thanks, that's an interesting take on the situation I'm concerned that one fan might not be enough idling on a hot day though.

The fans are from a Ford Contour (which has a small grille area and a small radiator, but then again it's only a V6 to cool). They are quite commonly used since they are good for 4000(?) cfm with both running at full speed. The Contour may well have them running on low all the time, I have no idea.

However. Whether the fans are running or not, AND a 60 mph self-induced wind, it STILL doesn't cool down to low 180's. Not really overheating as I mentioned in my first post, temp stabilizes in the 195-198 range even on a 94 degree day

I guess one relatively simple way to try out your theory would be to remove the fan assembly and go for a drive! If they're really getting in the way (both off and on), it should be fine at any speed above 15 mph or so.