Electric fan Modification

[jethro_3]

Has anyone done the electric fan modification? What parts are needed(list the part numbers if possible), how long did it take, and what type of gains did you see? Did you have to fabricate anything your self? Any new swithes on the dash? New thermostat? Any fun/weird things to expect/run into? Total cost in parts? Thinking about getting this done before I get a Nelson tune.

Is it really worth it?

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by jethro_3

Has anyone done the electric fan modification? What parts are needed(list the part numbers if possible), how long did it take, and what type of gains did you see? Did you have to fabricate anything your self? Any new swithes on the dash? New thermostat? Any fun/weird things to expect/run into? Total cost in parts? Thinking about getting this done before I get a Nelson tune.

Is it really worth it?

I'm running a set of LT1 duel electric fans from a camaro. Since I was getting a Nelson tune, I got Allen to turn the fans on in the pcm at a certain temp. I also ordered a fan harness from him that uses three relays, and has every connector to connect my fans to the the pcm and the ac wire. I had to fab up two stainless steel pieces to hold the fans in place, and mounted them with four screws. It took us about 30 minutes to install everything. Gains are most noticed when the temps are higher and the stock clutch fan would normally be engaged. I'm not running a hard switch to turn them on and off, but one can be fabbed up easily. I was running a 160 stat anyway. Nothing wierd to run into. Its a pretty simple install. All in all, I have about $170 in it, which includes the fans for $70(ebay) and the Nelson harness which includes everything to hook them up $100.(all connectors, relays.)

If you're already getting a Nelson tune, just get him to turn on the fans in the pcm. If you don't get a Nelson tune, you can still run the fans. You will need to get a electric fan installation kit(flexalite makes one) and you will need some end connectors that fit the lt1/ls1 fans.
It's a really good mod to do, and really affordable compared to buying the flexalite fans($300+).

If you have any questions I might have missed, just post up and I'll be happy to help you out. Nelson sends a fully detailed/pictured diagram on how to hook up his harness to the fans. I'll try to get some pics up for you.

[jethro_3]

Does it matter what year of LT1 or LS1 the fans come from? What size is the shroud? What gains do you get from the 160 vs the 185 thrmostat?

I was thinking of having everthing ready to drop in when I purchase the new PCM.

Thanks for your help.

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by jethro_3

Does it matter what year of LT1 or LS1 the fans come from? What size is the shroud? What gains do you get from the 160 vs the 185 thrmostat?

I was thinking of having everthing ready to drop in when I purchase the new PCM.

Thanks for your help.

It doesn't matter what year LT1 or LS1 fans, just make sure they came off of an fbody and you will be ok. I believe the fans are dual 12", and the shroud fits perfectly behind the stock radiator(I don't know the exact size). I went with the 160 because I knew the truck was going to run warm anyways with the new setup. As far as gains, I don't really know if there are any. My truck seems to run the fastest times at 200, which is the highest it will get sitting in the staging lane running. My fans cut on at 160 as well. Allen will adjust your pcm for either thermostat, and will also adjust the fan control to be at whatever temp you want them to cut on.

It's a good idea to have everything you want to do for the time being thought out before you get your tune. Even if you don't get the fans before the tune, you can still tell allen to turn on the feature in the pcm so it will be ready when you do decide to do the fans.

[jethro_3]

Slowprocess, on the 5.3 when I pull the fan assembly off do I need to get a replacement nut or is the pulley attached to the pump seperate of the large fan assembly?

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by jethro_3

Slowprocess, on the 5.3 when I pull the fan assembly off do I need to get a replacement nut or is the pulley attached to the pump seperate of the large fan assembly?

You won't need to replace the nut. The pulley is on seperate.