Flex fan

[bill cook]

In the Engine Masters test I think the clutch fan would rob even more power since I don't think it would be fully engaged with a radiator that doesn't have hot coolant in it.

Watched it was good info ,have it gettin a F&B trans now hope to see it buy tues ,then I'll look at Colin ,new rad hoses etc in it now .

 

[MrSony]

Clutch fans rob the most power, but if cooling is your concern, then grab a factory setup. If not, go nuts.

 

[SoFloG]

I think 16" fits a factory shroud

 

[SoFloG]

For what it's worth, I don't think anybody mentioned that they are hard on the water pump.

 

[Jeff L]

For what it's worth, I don't think anybody mentioned that they are hard on the water pump.

A friend tried that type of fan on his 350 and I think he lost a water pump and he did go back to a stock setup and no problems after that. Plus the noise drove him nuts.

 

[airboatgreg]

Clutch fans rob the most power, but if cooling is your concern, then grab a factory setup. If not, go nuts.

Any fan robs power. The nice thing about a "Thermostatically controlled fan clutch" is only when needed. You get what you pay for.
Too broke to buy cheap!

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Flex fans are known to sometimes breakapart and send blades through the rad. They also consume more HP as they are fixed and do not freespin at all unlike clutch fans, and the flex blades do not truly flatten out like the ads claim. Even if the blades did flatten out, the wheel is still putting more resistance on the engine due to being fixed and always spinning at full engine speed. Clutch fans slip and semi freewheel from quick RPM changes and go near freespin at WOT, which robs less power.

 

[MrSony]

Any fan robs power. The nice thing about a "Thermostatically controlled fan clutch" is only when needed. You get what you pay for.
Too broke to buy cheap!

whoops, meant they take the least. Still, stock thermal clutch fan and shroud will do wonders.

 

[SoFloG]

Does anybody ever consider the current draw from an E- fan introducing parasitic resistance to the alternator and belt drive(s)? An old school mechanic and good friend introduced that theory to me, yet I've never seen it measured. A fan is a motor, and can draw substantial amperage...

 

[fleming442]

Does anybody ever consider the current draw from an E- fan introducing parasitic resistance to the alternator and belt drive(s)? An old school mechanic and good friend introduced that theory to me, yet I've never seen it measured. A fan is a motor, and can draw substantial amperage...

Yes, and as you said "old school". You do need a properly suited charging system.