Electric Fans

tmf6902 · July 15, 2003

I was looking at electric fans to replace the stock clutch fan on my 8.1. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Is there any power gain? I have read from diffferent companies you'll gain some HP. Just curious

Thanks for the opinions

TMF

tbyrne · July 16, 2003

I installed a set of Flex-a-lite 290 fans into my 2002 Silverado HD with the 8.1 motor. This kit comes with universal brackets so you pretty much have to come up with a way to mount them to the radiator.

I bent two of the brackets so they could be mounted to the top of the radiator support and then hang the fans from there.

After that I used some plastic strips from B+M to attach the fans to the radiator.

Trucks with the Allison transmission have a seperate computer to control the tranny. This is mounted on the driver's side of the fan shroud. This will press up tight against the fans. I tried a few different locations but it was starting to become in PITA so I figured the stock location would be the best choice. I tried out part of the cover so it would go around the bracket and then mounted it leaving the two 10mm bolts a little loose. I also tied the bottom of the plastic cover back away from the fans with some straps. I might come up with a better way to do this but it's working pretty good.

While I had everything apart I also installed a ported throttlebody and throttlebody spacer. Did some driving that might and found that I gained close to 2 MPG. This truck gets thirsty with some of the mods and big tires so these were worthwild additions.

Tom

ugeesta · July 17, 2003

Tom.

How much did the mods cost? What about labor? My skills are better at a desk than under a truck.

MarkD · July 17, 2003

Picked up 2-3 mpg on a Denali XL.

MikeZ71 · September 17, 2003

I installed some fans from a camero. They work good in 100+ temps but as soon as I got in soft sand and had to get on the gas to keep moving it got hot.

Not sure if they are not putting out enough air flow or what. I am wondering how they will work while towing about 2000 pounds.

02 Blue Thunder · October 25, 2003

I just picked up a set of the Flex-a-Lite 282 that are specifically made for my 02 Silverado 5.3. They should be in next week. Looking over the owners manual, found that the only thermostat is through the fins in the radiator. How accurate has that been for the ones who have installed the flex-a-lite system? Their website says 17 rwhp, 20ft lbs of torque and close to 2-3mpg. Has anyone seen that much difference?

Kyle