09-24-2002, 11:18 AM | #1 |
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Flex Fan Question
Whats your guys opinion on flex fans vs. the original clutch style fan? I was thinking about putting one in my truck because I herd that it frees up some HP. Also what kind should I get? Theres like Aluminum and Steel. Thanks
HotRod
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09-24-2002, 11:34 AM | #2 |
14.1 @ 96MPH
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Too many horror stories of detached fan blades flinging through the hood for my tastes; it just seems to me that asking a thin piece of cheap metal like that to bend like that as part of the design is a bad idea.
I'd just try and put money away so you can afford to do it right, aka drop in a pair of electric fans...
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09-24-2002, 12:02 PM | #3 |
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Project1970 hit on a key point -- "Cheap". Buy a $30 flex fan, and chances are you'll see a piece of it fly through your hood. Buy a $80 flex fan, and chances are you won't.
I have an $80 flex fan. No problems. Has countless miles at high RPMs. I also had a $30 flex fan (came with the pickup), and luckily the piece didn't fly through the hood, it was caught by the frame. I plan on eventually going to electric, I think it will provide better cooling.
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09-25-2002, 04:53 AM | #4 |
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I bought a good flex fan 25 years ago. It wasn't cheap then, I forgot what I paid. Anyway it's still good I just painted the hub semi-gloss black and chrome -polished the (SS)
blades -- it cleaned right up. I live in the desert and run it on a straight six with a 3-core radiator. Had them on SBCs and BBCs in other trucks and no problems, People knock'em but I think they work good. Electric fans scare me. What happens when you're in the outback and you have battery problems? Call the auto club on the cell phone? Good luck. Also doesn't the fan's current draw cause the delcotron to engage and add a load on your fanbelt anyway?
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 09-25-2002 at 05:00 AM. |
09-25-2002, 05:29 AM | #5 |
Just Another Crazy Canuck
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only ahd 1 prob with flex fan and that cos some fool put it on backwards(not me) it left a nice dent in the hood but other than that I think they are alright but electric is the way I'm goin when the funds allow it
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09-25-2002, 08:23 AM | #6 |
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My truck had one of the stainless steel flex fans on it when I bought it so I left it on. Never again!!!
I was cruising around 50mph when one blade broke off and shot through the hood! That could have been my head. My truck has a plain old 4 blade steel fan now and it works just fine. Im putting my money elsewhere. (and keeping my skull intact) Bottom line: These things should be outlawed! My state doesn't allow blue dots but a fan that can kill you is ok.
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09-25-2002, 02:18 PM | #7 |
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An article in one of the hot rod mags (I can't recall which one) stated that the flex fan uses far more horsepower than the original fan with a clutch. And if you're really concerned about power, go electric.
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09-25-2002, 02:25 PM | #8 |
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Fred T is on the right path. A thermostatically controlled clutch fan uses little power if the clutch is not locked up. The difference in power will not be significant on a mild motor in a heavy truck, but the loss in cooling power could be massive. I don't recommend electric fans except in max performance efforts, and definitely not in a truck that you ever use for any "truck-like" activities.
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09-25-2002, 05:36 PM | #9 |
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I have one on my camaro and have been running it for quite a few years now. I just had to rebend the blades on it cause they had lost all their flex and just stayed flat all the time. I have eletric fans on my truck and love them. So my camaro will be getting them soon.
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09-25-2002, 05:46 PM | #10 |
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A flex fan is great.....but there are different kinds and many are bad......I have one.....it doesn't look that great but the performance is awsome....some flex fans a built mainly for looks and are terrible in term of quality and performance....these are easliy identfied by the long blades that come to a point....STAY AWAY!!!!!!
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09-25-2002, 06:49 PM | #11 |
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A thermal clutch fan works best for a daily driver, especially in stop and go traffic. It engages only when it's needed, and is quiet and very efficient. I tried the flex fan route, but the horsepower loss is quite parasitic, not to mention the howl of the blades on full afterburn. This is just my experience, but I hope it helps you with your dicision.
Tim |
09-25-2002, 08:37 PM | #12 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
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I run a plastic flex fan on my 69,& dont have any troubles. At $15 , I can afford to toss it every couple seasons! I dont reccomend standing over the engine & buzzing the throttle......call me chicken,I havent had a fan blow,but have seen the hub,pulley,& fan depart from the waterpump........made a mess of the radiator too! Crazy Al
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09-26-2002, 03:31 AM | #13 |
English Chevy Owner
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If electric fans are so bad why are all modern cars fitted with them?
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