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Electric Fans On 5.3?

Paint King

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Paint King Enthusiast

Paint King

Posted
Posted

Hi, I was wondering if one 12" electric fan could cool a 5.3? I'm doubting it but doesn't hurt to ask. I got a buddy that has one lying around that he said I could have all I'd have to do is buy the wiring. Wasn't sure if maybe I had it adjusted to kick on earlier and run longer if it could keep up.

 

If not, then I'm guessing the ls1 fan setup is the next best option? If so, what wiring do I need to buy for the ls1 setup? Just the regular electric fan wiring setup from the parts store or is there a specific one? Also, if the #1 option is a no go, I'd be looking to buy a fan setup if anyone has one.

 

Thanks,

 

Kyle

Paint King Enthusiast

Paint King

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I guess looking on jegs a briefly they make a 16 fan for around 80 bucks without wiring that will flow 2100 cfm. Thats anothe roption I guess. Not sure what cfm I'm after.

Zembonez Senior Enthusiast

Zembonez

Posted
Posted
I guess looking on jegs a briefly they make a 16 fan for around 80 bucks without wiring that will flow 2100 cfm. Thats anothe roption I guess. Not sure what cfm I'm after.

I would buy something made specifically for your application... Certainly makes no sense to gamble on maybe overheating your engine in traffic. I can't imagine a 12 inch fan pulling enough air to cool the 5.3

 

Check Summit Racing. They have some good deals also.

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
I guess looking on jegs a briefly they make a 16 fan for around 80 bucks without wiring that will flow 2100 cfm. Thats anothe roption I guess. Not sure what cfm I'm after.

 

You'll need more than 2100 CFM. Go to one of the manufacturers websites and see what applications are available for your truck and see how much air they move...then you'll have an idea of what you need. The cheapest route by far will be the LS1 fans. The subject has been covered here a time or two w/ resources for the wiring needed. Good luck!

supersportsilverado Enthusiast

supersportsilverado

Posted
Posted

No that little 12 inch wont do the job trust me, I have a 5.3 to that I HAD a 16 and a 12 inch fan on and it still wasnt enough. at idle with the a/c on my truck started to slowly over heat. Idk maybe because i had cheep fans from oriely or somthing but they didnt work that well. Question? I have the smaller radiator the 27 inch will the ls1 fans fit my truck?

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
No that little 12 inch wont do the job trust me, I have a 5.3 to that I HAD a 16 and a 12 inch fan on and it still wasnt enough. at idle with the a/c on my truck started to slowly over heat. Idk maybe because i had cheep fans from oriely or somthing but they didnt work that well. Question? I have the smaller radiator the 27 inch will the ls1 fans fit my truck?

 

I have no clue. I've got the flex-a-lite 292 fans on my truck. Do a little searching and find one of the guys that actually did the install and hit them up for some answers.

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted

I have a C5 Corvette fan setup on my 04 and never have a cooling problem even towing. You have to have two fans for the 5.3L single fans are OK on small displacement engines, check with vender's on sizing.

PainlessTexas Enthusiast

PainlessTexas

Posted
Posted

Don't try the 12 or 16" fan. Get the correct shrouded fan. Especially if you live down south. You'll be sorry. Go to www.flex-a-lite.com . Part # 282 looks like the right application. Below is the application list for the 282 from Flex-a-lite web site. They build good stuff. Used it on a number of projects. Ain't cheap, but worth it. Be Cool also builds good stuff but pricier. Whatever you use, for goodness sakes use relay(s) to power the fans. Otherwise you're looking at problems.

 

Chevy / GMC:

1999 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado 1/2 ton Trucks, new body style, with 34"x17" radiators (4.8L-V8, 5.3L- V8, 5.7L-V8, 6.0L-V8)

 

2000-2002 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado Trucks with 34"x17" radiators (4.8L-V8, 5.3L-V8, 5.7L-V8, 6.0L-V8)

 

2000-2002 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban ( 4.8L-V9, 5.3L-V8, 5.7L-V8, 6.0L-V8)

 

2000-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe (4.8L-V8, 5.3L-V8, 5.7L-V8)

 

2000-2002 GMC Yukon (4.8L-V8, 5.3L-V8, 5.7L-V8)

 

1999-2002 Cadillac Escalade (5.3L-V8, 5.7L-V8, 6.0L-V8)

 

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche (5.3L-V8)

 

2002 Cadillac EXT (6.0L-V8)

Schmids5.3l Senior Enthusiast

Schmids5.3l

Posted
Posted

LS1 electric fans will work fine and cost $95~ on Ebay. You buy a wiring harness from Nelson performance and then you have to run 1 wire into the PCM. Then you need to have the PCM tuned for electric fans and what temps to turn on/off, etc. You can't use the 05+ truck fans because the radiators on the 04 and previous trucks are too small and the fans don't fit, it requires the bigger 34" radiator.

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