Have seen over the years alot of this.

 

Cost, ~$400 if you run the Flex-a-Lite VSC that comes with the fans, which have caused a handfull of problems for people here.

Add an extra $70 or so if you want to run a DC-Controller like I've got... It's designed to be more reliable, turns the fans on only as high as needed based on temp (rather than off/60%/100%), and manages power (and power useage) better.

Gains, I don't know for sure... I put my fans in the same weekend I did my first part throttle tune. On average, I've found I've been able to get 2.5-3mpg better since then... I just don't know what contributed what percentage of that.

 

I bought some LS1 fans for $100, add a VSC kit from any autoparts stores ~$40 and there you have it. Reliable and cheap.

 

less drag on the motor, has to improve milage and power, opinions vary how much. hav'nt seen any non manufacturer dynos or claims. i'm getting the dcc controller for mine, everyone seems to be happier with it. the dual flexalites can cool your motor down extremely fast. if i had it to do again, i'd do like bootleg, with the ls1fans but i'd get the dcc controller.

 

I totally forgot about regular LS1 fans. They're definitely cheaper.

 

Gains? A few HP I'm sure. Nothing really to get too bug eye'd about. However I see 2 other types of gains or benefits.
City MPG is up 2 mpg at least! No more fan clutch drag at every light or stop sign in the summer. Highway is up at least 1 mpg.
The AC stays cool in stop and go bumper to bumper traffic conditions.
As for the VSC problems. I have an updated improved version. It came with the fans so I am running it. I could not get them without the VSC for a reduced price. I have heard all the stories and am writing my own for now. At the first hickup I will go to the Delta unit.
Don't run dual e-fans that activate one fan for the AC compressor kick in only, and the other for engine coolant temp only if you tow and the Tranny cooler is in the middle. Towing in the city will will not get enough air by the tranny cooler.
If you run big audio amps and subs you may need a hi-output alt.

 

Rock, where did you find a flex-a-lite 292 for 318 shipped?

 

Fans gain over a nonlocked clutch a bit, more over a locked one.

My 40A VSC with PROPER wiring is fine now. 10awg wiring and a good 40A fuse holder is what is required. Throttle response is also better.

I'd go with a OE 130A alt for sure. They are around $100 off ebay for new take offs, you WILL need a longer belt with the OE 130A box.

 

Add an extra $70 or so if you want to run a DC-Controller like I've got... It's designed to be more reliable, turns the fans on only as high as needed based on temp (rather than off/60%/100%), and manages power (and power useage) better.

Where did you get your DC-Controller from?

 

He is not very prompt to answer e-mails or phone messages, but once I got a hold of him and conducted the transaction the fans came. He calls Flex-a-Lite as a reseller and the fans ship from Washington state.
It was the best deal I could find.

Mustang Motorsports
10944 Grissom Lane STE#708
Dallas TX 75229 ? or 75234?
joshdillon@comcast.net
(972) 406-9199

I have a newer version of Flex's VSC but the fuse holder did melt. (see here http://users.adelphia.net/~allen22/1Misc_6.htm ). I called and was shipped a new wire kit. The fuse holder looks the same but the print on the wire is white vs. black on the melted one. I was told during the molding process some plastic got into the connection surfaces causing over the heating. I am now running the new holder as a (hard headed) test for all of us. If it melts, I will go up in wire size coming off the battery's - & + posts to the VSC and use the Audio style gold plated all metal holder.
It is VERY important that the + & - connections be made to the battery posts in any fuse holder type of setup. These fans really move some air so they pull current. I have the audio shop type of gold plated side post replacement bolts that have a nice 3/8" bolt on the end for other connections. You can get large wire eyelet crimp connectors from an audio shop also.
The Achilles heel of the Flex system is the holder. The newer VSC's seem to be holding up well.