Topic: questions on '05 efan conversion

[axehead]

I have tried to read all of the posts on 05 e fan conversion, and I think that I understand it all. I just want to run it by you all and make sure I'm not missing anything before I hit the "GO" button.

shopping list

05 fans
Nelson harness
have PCM programmed

am I missing anything? It reads pretty easy, but I might be missing something. If I am, please let me know.

thanks, axehead

[oHIobellboy]

I have tried to read all of the posts on 05 e fan conversion, and I think that I understand it all. I just want to run it by you all and make sure I'm not missing anything before I hit the "GO" button.

shopping list

05 fans
Nelson harness
have PCM programmed

am I missing anything? It reads pretty easy, but I might be missing something. If I am, please let me know.

thanks, axehead

If I had to do it all over again, I would go with the Flex-a-Lite set up for the harness and controller. It's cheaper in the long run and you can adjust your fans however your want to. The other advantage is with the variable speed controller the fans come on slow and get up to speed without drawing a big demand from your alternator.

[axehead]

I started out looking at the aftermarket set up, but then found the 05 install. at first glance, the A-Market looks ok, but not as good as the OEM set up. looks are one reason for wanting to go with the 05 install. finding the right parts, and ease of repair, looks, and function are all reasons for the oem install. it worries me that after you have done the 05 fans, you would go with the aftermarket instead of the 05 fans. it really makes me think that I am missing something big. what are the troubles with the 05 fan set up?

axehead

[MyBigToy]

The main problem with the OEM e-fan setup is that the fans pull a large amperage draw when they start up. This causes flickering and dimming of the lights and other accessories and is hard on the whole electrical system. I believe that OBB was indicating he would purchase the Flex-A-Lite harness and VSC controller instead of the Nelson harness and having the pcm programmed.

The VSC starts the fans off at a low speed and ramps up gradually to full speed so you don't get the large amperage draw at startup. It's much easier on the alternator and the rest of the electrical system. You control the temperature set point by adjusting a screw on the VSC to get the "fan on" temperature exactly where you want it. IIRC, the temperature probe goes into the upper left-hand corner of the radiator. I've had my FAL setup in place for about 6 years and about 45k miles now and the only issue I've had was a bad bearing in one of the motors. My "WWW" research revealed that FAL had a bad batch of motors about the time that I purchased my set.

[oHIobellboy]

The main problem with the OEM e-fan setup is that the fans pull a large amperage draw when they start up. This causes flickering and dimming of the lights and other accessories and is hard on the whole electrical system. I believe that OBB was indicating he would purchase the Flex-A-Lite harness and VSC controller instead of the Nelson harness and having the pcm programmed.

The VSC starts the fans off at a low speed and ramps up gradually to full speed so you don't get the large amperage draw at startup. It's much easier on the alternator and the rest of the electrical system. You control the temperature set point by adjusting a screw on the VSC to get the "fan on" temperature exactly where you want it. IIRC, the temperature probe goes into the upper left-hand corner of the radiator. I've had my FAL setup in place for about 6 years and about 45k miles now and the only issue I've had was a bad bearing in one of the motors. My "WWW" research revealed that FAL had a bad batch of motors about the time that I purchased my set.

That's exactly what I meant. Thanks MBT.

I use a Predator for programming and had a custom tune written to control the fans. I cannot change those settings to make any adjustment for the fans. The programmer can change the tune and we email it back and forth but that can take time trying to figure out exactly when I want them to come on.

[Fowlhunter]

I currently have an 02 with the 05 efan mod.  I love the mod but the only down side to this is the amperage draw when they start up, I no longer have the flickering of the headlight but I still see the volt gauge jump when the fans come on.  I replaced the cheap Walmart battery with a Diehard Platinum (AGM) and the headlight flickering has gone away!  I would suggest you go with a larger amp alternator, I think I went with a 180amp but I would have to look to be sure or look at the old threads, I'm sure it was posted there.  Nelson did the tune on the PCM, they tune one to what ever temp you want the fans to come on (I think mine was around 190) and send it to you.  Remove yours, replace with the tuned PCM and return the factory PCM to Nelson.  I love the fact that I can be stopped at a stop light and the Av will continue to blow cold air!!!!  It also doesn't hurt to loose the damn clutch fan from the front of the motor and free up a few HP!!!  Good luck and keep us posted! 

Almost forgot, if you go with a larger amp alternator you will need a longer belt.  This is also the time to change out the A/C belt!!

[MyBigToy]

Nelson did the tune on the PCM, they tune one to what ever temp you want the fans to come on (I think mine was around 190) and send it to you.  Remove yours, replace with the tuned PCM and return the factory PCM to Nelson. 

You forgot to mention the next step when you use this method - Go get a crank relearn for $90.

[Fowlhunter]

You forgot to mention the next step when you use this method - Go get a crank relearn for $90.

Brother, you are correct.  I did have to have a crank relearn performed.     I knew I was forgetting something.  All in all I am very pleased with the 05 efan mod!!

[axehead]

first, I would like to say thanks for all of the input. I wanted someone else to look at what I was seeing, and you guys did! I read as much as i could, and then read more. I thought I had all the steps in line, and was ready to go. after reading more on this install from others sources, and from your input, I ordered a FAL 282 kit today. I still like the OEM look better, but I DID miss a few things in that install. I did not catch the alt. upgrade, or at least thought it wasn't too big of a deal. Cost for the FAL kit shipped was $478 with discount. that's cheaper than the oem conversion. I just hope I am satisfied with it.ha ha. I need to have the cooling ability when the Av is stopped, and I'm sure this will do everything I want it to do. and as soon as it shows up, I will tackle the job. thanks again for the help!

axehead

[oHIobellboy]

Don't forget to take lots of pix