K&N CAI doesn't fit after fan clutch replacement

[97ChameleonTA]

Hey guys,
I have an interesting dilemma that i'm not sure how to resolve. I've had a K&N CAI kit on my 'voy for about 2 years. Just last week I had it in to the dealer for P0493, which required a new cooling fan clutch (2nd time). I got a call from the dealership telling me that they couldn't get the CAI back on after the new clutch because now the fan was hitting it. I figured they were just doing something wrong, so I brought the factory intake with me and went up there. Sure enough, the fan was hitting the elbow even with the elbow flush with the throttle body. It seems the new clutch is about 3/8" shorter than the previous one, so the fan sits back farther.

Anybody else have this problem or have any ideas on how to fix it? If the new clutch is shorter, i'd expect a lot more people to start having this problem. I suppose I could cut the elbow, but i'm concerned about how tightening the radius would affect flow. I'm also wondering if they installed the right clutch.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

[DzSoLow]

I would look into an e-fan kit.

[Nukedog]

LOL - all you have to do is angle it up about a sixteenth of an inch and it clears...LOL My 06 was the same way first time i installed it and then i got smart and i'm not a ASE guy or an ME (like GMT360)...LOL

[97ChameleonTA]

E-fan kit is definately on the horizon. Just a little irked that I can't use the CAI after a dealer fix.

I tried all sorts of angles, but it just doesn't clear. It's just too close. I would have to cut off about .25" from the throttle body side for it to work.

[emvoy]

whoa!!! I just installed one on my 5.3 and it sits pretty close to the fan,kinda freaked out...are you planning on cutting the tube or u going e-fans?just wondering for future reference

[97ChameleonTA]

I'm just gonna go with the e-fans. I picked up a spare PCM on ebay for next to nothing and I already have the fans out of my Trans Am since they won't fit with the new motor. Looks like it's gonna be $100 for the harness and $250 for the PCMforLess tune.

Guess i'll just get myself an early Christmas present.:woohoo:

[Nukedog]

Such clueless young lads. It does fit and it will fit as i have had a K7N setup for over 1 year. It has about 1/8th inch of room from elbow to fan blade. Drive to Jacksonville and i will personally install it to show you how simple it is with upward force and a electric screwdriver...LOL

[97ChameleonTA]

Such clueless young lads. It does fit and it will fit as i have had a K7N setup for over 1 year. It has about 1/8th inch of room from elbow to fan blade. Drive to Jacksonville and i will personally install it to show you how simple it is with upward force and a electric screwdriver...LOL


Trust me, i'm far from clueless when it comes to anything automotive. I've been building fast street/strip cars since before I had a license (and that was a long time ago). ;)

There is no clearance at all, at any angle. With the new clutch in place the fan sits back about 1/4" further than it used to. With the K&N elbow up against the throttle body at any angle, it rubs, plain and simple. The only way to make it fit would be to trim off some of the elbow on the throttle body side or fab up a spacer on the fan. OR, do away with it all together and get the e-fan kit :thumbsup:.

[Nukedog]

Everyone has been building race cars since the 80's. Yeah yeah yeah - i am sure you will have fun installing the efans if a plastic elbow whoops you...LOLOLOLOL

[97ChameleonTA]

Everyone has been building race cars since the 80's. Yeah yeah yeah - i am sure you will have fun installing the efans if a plastic elbow whoops you...LOLOLOLOL

Whatever man.... You have fun with your big internet muscles...:rolleyes:

If you would take off your testosterone glasses for a second and actually read what I typed you would see that the kit was on the vehicle without any problems until they installed a new, SHORTER, clutch for the fan. But, I guess in your world you just know it all, don't you....:weird::no:

BTW, real men go fast with 4 wheels, not take the easy way out and use 2...LOLOLOLOL:dielaugh:

[pvgoheelsunc1]

Maybe you could get rid of the OEM fan that is mounted to the fan clutch. Find a Flex lite fan from the parts store (RED, BLUE, BLACK) thats smaller that will pull more air. Mount it back to the clutch and then re-install?????

http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html/belt-driven-fans.html

[Nukedog]

I have had my fn clutch changed under warranty as well. They are NO different (at least mine wasn't) than the original so the space should not have changed.

[97ChameleonTA]

Maybe you could get rid of the OEM fan that is mounted to the fan clutch. Find a Flex lite fan from the parts store (RED, BLUE, BLACK) thats smaller that will pull more air. Mount it back to the clutch and then re-install?????

http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html/belt-driven-fans.html

Thanks for the idea, but i'm probably just gonna go with the e-fans a little sooner than I had originally planned.

[97ChameleonTA]

I have had my fn clutch changed under warranty as well. They are NO different (at least mine wasn't) than the original so the space should not have changed.

That is what I've been trying to tell you. The new clutch that was installed is definately shorter. When I went to the dealership to prove the tech wrong he showed me the old one held closely to the newly installed one. It was definately shorter by about 1/4" - 3/8". I wonder if they changed the length of the clutch shaft to ease some of the strain on it. Or, maybe the one they put on is defective or made for a different vehicle.

[randygreer]

can you install a 3/8 fan spacer. Be sure to use longer bolts and torque to spec.