Electric fan... is it worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bitchin85 · 11-23-2009, 07:32 PM

i got a free electric fan off a 95? lumina van 3.8 and it got me thinkin about puttin iton my truck. can it be done? would it be worth it?? if so how would i mount it? thanks

Alex1 · 11-23-2009, 08:12 PM

does the fan come with a shroud? If so it has to cover most of the radiator core. You can makke brackets from aluminum or they sell special ties that go through the rad.

Wiring is pretty basic if you just want an on/off switch. It requires a little more wiring if you want to incorporate a sensor that turns it on.

**N2TRUX** · 11-23-2009, 08:19 PM

Is it worth it? Probably not. Unless your having cooling issues, or you want to free up a couple more horses, it's not worth the effort.

bitchin85 · 11-23-2009, 08:48 PM

im not having any cooling issues with the clutch fan. i just thought this would be cooler. and more reliable. it covers about 3/4 of the radiator. can i bolt it right to the radiator if i use big washers and dont crush it?

bitchin85 · 11-23-2009, 10:46 PM

anyone else got any input?

bigblock73 · 11-23-2009, 11:14 PM

You can't get much simpler or more reliable than a stock clutch fan. If you aren't having any issues, as the old sayin goes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

bitchin85 · 11-23-2009, 11:17 PM

haha look at my signature lol i cant leave things alone. i read on another forum that you can actually feel the power gain... i dont know about that... what does it gove you? maybe 5 horses?

slugish · 11-23-2009, 11:40 PM

had both > noticed no difference in power > could have been a little , but Icouldnt tell . Itried electric , but still my 400 ran too hot . Im sure an electric fan with the correct shroud would do good . To solve mycooling issue , Iwent to a flex fan ( stock clutch fan would work too) with a homemade shroud . The shroud makes all the difference in cooling & as far as Iam concerned a cooler engine will get you the most power. Irun between 160 & 180 in all conditions> also have a 160 degree thermostat . bottom line ,for optimum power > yes an electric fan with the most efficient shroud to keep engine the coolest.

bitchin85 · 11-23-2009, 11:44 PM

i have a 160thermostat now and it runs about 170 all the time. i think if i trim the mounts off i can mount it to the radiator and still be able to put the stock shroud right over the fan

gchemist · 11-24-2009, 12:23 AM

I run a dual LS1 fan setup.

355+ HP and over 18 MPG at 70! Do fans work?

staggerd86c-10 · 11-24-2009, 01:00 AM

i just like the way electric fans clean up the engine compartment. I would check the cfm output of that fan. It might not move enough air.

SSC's76 · 11-24-2009, 10:04 AM

I run one with a thermal swith under my stock shroud. Compared to the clutch fan no real power gain but it does let the engine warm up a little quicker on cold mornings which saves a little gas. The big issue is you need to run a shroud that covers the radiator so you get the heat transfer. The stock peice seems to work but if your wanting to unclutter the engine bay you might consider other options.

Mr.Scary · 11-24-2009, 10:32 AM

I 've never done it b4 but i have ALWAYS heard it is better is just about every way. but i agree wit N2Trux on this one, if u dont have n e cooling issues then dont mess wit it but if u do then "HAVE AT IT"!!!! LMAO!!

spaseghost · 11-24-2009, 01:43 PM

i had one on my 96 s10, just a 4.3 but i didnt notice any real power gains till i towed something. i wanna put one on my truck now, but cant find a fan that is cheap enough or pulls enough cfm.

KQQL IT · 11-24-2009, 05:44 PM

99 jeep grand cherokee fan in stock shroud. It keeps my 406 cool in 100 plus days and it seems more responsive and picked up between one and two mph at the drags

bitchin85 · 11-24-2009, 08:45 PM

how can i find out what kind of cfms this fan will put out? i tried searching it.. no luck its like trying to find a needle in a hay stack.. for me anyways lol

bitchin85 · 11-24-2009, 09:49 PM

this is the fan i got

11-23-2009, 07:32 PM	#1
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Electric fan... is it worth it? i got a free electric fan off a 95? lumina van 3.8 and it got me thinkin about puttin iton my truck. can it be done? would it be worth it?? if so how would i mount it? thanks __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-23-2009, 08:12 PM	#2
Alex1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ottawa Ontario Canada Posts: 1,156	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? does the fan come with a shroud? If so it has to cover most of the radiator core. You can makke brackets from aluminum or they sell special ties that go through the rad. Wiring is pretty basic if you just want an on/off switch. It requires a little more wiring if you want to incorporate a sensor that turns it on.

