E Fan Conversion

So I decided I wanted to do an electric fan conversion. No particular reason other than I wanted to tinker. I've installed E fans of several cars and trucks in the past, and have seen the benefits so I figured why not.

Parts:

After a bunch of research I settled on a Derale dual shrouded fan. (16927). It's rated for 4000 CFM. I also picked up a Dakota Digital bluetooth fan controller and OBD-11 module. I also had to use a few different mounting brackets and an aftermarket coolant overflow tank.

Install:

I didn't take any photos along the way, but install wasn't super difficult. Removal of the stock shroud and fan was super easy. I think it was a total of about 6 bolts. The coolant overflow tank is molded into the stock fan shroud so I had to buy an aftermarket one and find a place to mount it. The most difficult part of the install was simple finding brackets that would work. The stock radiator is much thinner than I expected and I couldn't find brackets that would fit right. I ended up modifying a set of brackets to fit and than isolated everything with high temp rubber so there is no metal on metal contact anywhere. Wiring was wiring. It was somewhat straight forward just time consuming. Each fan is wired individual so I basically had to do everything twice, but this allows me to operate the fans independently.

Function:

The fan controller I bought pulls speed and temp data directly from the OBD sensor, it also allows me to operate each fan independently. Basically one fan kicks on at a lower temperature. They both kick on when the AC is running. Also they is a speed shutoff. So above 65 both fans shutoff.

It has been extremely hot in southern CA since I installed the fans, so its been a good test. I've pulled a 5000lb trailer, done some slow off roading/crawling around, and sat in traffic all at 100+ degrees and no overheating. I've used a scangauge to monitor temps and the truck runs about 2-3 degrees warming then stock which isn't much.

The truck runs much smoother. You can barely tell its running at idle. Mpg seems to be 1-2 mgp better, and there is a small increase in power. The power increase is more noticeable at high RPM.

CONS:

The only draw back so far is at idle the stock alternator has a hard time keeping up with how much power the fans pull. Especially when the AC is running. The fans draw about 40 amps, and at idle I think the stock alternator struggles to feed them enough power. So I may upgrade that in the future. Other than that so far so good.

 

Cool mod. Thanks for sharing. I had no idea these fans draw so much current. I believe the stock alternator with towing package is 130 amps but it only hits that at highway speeds. If your fan is pulling 40 amps and you are doing something else like using an air compressor or a winch, you might be in for some trouble.

 

Nice! I'm doing an Efan conversion as well. I was surprised how heavy that stock clutch fan was.

 

I'll stick with the clutch fan. For me I don't see the niche benefit compared to the risk and the cost.

 

That's good to know. I wasn't sure what the stock one was rated for. I think a high output alternator will be added in the near future.

 

I did not realize this was thing you could do. Very cool, thanks for sharing.

 

Even though you've stated wiring is wiring, up the gauge of the fan juice & ground. And check the crimps and choice ground.

 

@cbeyer Some other folks in the performance parts of the forum have also done this. I think some run additional temp monitoring just in case the efan starts to act up. Scanguage might help but you can run additional temp sensors too.

There are several makers of HO alternators. You can find posts through search. Sorry I don't have any bookmarked.

 

https://www.ebay.com/i/254076686110?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28

 

Any new insights or information on this?

 

@cbeyer did you need to wire any resistors or do anything to keep away a CEL after removing the stock fan setup?