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Mechanical Engine Fan & Fan Clutch?

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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 09:09 AM
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Default Mechanical Engine Fan & Fan Clutch?

I just pulled the engine out of my '81. I was running the stock electric fan in conjunction with the factory fan and fan clutch type set up. The fan only has five blades and the fan clutch looks cheap. I want to retain a mechanical fan and fan clutch setup but want to upgrade the parts. I'm considering a seven blade fan and fan clutch that came on '81 models with HD cooling.

What are you guys using for a mechanical fan and fan clutch?
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 10:47 AM
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when i was running a mechanical fan on my 79 L82 w/ AC it had an oem 7 blade (like the one below) with HD clutch, i had to replace the clutch and used a Hayden Heavy Duty Thermal unit from rockauto.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-1982-Corvette-18-Fan-Blade-GM-New-/400709926166?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d4c2c3d16&vxp=mtr
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 11:39 AM
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Default 50 questions for you speedreed8

Where you happy with that setup?
What radiator?
What temperature was the engine running in the hot Texas summer?
Did you still have your electric fan operating?
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 11:52 AM
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it worked well with a replacement oem style radiator. sometimes the temps would creep up to around 200° w/ ac on in the summer if idled in stop /go traffic. i still used the electric oem fan in the shroud but changed sensing unit to 195. used a kit from jegs.
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by speedreed8
it worked well with a replacement oem style radiator. sometimes the temps would creep up to around 200° w/ ac on in the summer if idled in stop /go traffic. i still used the electric oem fan in the shroud but changed sensing unit to 195. used a kit from jegs.
Thanks for the info.

I just got a DeWitt radiator. So I'm thinking I should run cooler than 200 in the heat. Even with a working a/c (which I don't have). I've already changed the sensor for the electric fan.

Last edited by Street Rat; Feb 16, 2015 at 12:40 PM.
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 02:26 PM
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''I just got a DeWitt radiator''

You should be just fine......thats an item on my wish list
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Old Feb 16, 2015 | 05:44 PM
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Default cooling

Originally Posted by Street Rat
I just pulled the engine out of my '81. I was running the stock electric fan in conjunction with the factory fan and fan clutch type set up. The fan only has five blades and the fan clutch looks cheap. I want to retain a mechanical fan and fan clutch setup but want to upgrade the parts. I'm considering a seven blade fan and fan clutch that came on '81 models with HD cooling.

What are you guys using for a mechanical fan and fan clutch?
i have an 80 w/ a 383 Stroker-461HP @ motor-also have A/C runnin 2 electrics-the 2nd 1 kicks on at like 195 i think-and i never run over 220-either in cruises or runnin it hard gelding Mustangs lol
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Old Feb 17, 2015 | 07:58 AM
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I have an 81' with 5 blade and factory electric fan...With a/c on I'm at 195 to 200 degrees...but, even though I have tested the electric fan there is no way to know if it ever comes on when driving...and also I have a DeWitts radiator...Good Luck!
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