Has anyone done elec fans?

I have an 06 4.0 engine 4wd access cab that could use some more ponies and better fuel economy.
On my wife's 08 gmc envoy denalli with the 5.3 v8 I changed out the mechanical fan for an elec one and saw a 10 hp gain and over 2 mpg better.
Has anyone done this with the 2nd gen 4.0 Tacoma? Gains? Best unit to use?
Thx for any input.

 

I have not tried this but am interested in doing the same if there is a kit available that improves available horsepower or mileage.

 

Hmmm... interesting...........

 

PB over on TN did it 5 years ago. Here's the link to his TN thread:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115600

And a link to his cardomain thread:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/832238/2005-toyota-tacoma-double-cab-pickup-4d-5-ft/page-9

 

I've had the Flexalite kit on mine for 2 years now. I didn't notice any performance or mpg gains, just a quieter startup (no fan roar on startup). As for loud, I don't notice it being any louder then the mech fan when it's turning, but I do notice the electric more since it cycles on/off more often then the mech fan does.

I added some rubber washers as isolaters on the fan to support connections as the elec fan did seem to resonate through the frame on startup without the rubber washers in place.

I also added a 2-stage fan controller to reduce the full off/full on amp draw on the fan.

 

Why would switching to electric fan give any HP or MPG gain ?

 

At the time the Flexalite kit was $400. I added the 2 stage controller (Flexalite again) about a year later for I think it was $95. Sooo, definitely not cheap and the returns are very difficult to justify. I think the Flexalite kit is now about $350 though.

I'm sure something could be pieced together cheaper, but I didn't want to get into homemade mounts and fabbing.

 

Because it is not running off of the engine itself but electric (alternator) instead.

 

it only drags when temp is high enough to lock the clutches otherwise its just free wheels
But if temp is high enough then I would assume electric fan is kicking in too.
since electric fan is driven by power from alternator that will will create drag too.
and now you have heat loss at alternator and electric motor of the fan.

 

Less parasitic drag on the engine.

Edit - Never mind, too slow.

 

I've got a custom setup on mine... First of all I will say does it make a difference with HP or MPG..... NO. There isn't enough drag on the motor to even notice the difference.

The main benefit I do like about it is quick warm up's in the winter. There is no real drop in solution in my eyes for these trucks though. Flex-a-lite makes one that works for our trucks however the shroud on it covers maybe 2/3's of the radiator which is far from ideal for sure.

 

Yeah I dont know where people are getting the MPG and HP gains. If anything mechanical is probably more efficient. But I am interested in winter piece, pluss my issue is when goign through rough terrain I am on low RPM's so I dont think truck is getting enough cooling. I would love to be able to run fan at full speed even when truck is idling.

Anyway can you post pics of custom setup? Some people installed Ford Taurus dual electric fans. Is that what you have ?

functionality benefit but probably at higher fuel cost and lower HP...

 

Id like to add an electric fan, push style, in front of my condensor.
I live in hot texas and noticed when the truck is stationary, the air conditioner is not as cold.
With an electric fan setup, it would keep the a/c cooler by moving air through the condensor. Any thoughts?

 

Hopefully to answer some of the other questions....

When wheeling I run my fan at full speed all the time because typically I'm doing low RPM high load stuff... Plus if wired correctly it gives you the option to turn it off if doing a high water crossing to prevent damage and motor stalls.

As for the summer time stuff.... Yes an electric fan will keep the AC blowing ice cold even sitting in traffic or whatever....




So overall does it have some benefits... YES... Are HP and MPG gains one of those.... NO

 

I would say other than the noise my fan puts off it has been a huge help on gas milage!