Flex Fans - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jthornton · 04-15-2009, 08:43 AM

What type of flex fan do i need?

i want a flex a lite from summit but i have a 454 and i need a fan do i get clockwise or counter clock wise and should i get a mechanical or clutch??
Thanks..

jthornton · 04-15-2009, 08:49 AM

thanks ahead guys!

**LockDoc** · 04-15-2009, 08:54 AM

-
Not to be a negative but I just took my flex fan off and took it over to the scrap yard and traded it for a stock type clutch fan. It had all kinds of small cracks in the blades and I could just see it coming apart and going through my newly painted hood. It was on the truck when I bought it so I don't know what brand it was or how old it was but I would just say "no" to a flex fan...

Just my 2¢ worth.

Oh, and welcome to the board...

LockDoc

jthornton · 04-15-2009, 08:55 AM

So which fan would you recommend out of summit racing?

**LockDoc** · 04-15-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthornton

So which fan would you recommend out of summit racing?

I'm not familiar with their products but I'm sure some other board members will chime in on it today.

LockDoc

**special-K** · 04-15-2009, 09:09 AM

You`ll be advised against these.Basically,flex + metal = fatigue.They definately have a safety lifespan and routine inspection is required.
I started using them thinking I was buying something to outlast a fan clutch when my first one went up.And,it was "Speed Equipment",right?Well,ans don`t run your motor so speed ain`t got neffin tdo wit it.A quality clutch and as big a fan with as many blades is best.I believe there are performance clutches that free up better than oem,allowing a bit more power.You`re best off measuring your shroud and/or stock fan and go hunt the junk yards.

Sinister · 04-15-2009, 09:13 AM

I have a nylon flex fan that was on my truck when I got it. Works great. I wouldn't run a metal flex fan after seeing pics of blades going through peoples hoods.

vasquezmrysvll · 04-15-2009, 09:23 AM

i have personally had a blade come off and go through my hood on two separate occasions, through a steel hood. strange thing about it was both times they shot straight up! never found the fins either! these should be banned! don't use them PLEASE!

**Stocker** · 04-15-2009, 09:25 AM

Another strong "NO" on flex fans. I once had a problem with my OEM clutch fan, so I installed a flex fan. It was the only time (in 3 decades) that my truck ran too hot. Fixed my clutch fan and no more overheating.

BluTrukker · 04-15-2009, 09:33 AM

I am probably the only one here to tell you to stay away from clutch fans...well not all of them. Look for a good aftermarket clutch w/as many blades as possible if you want to go that way. I would stay away from the cheap metal flex fans as well. I am looking for a solid poly fan like they have on some of the new trucks, and the first gen hummers. Now the reason I don't like clutch fans is because a brand new one (bought from a chevy dealer) cost me a freshly rebuilt motor about a week after I bought it. So I now only run solid fans. Sure it makes a little wind noise and costs you a couple horses, but you never have to wonder if that clutch is actually working.

jthornton · 04-15-2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks for all the info.. i dont have a shroud yet so i can pretty much choose any diameter but which direction should i look at counter clockwise or clockwise

jthornton · 04-15-2009, 09:54 AM

Since summit mainly has flex-a-lites i am most likey going to go with a fan out of LMC truck but only the 6 blade 18'' shows only small blocks....will these fans hold up to the 454?

BluTrukker · 04-15-2009, 10:21 AM

If I remember correct, I think counterclockwise is for serpentine setups on some of the newer vehicles. I'm sure someone else will be able to give you a definite answer.

vectorit · 04-15-2009, 10:45 AM

My vote is for the clutch fan setup, and a solid no on flex fans. If you are against that, then think about an electronic setup. Just my .02

ERASER5 · 04-15-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

I have a nylon flex fan that was on my truck when I got it. Works great. I wouldn't run a metal flex fan after seeing pics of blades going through peoples hoods.

X2! I have a Flex-Lite nylon fan on my truck and one on my Olds. These fans catch so much air that the water pump pulley will start to stall at at about 3800 engine rpm. That is a LOT of air! The Flex-Lite advertisement is that these fans pull more air at idle than most fans at 2500 rpm. I believe it.

Of course, an electric fan setup could be the answer too.

Stoney · 04-15-2009, 12:49 PM

electric all the way

Longhorn Man · 04-15-2009, 04:41 PM

nuff said

Indyuke · 04-15-2009, 07:45 PM

Jthornton, I have an 18 inch 7 blade fan out of an early 80's junkyard camaro with a heavy duty clutch bolted to it. The truck has the normal belt setup so it spins counterclockwise and fits right into the stock fan shroud opening, which I measured at 19.5 inches.

Truck came with a flex fan, and by the time I took it off it was on it's way out. Wouldn't recommend them. I won't even give my old flex fan away in case someone catches a blade in the side of the face while setting the timing or something.

Side by side

New one in the truck.

**D.PASSMORE** · 04-15-2009, 08:24 PM

I guess the next question is; are you looking for an original set-up, Good clutch w/fan and shroud? Do you have the correct pullies, water pump, etc... I'm pretty sure some one on the board has one, in there storage area.

tucnnuts · 04-16-2009, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoney

electric all the way

my vote for electric too.... those soild mount fans make to much nosie anywaY!!!

