[truckinbean]

I had the 295 on my blazer for a while, but I ended up switching it out for a mechanical fan with a thermal fan clutch. I switched it out for a number of reasons. The truck never overheated, but with the electric fan it always ran about 10-15 degrees over whatever temp the thermostat was, even with the high flow Mr. Gasket stat. I also think that the temperature probe for the relay is a weak link in the system. Sometimes it wouldn't kick on when I thought it should, and sometimes it would cycle on and off really fast, like it couldn't make it's mind up. It could probably be remedied with a temp switch located on the intake manifold though. Another thing that bugged me was that when the fans were on at idle, it drew so many amps that the alternator would drag my idle down and make the truck sound crappy. The alternator was the 105 amp GM one that comes with the serpentine belt system. Then, if I had the a/c on the engine would almost stall out. Once again though, I discovered that running the vacuum advance on manifold vac gave me a much better idle quality, but I found that out after taking out the electric fans, so there's no telling if it would've been better or not. Another reason for making the switch was that I did some math and figured out that the openings in the electric fan shroud only allow 80% of the amount of air through than the stock shroud does.

As far as performance goes, the truck definately felt "lighter" with the electric fans. However, I don't go to the tracks, so I'm not so concerned about that extra ooomph. The truck still has plenty of power if I get on it, and I didn't notice any difference in my gas mileage, and I watch that like a hawk. More than anything, I like the peace of mind that I have when I don't have to watch the temp gauge constantly to make sure my fans are working.

I'd say if you're trying to improve your e.t.'s, go for it, but if it's a daily driver stick with a mechanical fan. And if you don't like wiring, this thing is definately not for you, 'cause there's a lot of wires to hook up.

Ben