Should I change the stock cooling fan?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
Is it true that you can gain HP and fuel economy by converting from a stock fan to an electric fan? Which brand is the most reliable and the best value? I have a 1997 F-150 4X4, 4.6L engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
I convereted over to the electric Flex Lite fans. What is interesting about it is that you find out just how much you use your AC compresser. I haven't had a chance to take it on a trip and check the mileage yet. I cannot vouch for the torque increase at this time.
It does make the truck a whole lot quieter but when the fans switch on- you know it and it usually makes me check my dash to see if I have one of the settings where the AC may be in use. When the truck warms up, they don't run very long and you can actually hear them spool from 60%, quickly up to 80% and then shut down. When parked, they can cycle very quickly to on and off.
It does make the truck a whole lot quieter but when the fans switch on- you know it and it usually makes me check my dash to see if I have one of the settings where the AC may be in use. When the truck warms up, they don't run very long and you can actually hear them spool from 60%, quickly up to 80% and then shut down. When parked, they can cycle very quickly to on and off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
Well, it's not that their noisy but that the truck is so quiet when there isn't a fan spinning out front. If you had two trucks next to each other, one with the stock fan and the other with electric, the electric would probably be noisier when the fans come on. But overall, the electric is quieter because it seldom runs unless you have the AC engaged. Going down the road you probably would never know that the fans had engaged. You only hear it at low speed or idling. And I would bet that a lot of people wouldn't even notice it then. It's about like any car that has fans, you can tell when they come on when you stand outside of them.
Last edited by Ultramagdan; Mar 24, 2003 at 10:03 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
It's more awkward then difficult. Pulling the old shroud and fan and then getting the new shroud installed is the worst of it. The electrical isn't to tough if you know how to use a test light.
On a couple of the bolts you have to hold your teeth just right. Took me about 2 hours to install it.
On a couple of the bolts you have to hold your teeth just right. Took me about 2 hours to install it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
I'll try and see if I can take some tomorrow and get them posted. It does look a bit different.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
Here's a couple of pictures. They didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. It's tough trying to get the right sunlight with the engine bay with a 1 1/2 year old running around.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
I went ahead and installed the dual fan set up by Flex-a-lite. So far I'm pretty happy with it.
Home base is the Marysville airport (MYZ). I fly to Hutchinson, Garden City, Lakin, Senaca, and Dodge City whenever I can. I expect to fly to Atchinson and Wichita in the near future.
Where did you fly out of TC?
Home base is the Marysville airport (MYZ). I fly to Hutchinson, Garden City, Lakin, Senaca, and Dodge City whenever I can. I expect to fly to Atchinson and Wichita in the near future.
Where did you fly out of TC?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Should I change the stock cooling fan?
Thanks for the info.
Flown into Garden City a few times.
When I was flying to Kansas and Missouri regularly, I flew out of Searcy, AR (M07); I'm flying out of Fort Wayne, IN currently (FWA).
Quite a change from my 5k strip to a 12k that F-16's and 747's use!
Flown into Garden City a few times.
When I was flying to Kansas and Missouri regularly, I flew out of Searcy, AR (M07); I'm flying out of Fort Wayne, IN currently (FWA).
Quite a change from my 5k strip to a 12k that F-16's and 747's use!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
reptar0077
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
1
Jan 15, 2017 03:08 AM
bmoran4
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jun 3, 2013 09:20 PM
4x4Subaru
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Apr 23, 2004 04:03 AM
fsmartin
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Aug 28, 2002 02:43 PM