11-23-2009, 08:19 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? Is it worth it? Probably not. Unless your having cooling issues, or you want to free up a couple more horses, it's not worth the effort. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-23-2009, 08:48 PM	#4
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? im not having any cooling issues with the clutch fan. i just thought this would be cooler. and more reliable. it covers about 3/4 of the radiator. can i bolt it right to the radiator if i use big washers and dont crush it? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-23-2009, 10:46 PM	#5
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? anyone else got any input? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-23-2009, 11:14 PM	#6
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? You can't get much simpler or more reliable than a stock clutch fan. If you aren't having any issues, as the old sayin goes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

11-23-2009, 11:17 PM	#7
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? haha look at my signature lol i cant leave things alone. i read on another forum that you can actually feel the power gain... i dont know about that... what does it gove you? maybe 5 horses? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-23-2009, 11:40 PM	#8
slugish Slugish Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Earlysville, Va. Posts: 1,024	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? had both > noticed no difference in power > could have been a little , but Icouldnt tell . Itried electric , but still my 400 ran too hot . Im sure an electric fan with the correct shroud would do good . To solve mycooling issue , Iwent to a flex fan ( stock clutch fan would work too) with a homemade shroud . The shroud makes all the difference in cooling & as far as Iam concerned a cooler engine will get you the most power. Irun between 160 & 180 in all conditions> also have a 160 degree thermostat . bottom line ,for optimum power > yes an electric fan with the most efficient shroud to keep engine the coolest.

11-23-2009, 11:44 PM	#9
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? i have a 160thermostat now and it runs about 170 all the time. i think if i trim the mounts off i can mount it to the radiator and still be able to put the stock shroud right over the fan __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-24-2009, 12:23 AM	#10
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? I run a dual LS1 fan setup. 355+ HP and over 18 MPG at 70! Do fans work? __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

11-24-2009, 01:00 AM	#11
staggerd86c-10 Squarebody Aficionado Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 713	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? i just like the way electric fans clean up the engine compartment. I would check the cfm output of that fan. It might not move enough air.

11-24-2009, 10:04 AM	#12
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? I run one with a thermal swith under my stock shroud. Compared to the clutch fan no real power gain but it does let the engine warm up a little quicker on cold mornings which saves a little gas. The big issue is you need to run a shroud that covers the radiator so you get the heat transfer. The stock peice seems to work but if your wanting to unclutter the engine bay you might consider other options. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

11-24-2009, 10:32 AM	#13
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? I 've never done it b4 but i have ALWAYS heard it is better is just about every way. but i agree wit N2Trux on this one, if u dont have n e cooling issues then dont mess wit it but if u do then "HAVE AT IT"!!!! LMAO!! __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

11-24-2009, 01:43 PM	#14
spaseghost certified tard Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: grand junction, colorado Posts: 182	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? i had one on my 96 s10, just a 4.3 but i didnt notice any real power gains till i towed something. i wanna put one on my truck now, but cant find a fan that is cheap enough or pulls enough cfm. __________________ 85 swb bbc 5% tint 16.356 @ 84.81 8/07/09 4800 Ft., bad timing, carb tune, and traction, fugg it. 16.169 @ 84.29 8/28/09 good timing, no carb tune, some traction... 06 Equinox LT AWD, wife's and family ride 03 Mustang V6, CAI, Duals, Pullies, Programmer, Short Throw, wife's dream car?! 90 Eagle Talon, other project / space taker, GOT head!! 08 Silverado 2500 HD, the bad ass work truck

11-24-2009, 05:44 PM	#15
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,260	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? 99 jeep grand cherokee fan in stock shroud. It keeps my 406 cool in 100 plus days and it seems more responsive and picked up between one and two mph at the drags __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " Last edited by KQQL IT; 11-24-2009 at 06:13 PM.



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11-24-2009, 08:45 PM	#16
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? how can i find out what kind of cfms this fan will put out? i tried searching it.. no luck its like trying to find a needle in a hay stack.. for me anyways lol __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-24-2009, 09:49 PM	#17
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Electric fan... is it worth it? this is the fan i got __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change" Last edited by bitchin85; 11-24-2009 at 09:49 PM.

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