04-15-2009, 08:43 AM	#1
jthornton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Presto Pa, Posts: 53	Flex Fans What type of flex fan do i need? i want a flex a lite from summit but i have a 454 and i need a fan do i get clockwise or counter clock wise and should i get a mechanical or clutch?? Thanks..

04-15-2009, 08:49 AM	#2
jthornton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Presto Pa, Posts: 53	Re: Flex Fans thanks ahead guys!

04-15-2009, 08:54 AM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,430	Re: Flex Fans - Not to be a negative but I just took my flex fan off and took it over to the scrap yard and traded it for a stock type clutch fan. It had all kinds of small cracks in the blades and I could just see it coming apart and going through my newly painted hood. It was on the truck when I bought it so I don't know what brand it was or how old it was but I would just say "no" to a flex fan... Just my 2¢ worth. Oh, and welcome to the board... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 04-15-2009 at 08:54 AM.

04-15-2009, 08:55 AM	#4
jthornton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Presto Pa, Posts: 53	Re: Flex Fans So which fan would you recommend out of summit racing?

04-15-2009, 09:09 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Flex Fans You`ll be advised against these.Basically,flex + metal = fatigue.They definately have a safety lifespan and routine inspection is required. I started using them thinking I was buying something to outlast a fan clutch when my first one went up.And,it was "Speed Equipment",right?Well,ans don`t run your motor so speed ain`t got neffin tdo wit it.A quality clutch and as big a fan with as many blades is best.I believe there are performance clutches that free up better than oem,allowing a bit more power.You`re best off measuring your shroud and/or stock fan and go hunt the junk yards. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-15-2009, 09:13 AM	#7
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Flex Fans I have a nylon flex fan that was on my truck when I got it. Works great. I wouldn't run a metal flex fan after seeing pics of blades going through peoples hoods. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

04-15-2009, 09:23 AM	#8
vasquezmrysvll "the other guy" Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Olivehurst California 95961 Posts: 901	Re: Flex Fans i have personally had a blade come off and go through my hood on two separate occasions, through a steel hood. strange thing about it was both times they shot straight up! never found the fins either! these should be banned! don't use them PLEASE! __________________ God Said,"Building A 10 Second Import Is Like Coming Out Of The Closet, In The End Ur Still....."EXPLETIVE"

04-15-2009, 09:25 AM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,595	Re: Flex Fans Another strong "NO" on flex fans. I once had a problem with my OEM clutch fan, so I installed a flex fan. It was the only time (in 3 decades) that my truck ran too hot. Fixed my clutch fan and no more overheating. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

04-15-2009, 09:33 AM	#10
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Flex Fans I am probably the only one here to tell you to stay away from clutch fans...well not all of them. Look for a good aftermarket clutch w/as many blades as possible if you want to go that way. I would stay away from the cheap metal flex fans as well. I am looking for a solid poly fan like they have on some of the new trucks, and the first gen hummers. Now the reason I don't like clutch fans is because a brand new one (bought from a chevy dealer) cost me a freshly rebuilt motor about a week after I bought it. So I now only run solid fans. Sure it makes a little wind noise and costs you a couple horses, but you never have to wonder if that clutch is actually working. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

04-15-2009, 09:50 AM	#11
jthornton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Presto Pa, Posts: 53	Re: Flex Fans Thanks for all the info.. i dont have a shroud yet so i can pretty much choose any diameter but which direction should i look at counter clockwise or clockwise

04-15-2009, 09:54 AM	#12
jthornton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Presto Pa, Posts: 53	Re: Flex Fans Since summit mainly has flex-a-lites i am most likey going to go with a fan out of LMC truck but only the 6 blade 18'' shows only small blocks....will these fans hold up to the 454?

04-15-2009, 10:21 AM	#13
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Flex Fans If I remember correct, I think counterclockwise is for serpentine setups on some of the newer vehicles. I'm sure someone else will be able to give you a definite answer. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

04-15-2009, 10:45 AM	#14
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Flex Fans My vote is for the clutch fan setup, and a solid no on flex fans. If you are against that, then think about an electronic setup. Just my .02 __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

04-15-2009, 12:49 PM	#16
Stoney Farm Truck Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Village, Texas Posts: 547	Re: Flex Fans electric all the way __________________ 1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx

04-15-2009, 04:41 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Flex Fans nuff said Attached Images



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04-15-2009, 07:45 PM	#18
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Flex Fans Jthornton, I have an 18 inch 7 blade fan out of an early 80's junkyard camaro with a heavy duty clutch bolted to it. The truck has the normal belt setup so it spins counterclockwise and fits right into the stock fan shroud opening, which I measured at 19.5 inches. Truck came with a flex fan, and by the time I took it off it was on it's way out. Wouldn't recommend them. I won't even give my old flex fan away in case someone catches a blade in the side of the face while setting the timing or something. Side by side New one in the truck. Last edited by Indyuke; 04-15-2009 at 07:47 PM.

04-15-2009, 08:24 PM	#19
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,055	Re: Flex Fans I guess the next question is; are you looking for an original set-up, Good clutch w/fan and shroud? Do you have the correct pullies, water pump, etc... I'm pretty sure some one on the board has one, in there storage area. __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie) Last edited by D.PASSMORE; 04-15-2009 at 08:24 PM.

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