darukus60

I have a stock 03 GMC Serria 1500 4.8L. It does have a K&N filter and intake tube.
I just replaced the thermostat, clutch fan, and water pump. Also did a radiator flush and refill. I have 105k miles.
Question is (finally right?) do I need a fan shroud. I hate the thing. I can't see anything with it on.
With it on and old parts I was at about stock 210. So far in the south Mississippi heat of summer I'm still at about 210. Am I missing something or am I good to go?
I don't have the $$$ for electric fans.

greasemykey

iTrader: (5)

ls1 fans have sold for under a 100 bucks. I think I paid 85 for mine on craigs list. pull the radiator out and check see if you have a lot of dust built up between the ac condenser and the radiator.

darukus60

You are correct about the $$ of the fan, but I can not afford this for at lest 6 months.
I also need to know about the fan shroud. Do I really need it?

turboal1

YES, the fan will not suck air without it. is your stat stock ?
replace it with a 160* or 170*. stocker's about 190* and up.

FFDP

iTrader: (2)

Stock temp gauges are off by atleast 10-15 degrees at times. It can be 1 tick away from 210 but the real temp is only 194º. Grab a scan gauge or a OBD reader that has live data and see what it reads at.

They are designed to run at 195 and lowering the temp is pointless on a stock vehicle.

darukus60

Thermo is OEM as is all other parts. It was running 210* with fan shroud on. And it is running at 210* with it off. So far it looks like I can keep the shroud off.

Suburbazine

I hope you don't plan on leaving it running while parked. Bye bye head gaskets!

You'll make more power if you remove the fan too and you'll be able to put your hands on the engine without chance of amputation. Without the shroud it's just as useless as an eggbeater anyways.