I have seen many posts on this subject. Are the e-fans worth the trouble for horsepower you get back. I have heard all sorts of numbers. On a stock 5.3l whats it worth? Also what brands are the best and most easy to install? I am not worried about small things as far as fabrication goes because I work at a cnc maching type shop. thanks.

 

I did two mods at the same time (fans and tuning), so I can't really acurately comment on the gains. I did get a good increase in MPG (2+, if I remember right), and noticed the engine reved more 'freely'.

I think Flex-a-Lite fans are the best drop-in kit. If you are nervous about the controller issues, you can go for the DCC fan controller for about $100. Mine's been perfectly reliable, even with the notorious FaL fuse holder.

My fans required a little bit of fabbing to get them to fit to 'my' specs. I had to take a little material off the 'ears' that sit in the slots on the composite sides of the radiator. Nothing difficult at all.

 

I've been running LT1 junkyard fans that I bought for $75, and couldn't be happier with them. I'm not sure how much I gained, but the SOTP-meter was pleased. And the truck runs cooler, even in the FL heat with the A/C on!

Definitely a worthwhile mod!

 

I agree.... It's a worthwile mod to do specialy if you can get some cheap ls1/lt1 fans at a junk yard.

 

Thanks for the info guys! If I get a used set from the bone yard what do I need to get them to work with the truck? Any special wiring or sensors?
Thanks.

 

You can get pigtails and a relay kit from Nelson Performance, and even have your PCM re-programmed to control the fans. I just had mine wired up through 2 30-amp relays, and I turn them on and off with a switch on the dash.

 

Is there a way to run the fans without the pcm and no switch I am thinking about doing this, but would like a factory turn key operation?

 

To me, the fans were worth getting rid of that monster mechanical fan screaming in the front.

You can make you're own wiring harnedd too, but that's a bit moe difficult.

 

If you ever have to change your AC belt, you will be glad to not have the factory fan and shroud in the way. If you want a turnkey setup, flexalite has a vsc that controls fan turn on and speed based on engine temps, but their controllers are notorious for a variety of problems.

 

I would like to run ls1 fans with a turn key operation what other controllers are their to use?