wow - 17pages.
Someone should do a CONSOLIDATED writeup to be stickied that discusses all the approaches, costs and do's/don'ts. Hmm...who could do such a thing...
What I get a kick out of, do we ever really discuss the REAL BENEFITS from the efan mod??? Honestly, I have a 6700lb truck (4dr 4x4), is removing my clutch driven fan REALLY benefiting me?? I know I now have lots of potential "points of failure" but I honestly didn't see any benefits after driving with my efan.
Here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of stock vs efans.
Stock
Pros....everything is oem and easy to get parts.
The fan is always kinda on when engine is running, so your trans cooler at least has some air going through at all times.
The fan clutch is totally automatic and you never have to mess with it unless it goes bad.
Cons.
In very high ambient temps it can be locked on hard. Even with full acceleration from idle to 5000rpms it will drag hp alot!
More wear and tear on the waterpump and belt.
It is loud when locked and engine is revd.
When cold engine temps (warm up) and AC on, clutch wont lock and suck good air till hot, causing possible AC problems in hot regions.
EFANS
Pros.
When you need it , it comes on stronger than oem at idle.
AC works better on cold engine and warm up.
Better AC performance at idle since way more air is flowing.
It is controllable set up by the user.
No engine drag (some on alt, but waaaay less than oem)
It shuts off while driving over a certain speed (PCM controlled) and usually also with radiator probe, but aftermarket AC trigger wont.
Not as loud as oem.
Much more room in the engine bay and safer for fingers.
In hot areas where the oem fan would be locked on alot, you will see mpg and power increase.
Cons
More expensive.
Need wiring, relays, controller or PCM control.
Fan motors can die.
When the engine is running and the fans are not on at a stoplight/idle, no air is going through the trans cooler.
Harder on the alternator and battery.