[HawkZ28]

I'm going to be installing some LS1 fans in my 86Z28.

I'd like it to be automatic, I just want to plug all in, and not have to worry about constantly adjusting the temp the fans kick on, or flipping a switch, etc, but I don't want to purchase a kit that will crap out on me after 3 months and cook an engine, either.

I'd like to install the same setup in my Colorado as well (DD), to gain some mleage too.

I've seen adjustable kits from flexalite, derale, hayden, etc, but haven't heard anything good or bad about any of them. From what I can tell, I could spend $30 on a Hayden kit from Advance Auto that does the same thing as a $75 Flexalite kit from eBay.

Recommendations? THANKS in advance!

Hawk

[Houston54]

I am using a Derale adjustable controller on a two speed single fan set up. The Summit part number is DER-16749.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by HawkZ28

I'm going to be installing some LS1 fans in my 86Z28.

I'd like it to be automatic, I just want to plug all in, and not have to worry about constantly adjusting the temp the fans kick on, or flipping a switch, etc, but I don't want to purchase a kit that will crap out on me after 3 months and cook an engine, either.

I'd like to install the same setup in my Colorado as well (DD), to gain some mleage too.

I've seen adjustable kits from flexalite, derale, hayden, etc, but haven't heard anything good or bad about any of them. From what I can tell, I could spend $30 on a Hayden kit from Advance Auto that does the same thing as a $75 Flexalite kit from eBay.

Recommendations? THANKS in advance!

Hawk

What is the attraction (by a lot of folks) with the expensive electronic fan controllers? Just because you CAN do something with an electronic circuit doesn't mean you need to. I've had great success the the mechanical fan controllers that use a temp bulb that goes in the upper radiator hose.

http://www.jegs.com/p/Flex-a-lite/751522/10002/-1



You simply turn the screw to adjust the activation temperature. Once it's adjusted, forget it. You can also wire in a backup toggle switch if you feel you need it. This particular unit sells for $30, but I've seen them under $20.

[HawkZ28]

That looks awfully similar to the one at Advance- it has the radiator probe. I've seen a couple other varieties that have a sending unit that screws into the head.

That's one of the ones I've been looking at. How long have you been running that one? How many miles/years, etc? Any problems whatsoever?

I really don't need, nor want, to spend a whole lot of $$ on it, but knowing that you get what you pay for a lot of times, I want to get something that I can set and forget about, and that will last. Do it once, and do it right.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by HawkZ28

That looks awfully similar to the one at Advance- it has the radiator probe. I've seen a couple other varieties that have a sending unit that screws into the head.

That's one of the ones I've been looking at. How long have you been running that one? How many miles/years, etc? Any problems whatsoever?

I really don't need, nor want, to spend a whole lot of $$ on it, but knowing that you get what you pay for a lot of times, I want to get something that I can set and forget about, and that will last. Do it once, and do it right.

I ran one in a daily driver for a couple of years with no problems. The probe actually slips between the radiator hose and the bung on the radiator. The little black plastic piece in the picture seals the gap and the hose clamp holds it together. Once I got the activation temp dialed in, it worked great.

[gezn2]

Originally Posted by HawkZ28

I'm going to be installing some LS1 fans in my 86Z28.

I'd like it to be automatic, I just want to plug all in, and not have to worry about constantly adjusting the temp the fans kick on, or flipping a switch, etc, but I don't want to purchase a kit that will crap out on me after 3 months and cook an engine, either.

I'd like to install the same setup in my Colorado as well (DD), to gain some mleage too.

I've seen adjustable kits from flexalite, derale, hayden, etc, but haven't heard anything good or bad about any of them. From what I can tell, I could spend $30 on a Hayden kit from Advance Auto that does the same thing as a $75 Flexalite kit from eBay.

Recommendations? THANKS in advance!

Hawk

I'd recommend being careful with that $30 adjustable Hayden unit, I had one with the probe that goes in the radiator fins and used a 40/50 amp Bosch relay with it on my DD, my Mark VIII e-fan fried it after about a month this summer
YMMV but IMO overkill on the fan relay is a good idea, right now I'm using a 250 amp golf cart relay on a manual switch with no further problems, I'm planning on wiring in an OEM temp switch when cash flow improves.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by gezn2

I'd recommend being careful with that $30 adjustable Hayden unit, I had one with the probe that goes in the radiator fins and used a 40/50 amp Bosch relay with it on my DD, my Mark VIII e-fan fried it after about a month this summer
YMMV but IMO overkill on the fan relay is a good idea, right now I'm using a 250 amp golf cart relay on a manual switch with no further problems, I'm planning on wiring in an OEM temp switch when cash flow improves.

The Flex-a-lite unit I showed above doesn't use a relay. The capilary tube (which goes in the radiator hose, not the fins) operates a fully mechanical contact that turns the fan off and on. If the contacts are designed to carry enough current, there's no need for a relay.