Anyone running the flex lite 280 cooling fans?

RedHawk · May 20, 2002

I saw this link but was curious if anyone has any test results, install info and pricing? You know just a general product review:)

flex lite fans

gandolphxx · May 20, 2002

No, but it is on my list, looks like a solid solution for Texas - nice for those long waits in line at HRP or rush hour.

Markeaux · May 21, 2002

Yeah those look sweet ... I don't know if these are the same but I saw a couple ppl who have dual elec fans on their trucks say that when their AC compressor kicked in the fans also kicked in at the same time causing a quite noticeable bump/drag on the engine especially when cruising a steady speed on the hwy - I guess this was due to the drag of the compressor as well as the alternator??? Seems like the dual fan controller could be tweaked to gradually turn them on, or turn them on one-at-a-time-sequentially (like my 98 Z28's elec fans) or sumpn.

gandolphxx · May 22, 2002

Yeah those look sweet ... I don't know if these are the same but I saw a couple ppl who have dual elec fans on their trucks say that when their AC compressor kicked in the fans also kicked in at the same time causing a quite noticeable bump/drag on the engine especially when cruising a steady speed on the hwy - I guess this was due to the drag of the compressor as well as the alternator??? Seems like the dual fan controller could be tweaked to gradually turn them on, or turn them on one-at-a-time-sequentially (like my 98 Z28's elec fans) or sumpn.

It is my impression that they would only kick on if needed, same as the clutch fan.

SnakeEyeSS · May 22, 2002

I questioned them about a 250 fan for my truck, and noted that I have a 160 degree thermostat, and was wondering if the fans woulde EVER kick on, becuase my truck never goes over 160, and the lowest setting for the thermostat is 180 as I also told them I wanted to keep my 160, and not install the adjustable 180-240 that comes with it. They never answered this particluar q, but they anwsered two other ones(in 2 other e-mails). Unless what they mean by 180-240 adjustable thermostats is actually some kind of sensor, not the actual thermostat.

So basically, I would need to install a 180 minimun thermostat. Or if its rally a sensor and not a thermostat, my 160 would lead to the fan never kicking on, and when it did, it'd only be becuase it wasn't on in the first place, and the truck is essentially overheating.

Did that make sense?

gandolphxx · May 22, 2002

I would think it would kick on to get it back to 160 when your stuck in traffic, idling, etc.

On a different point, exactly how ids the cluth controlled, and why couldn't that be used to control the fans.

BTW, the 280's are variable speed.

95Yukon · May 22, 2002

I have the 250 kit and a 160 stat. If you have a regular fan on there, it is spinning enough to keep it right at 160. If you change to electric, when they are off, it will start to climb to 170-ish, then kick on to get back down to 160 if your sitting in traffic. The sensor is a copper looking metal capillary tube type which goes into the top radiator hose connection. You stick it in the radiator, bend it over, then put the hose back on over it, sandwiching it inbetween. There is a small rubber thing they give you so it makes a smoother transition, and mine has never leaked a drop, and I've even had to take it out a few times for other repairs.

Yes, you need to wire it to come on full time when the a/c is on, so the condensor has flow, or it will blow an a/c line. The condenser needs flow all the time when the a/c is on. The drag this produces on the engine seems to be no more than it would be by turning on the a/c with a stock fan, but.. there is a considerably higher load on the alternator during initial startup (the 250 kit draws 30 amps, the 280 is a bit less)

The 280 has a newly designed controller which runs the fans on a pulse voltage for a/c use (60% speed) for a/c use, then comes to 100% if needed. This was something Iv'e been waiting for, since my a/c is on all the time in FL. so I will be getting the newer design "2 speed" from them.

ALternator load shouldn't be a problem since the newer trucks have high amp outputs. The power and mileage increase helps offset the cost of these kits in the long run. The amount of drag on the alternator to run it is much less than the drag on the water pump snout 100% of the time with the stock setup.

Hope this helps.

MarkD · May 22, 2002

Wow, great info 95Yukon! Where did you find all of it? I checked out their website and just got a brochure.

RedHawk · May 22, 2002

Yeah, great info 95yukon!

Anybody have any pricing on these bad boys yet?

This is what I did on my 99 Firehawk with electric fans.. I put a 160 T stat in but set my fans to come on at 180 , that way I did not have the fans running all the time trying to cool a radiator down below its capabilities. Plus , if the fans run all the time, you will wear them out... Even with the 160 in my truck or Hawk, I never would run below about 178 or so..

gandolphxx · May 22, 2002

Great description 95yukon, we should label that "electric fans 101" - thanks.

MarkD · May 22, 2002

Best price I've found is $390 something at summitracing.com

Their part number is FLX-280.

I don't know what the shipping charges would be though.

Money just got real tight, real quick, so everything is on a back burner for now.

95Yukon · May 22, 2002

They have that "Live help" link on their site to chat with them, and I have sent them a few technically related emails with that info. in the replies. I originally wanted to find out if there was any way to get the fans to run at a lower speed, since it seemed like overkill just to run the a/c. He said the new controllers are the 2 speed design, and also that they were interchangable with my 250 kit control module, so I guess I wasn't the only one thinking of that concept.

I do need to get back with them on that module, its gettin' hot down here now. I just couldn't justify those fans running while Im on the highway with the a/c turned on, when at that time, you don't need any fan at that speed. It would be nice if it was also tied into a speed sensor, and kick in only under 30-40 mph, and only if needed.

Normally without a/c on, it will kick on at 170 to get back to 160 (takes about 45 seconds of running for that to happen) then it stays off for about another 3-4 minutes to cycle on again if your still sitting in traffic. Once I'm moving, they never come on (unless the a/c is on) and it's nice cuz you can tweak the temp and trial and error it to get it just right with the knob on the control box under the hood.

I got mine at Automotive Engineering here locally for about $350. Aside from the design of the old module running the fans in "overkill" mode, I can't think of any downside to these. Better mileage, more power due to less drag, quicker warm ups (no air flowing during the time the thermostat is just beginning to open helps it warm up quicker) and less drag on the water pump bearings which make that last longer too.

They are simple to install, comes with all the brackets and clear instructions.