Clutch Fan vs Regular Fan....Difference?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Clutch Fan vs Regular Fan....Difference?
What is the difference (importance) between a clutch radiator fan and a regular fan from Summit Racing? I'm thinking of changing and want to make sure there are not substantial difference in cooling.....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Having a clutch is good because the fan can absorb a lot of energy by the engine without that fluid exchange clutch. At high RPMs it disengages and frees up even more HP. I would think if you have A/C then for sure use the clutch. If no A/C then a fixed fan is okay but I don't see the point of going that route.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Can you be more specific. There are two kinds of fan clutches, and stock/flex fans. Just what is it you want to know?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Just a tip look for Fan Clutch Install here. > http://wiki.corvettefaq.com/index.php?title=Cooling
I also feel that you should stay with a fan clutch. If they are set up right they do a great job. And now for the reason for the link. The newer fan clutches are set at a higher temp to lock up then they were when our C-3's were produced to lessen the fan noise and it also would decrease the ability of the fan to keep the car cool at lower speeds. If you go to the link provided it will show you how to modify the fan clutch to work better or should I say as intended. It shows how to do this for both fan clutch types. Fluid and spring.
I also feel that you should stay with a fan clutch. If they are set up right they do a great job. And now for the reason for the link. The newer fan clutches are set at a higher temp to lock up then they were when our C-3's were produced to lessen the fan noise and it also would decrease the ability of the fan to keep the car cool at lower speeds. If you go to the link provided it will show you how to modify the fan clutch to work better or should I say as intended. It shows how to do this for both fan clutch types. Fluid and spring.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
I agree the clutch is the better way to go. Flex fans are noisey and rob HP. I am in process of replacing the fan clutch and water pump on my 73. Never had a cooling problem but I could hear the original clutch was getting stiff so decided to do it all in one job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I saw a video of that once. The guy was starting up the motor for the first time. I think it was a Gen2 Camaro. Hood up, guys leaning over the fender, and WHAM. The fan fragged. Blades missed everyone but they did some serious damage. Cool vid...big bummer for the owner.
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