Chevy Suburban radiator with dual Spal 16 inch electric fans. On my old 302, I ran a single 18inch Vintage Air electric fan and it did ok, but still ran hot with ac on in the dunes during the summer. So I am looking to cool things down better.
So all that being said, I have had mechanical relays go out on everything at one point or another and was wondering if anyone is running Solid state relays and what is your long term experience with them. What brand and where to get them?
As always
Thanks guys
David