| 0812rv 01 Electric Cooling Fan Install Ford F150 Truck
In our ever-challenging economy, saving money is of the utmost importance. Gas is at an all-time high with no relief in sight. Attempting to make the most of every $80 fill-up, we contacted Performance Products for a dual electric fan setup from Flex-a-lite.
Flex-a-lite fans are made from glass-reinforced, nylon-injected molds, making them lightweight yet very strong. This kit came with two 15-inch puller fans and was equipped with a variable speed switch and adjustable thermostat for added cooling. These fans are guaranteed power-adders. How so?
Because you take off your power-robbing fan clutch that spins on the inertia created by your engine, which turns the water pump pulley. The catch is that the engine works harder once the clutch fan is engaged, which steals power from your engine and mpg from your wallet.
We saw this upgrade as a no-brainer. For the quick install, we headed over to Bogart Automotive in Mission Viejo, California, where the reputation for quality work was well-respected.
Check out the photos of the install, and if your fan clutch is robbing your engine of power and mileage, give Performance Products a call for a Flex-a-lite fan.
Editor's Note: Dan Ward is the editor of our sister publication, Truckin' magazine.
From the Driver's Seat
Our test 4.6-liter V-8 had around 60,000 miles on it, and we were impressed with how it responded to the electric fan install. Although we weren't able to strap it on a dyno, a noticeable seat-of-the-pants improvement was felt, and we gained a little over 1 mpg.
The fans are a little loud at a stoplight, but with that said, it is nice seeing the cooling gauge stay in the "cool" zone, even while towing and stopped. Overall, the installation of the fans went nice and smooth, and Sam had us back on the road in less than three hours.
Your Questions Answered:
Time Spent Working: Three hours
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate
Tools Needed: Extra large wrench (or air chisel), Allen sockets, drill and small bits, wire crimpers and metric wrenches
Part Used:
Flex-a-lite dual electric fan for '97-'03 F-150 V-8
(PN 270)
$549.95 (price from www.performanceproducts.com)
