2003 Suburban E-Fan Conversion Radiator Question

[LADenali]

Hi guys,

I acquired a 2003 2500 Suburban (w/ 6.0, 2wd) and am refreshing the cooling system from the clutch fan to an e-fan conversion.
I haven't found a solution on mixing-matching the best radiator and e-fan combo you can buy new. So far i've seen the following:

Radiator:
1) Mishimoto: p/n MMRAD-GMT-99 (link)
2) GM: p/n 21649 (link)

E-fans:
1) VDO: p/n FA70617 (link)
2) Doorman: p/n 620652 (link)

Pre-configured:
1) Alloyworks: p/n RAD-CHEV-AL-171 (link)

Any feedback on your particular install or guidance on other solutions (not looking at wrecking yard finds ) is appreciated. Also I dont know about the different radiator lengths (34" vs 40") so any info on that is also welcome!

 

[justirv]

Hi guys,

I acquired a 2003 2500 Suburban (w/ 6.0, 2wd) and am refreshing the cooling system from the clutch fan to an e-fan conversion.
I haven't found a solution on mixing-matching the best radiator and e-fan combo you can buy new. So far i've seen the following:

Radiator:
1) Mishimoto: p/n MMRAD-GMT-99 (link)
2) GM: p/n 21649 (link)

E-fans:
1) VDO: p/n FA70617 (link)
2) Doorman: p/n 620652 (link)

Pre-configured:
1) Alloyworks: p/n RAD-CHEV-AL-171 (link)

Any feedback on your particular install or guidance on other solutions (not looking at wrecking yard finds )

I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71. For us its a choice between 28" and 34"radiator cores, and my knowledge is limited to the 1500 series. It must be nice having a 40" option(?). Of all the conversions I've seen, it is the 34" radiator version that is needed. It really can be any quality rad... as far as fans, I went with the 2010+ fan module as they have the (more efficient) 9 and 7 blade fans. This will slide right in place of the existing 34" mechanical fan shroud. You'll need to program fan settings in your ECM, and decide if you want a single ECM output plus A/C clutch activation as your 2nd trigger (simple), or add a second ECM output (and program accordingly). The mish is very nice, but pricey. I prefer VDO over dorman, and I have no idea on the alloy. If that was truly a quality item, its a steal at that price. For "normal" quality, and proven longevity, GM A/C Delco usually works well (from a reputable seller, not AMZ). Are you going with a repurposed harness and relays? If not, Nelson and others have easy solutions. Let us know what direction you go.

 

[LADenali]

I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71. For us its a choice between 28" and 34"radiator cores, and my knowledge is limited to the 1500 series. It must be nice having a 40" option(?). Of all the conversions I've seen, it is the 34" radiator version that is needed. It really can be any quality rad... as far as fans, I went with the 2010+ fan module as they have the (more efficient) 9 and 7 blade fans. This will slide right in place of the existing 34" mechanical fan shroud. You'll need to program fan settings in your ECM, and decide if you want a single ECM output plus A/C clutch activation as your 2nd trigger (simple), or add a second ECM output (and program accordingly). The mish is very nice, but pricey. I prefer VDO over dorman, and I have no idea on the alloy. If that was truly a quality item, its a steal at that price. For "normal" quality, and proven longevity, GM A/C Delco usually works well (from a reputable seller, not AMZ). Are you going with a repurposed harness and relays? If not, Nelson and others have easy solutions. Let us know what direction you go.

Hi, thanks for the response. I am looking at the e-fan harnesses offered by @ScottyBoy
The materials from the GM Delco are a mix of plastic and aluminum. The radiator in the suburban is leaking in a few spots so I'm thinking all aluminum may be the way to go

 

[justirv]

I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71. For us its a choice between 28" and 34"radiator cores, and my knowledge is limited to the 1500 series. It must be nice having a 40" option(?). Of all the conversions I've seen, it is the 34" radiator version that is needed. It really can be any quality rad... as far as fans, I went with the 2010+ fan module as they have the (more efficient) 9 and 7 blade fans. This will slide right in place of the existing 34" mechanical fan shroud. You'll need to program fan settings in your ECM, and decide if you want a single ECM output plus A/C clutch activation as your 2nd trigger (simple), or add a second ECM output (and program accordingly). The mish is very nice, but pricey. I prefer VDO over dorman, and I have no idea on the alloy. If that was truly a quality item, its a steal at that price. For "normal" quality, and proven longevity, GM A/C Delco usually works well (from a reputable seller, not AMZ). Are you going with a repurposed harness and relays? If not, Nelson and others have easy solutions. Let us know what direction you go.

All aluminum will work well for you, and I think your harness choice is sound. Are you self-programming, local or sending it out?

 

[LADenali]

I'm having a mechanic install, he has a couple of diagnostic computers. Hopefully one can be used to program the units. If not, any recommendations?

 

[justirv]

I'm having a mechanic install, he has a couple of diagnostic computers. Hopefully one can be used to program the units. If not, any recommendations?

This might be a good opportunity to get a tune, regardless of how stock or not you are. BB and others can program the fans and optimize your fuel, timing, and torque tables, etc. I myself used HPT, but that's an investment of its own. Your mechanic should be able to tell you upfront whether or not they have the capability to access, and what that cost will be.