Electric fans

snowbrdkid0 · August 25, 2006

Ive heard people talking about electric fans...what is their benefit? Obviously its something less running off the engine, but what kind of increases can you get?

mcreyaufmiller · August 25, 2006

Less strain on the engine, more power, better temp control....... that about says it all.

redvett · August 25, 2006

You get no power drain on the HWY with A/C off and an increase in power that can be felt more so off idle on acceleration. Its a very small improvement but everything helps. I have one and with my tune and tonneau i get 21.3 average on a trip. The biggest fuel improvement is slow down avoid stopping when going form traffic light to light and use cruise as much as possible along with proper tire pressure and regular maintance.

snowbrdkid0 · August 25, 2006

who makes the good quality fans, flex-a-lite?

are they hard to install? do they just go in place of the factory fan?

asilverblazer · August 26, 2006

In short they go in place of the factory fan shroud. Wiring is probably the most difficult part.

pm26 · August 26, 2006

Newer trucks have two electric fans. wiring a fan requires a relay in the circuit. Also, one needs to be wired to turn on whenever the A/C is turned on.

99blackz · August 26, 2006

Went ahead an spent the money on flex-a-lites on my 99 z71 and It was the best money I ever spent. Noticeably more HP and 2-4 MPG increase.They are well worth the money and the install took bout 2 and 1/2 hours, WELL WORTH IT!

C & A s Dad · August 26, 2006

Anybody know what amp the alternator is on the '06 trucks with factory E fans?

I have seriously considered adding them to my '02 Yukon XL but I use it to tow a 6500lb camper on some pretty hot days and I just cannot get comfortable with the e fans. Most serious tow people will recommend not using them and sticking with a mech fan with a clutch.

My concern is what will happen to the amps when idling around a campgroud looking for a sight or stuck in traffic while the A/C is blowing and both fans roaring at full blast. It is my understanding the the alt is only putting out a small portion of it's capacity at idel and I have heard that it will really load the system and cause problems. My alt is 130 amps and maybe fine but for some reason, I cannot get over my hump.

If anyone knows what amp alt is on the '06 s please let me know. If they are 130 amps and they handle the load, I may give it a try.

dewfpo · August 26, 2006

The fans will help with A/C output at idle as well. I haven't seen a o/p chart for the 06 alt. and haven't been able to find one with a google search but I can't imagine it being a problem.

DEWFPO

sub5 · August 26, 2006

The fans will help with A/C output at idle as well. I haven't seen a o/p chart for the 06 alt. and haven't been able to find one with a google search but I can't imagine it being a problem.

DEWFPO

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The new trucks have E-Fans from what I heard and all trucks are above 100 Amps anyway. Not worse than turning on your AC / Heater fan full blast.

Flex-a-lite dual 15" E-Fans run at RPM 1000-1900 with a Amp draw of 12-28 amps. They are made for these truck engines in mind by the way. I'm installing e-Fans on my 99 Sub later on this fall myself.

snowbrdkid0 · August 26, 2006

do you have to buy a new belt?

does anyone have an estimate of how much all parts needed are to install?

sub5 · August 26, 2006

do you have to buy a new belt?

does anyone have an estimate of how much all parts needed are to install?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You know, that's an excellent question that I hadn't thought of. Since I'm sitting outside near my truck I gust popped open the hood and took a look. Now I haven't done mine yet but after looking I can see and figure out that you simply remove the clutch fan assembly. The pulley stays so the belt stays from what I see here under my hood.