Flex Fans
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
Flex Fans
Are flex fans (the type with thin stainless blades) worthwhile? I don't have a cooling problem, but was considering a new fan when I change the water pump. By the way, on the pumps.....are some equipped with sleeve bearings and some ball bearing?? If so, which is preferred.?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
I've used them on small block Corvettes ('72 and '73). IMO, they blow more air (way more air, in fact) than the stock clutch fan. I have an electric fan on my '72 now, but I still have a stainless flex fan on my '73 and haven't had a problem with it (its been on for over a year).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
Thanks for the reply. Yes, they should move more air at idle....but according to literature, they lose pitch at high RPM, reducing airflow accordingly. I think the stock clutch reacts not only to RPM but temperature. I am mainly worried about them coming apart and damage to hood etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Originally Posted by Gordonm
I had one on a car years ago and it sounded like an airplane above 3500 rpm. Just my experience with one. They may be better now.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Lloydminster Saskatchewan Canada
I put on the flexlite version of flex fan in place of the stock thermofan. I love the sound of it mixed with my gear drive cam set up it sounds like a supercharger (not quite but hey it fits under the hood) Never blew one up and I had one on a Chevy II with 4.11 gears and 14 inch tires TH350 many many miles and lots of high RPM shifts. I think some of the guys that clain they blow up are the kinda guys that damaged them somehow and kept using them. The Flexlite I have is rated to 10,000 RPM I imagine the engineering team incorperated a safety factor in that figure as well!
They sound just awesome I went with a 17 inch on my 75 but I think if your motor mounts are good an 18 will fit stock shroud!
They sound just awesome I went with a 17 inch on my 75 but I think if your motor mounts are good an 18 will fit stock shroud!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
Originally Posted by sjmaster
Are flex fans (the type with thin stainless blades) worthwhile? I don't have a cooling problem, but was considering a new fan when I change the water pump. By the way, on the pumps.....are some equipped with sleeve bearings and some ball bearing?? If so, which is preferred.?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
