When cooling is not an issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: zanesville ohio
When cooling is not an issue
I'm using a stainless steel flex fan on my 77 and do not have any cooling problems but should I switch back to the stock clutch/steel fan?The stock fan was not on the car when purchased and I have no problem buying a new stock clutch/steel fan. So what are you guys using,any pros or cons on one over the other?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth New Jersey
Get an electric fan!
Cons of clutch fans are :
Loss of HP ( not alot but hey! ponies are ponies! )
Limited RPM range
Pros of Clutch fans are :
They're always running? ( if that's even a pro )
They're stock ( if you're into that kind of stuff
)
Electric fans :
Cons :
Puts some extra loado n your electric system
Doesn't look as cool as a clutch fan
Pros :
Better RPMS
COuld be controlled ( i.e. could run only when thermostat open or all the time )
Expands enginebay space
Cons of clutch fans are :
Loss of HP ( not alot but hey! ponies are ponies! )
Limited RPM range
Pros of Clutch fans are :
They're always running? ( if that's even a pro )
They're stock ( if you're into that kind of stuff
)Electric fans :
Cons :
Puts some extra loado n your electric system
Doesn't look as cool as a clutch fan
Pros :
Better RPMS
COuld be controlled ( i.e. could run only when thermostat open or all the time )
Expands enginebay space
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
John, It's funny you asked. I just took off my clutch fan and replaced it with a flix fan. My last engine I had cooling problems so I installed an electric pusher fan. I didn't remove it when I installed a ZZ4 385 hp create engine. So on the 3rd of Feb. the installation was complete. Went to the Corvette Challenge at Moroso in West Plam Beach, Fl. Second pass the engine twisted and that flix fan just chewed up the top side of my fan shroud. I'm going to leave it on because It won't cut anymore And the Chrome Flix Fan loooooooks Grrrrrrate. It's always your choise. What you want. What you really really want!!! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by AlwaysWave
The flex fans have been known to come apart and they do use more power to turn than a clutch fan. I'd use the clutch fan or an electric,
Do a search on flex fan. Car Craft did an article a few years back and I posted the results a few months ago again. The HP drain is more than a few ponies. I have electric on mine, and that's what I'd do again.
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