What radiator with electric fans for 5.3 swap?

[rhinoblzr]

Sorry if this has been covered but I can't find a definite answer. What radiator can I use With a th400 trans and electric fans?

 

[K85 Octane]

A stock one, either metal or plastic tanks. Run the trans cooler and mount up a set of Windstar fans.

Believe me, whatever you do, don't buy a Griffin radiator if you HAVE to buy a shiny aluminum one.
The LS motors run cool easy, so your basic radiator will do fine. You just need to run a longer top hose and a coupler for the steam vent. I've run my 5.3 with half the radiator full of coolant and it stayed cool. The fans ran more often but it stayed cool. Why, you ask, did I only have half the coolant?...... cause the 3rd Griffin radiator leaked it all out.

 

[K85 Octane]

Factory style Spectra radiator and Windstar fans. I trust this setup more than my previous Griffin radiator and fan combo @ $400 more. And it’s sooooooooo much more quiet.

 

[rhinoblzr]

What year windstar fans? Is becool radiators any good?

 

[K85 Octane]

I don’t know anything about other radiators, only Griffin. I’m getting ready to yang the leaking Griffin out of my C10 also and plan to do the same set up as my Blazer, which previously had the same Griffin/fan combo.

2000 is a good enough year. Total for the fans/radiator/electrical plugs from Rockauto with 5% discount = $215 IIRC. Just gotta make a bracket for the fans. I bought the big block upper radiator support from LMC I think. Gave me more mounting area for the fans

 

[K85 Octane]

Plus, if the fans ever crap out, I can probably order them from a local parts store.

 

[rhinoblzr]

Awsome info thanks. Idk if anything is going to be in the way but, can I have the in and out on the same side of the radiator for a cleaner look? I was also thinking of drilling and tapping the pump for the steam lines. Where is the griffin leaking from? Outside welds? The fins?

 

[454Sub]

Drilling the pump is ok until the pump craps out on the road somewhere. Then you will have to tow it because you won't be able to just swap a pump and go .

 

[K85 Octane]

They make fittings that go in line with your upper radiator hose. It looks like a T fitting that has a small 1/4" nipple for the steam line. I would recommend that. Most radiators that have the inlet and outlet on the driver side will be aluminum. I have learned I'm not willing to pay more for a "cleaner look". lol

All 3 radiators have leaks from where the tubes are soldered to the tanks.

 

[rhinoblzr]

Thanks so much guys. I'll order up the stuff today. I ordered a ton of other stuff for my rig so I'm working on 10 different things at once and you really helped me out. Thanks

 

[rhinoblzr]

If you where local I would weld or braze those radiators up for free.

 

[K85 Octane]

not worth the time, I sent them back to Summit. All but one did they take back, it lasted too long to be warrantied (couple years and 3k miles)

 

[rhinoblzr]

You're not the 1st person I've heard that from. Kind of crazy since they are premium dollar.

 

[rhinoblzr]

Here's the List of stuff I grabbed today from summit. Posting for people's future reference on a swap. Total $506.00

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

Good info here. I will probably be doing this here soon as I start to rip into my truck and swap in a 5.3.
What is the real advantage of running electric fans vs the stock clutch fan? I've read people say it frees up HP and it cools the engine better. Is that all true?
I feel like it's more wiring and more stuff to essentially go wrong. Lol not looking to be stranded due to over heating.

 

[Rugby_7]

Good info here. I will probably be doing this here soon as I start to rip into my truck and swap in a 5.3.
What is the real advantage of running electric fans vs the stock clutch fan? I've read people say it frees up HP and it cools the engine better. Is that all true?
I feel like it's more wiring and more stuff to essentially go wrong. Lol not looking to be stranded due to over heating.

The wiring is pretty simple. My pcm runs mine. I used the diagram on lt1swap.com for the fan wiring. In the future I would like to add a 3 position switch for on off and auto.

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

The wiring is pretty simple. My pcm runs mine. I used the diagram on lt1swap.com for the fan wiring. In the future I would like to add a 3 position switch for on off and auto.

Not to change the topic or hijack anyone's threat but did you do you're whole wiring harness yourself using lt1swap? I was gonna have someone do mine but since my truck is out of commission at the moment...I figured I'd try it out lol.

 

[Rugby_7]

Not to change the topic or hijack anyone's threat but did you do you're whole wiring harness yourself using lt1swap? I was gonna have someone do mine but since my truck is out of commission at the moment...I figured I'd try it out lol.

Yup I did! I was going to send it in but there was a long turnaround so figured I would give it a shot. Was a lot easier than expected. A couple times I got frustrated but just did something else and came back to it the next day. As long as you take your time it will all work out. I was really surprised when it fired up the first try. Lt1swap did my reprogramming of the pcm. Turnaround was quick.

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

Yup I did! I was going to send it in but there was a long turnaround so figured I would give it a shot. Was a lot easier than expected. A couple times I got frustrated but just did something else and came back to it the next day. As long as you take your time it will all work out. I was really surprised when it fired up the first try. Lt1swap did my reprogramming of the pcm. Turnaround was quick.

That gives me hope lol.
I was gonna go through some kid on facebook (a lot of people used him). Was gonna do my harness and tune my computer for 350. He said he would also re-tune it later for free if i added headers, cam or upgraded anything else.

 

[rhinoblzr]

$350 is a good deal if he uses quality stuff. I paid for mine to get done. I wanted to focus my time on the rest of the build. Installing a lot of stuff right now.