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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Presto Pa,
Posts: 53
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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.. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Presto Pa,
Posts: 53
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Re: Flex Fans
thanks ahead guys!
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#3 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,524
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Re: Flex Fans
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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
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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. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Presto Pa,
Posts: 53
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Re: Flex Fans
So which fan would you recommend out of summit racing?
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#5 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,524
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Re: Flex Fans
I'm not familiar with their products but I'm sure some other board members will chime in on it today.
LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#6 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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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.
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"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 ~ |
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#7 |
Between Trucks...
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Posts: 3,830
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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.
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Beat it to fit, Paint it to match... ![]() |
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#8 |
"the other guy"
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Olivehurst California 95961
Posts: 901
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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!
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God Said,"Building A 10 Second Import Is Like Coming Out Of The Closet, In The End Ur Still....."EXPLETIVE" ![]() |
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#9 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,648
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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.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#10 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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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.
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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! |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Presto Pa,
Posts: 53
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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
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Presto Pa,
Posts: 53
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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?
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#13 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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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.
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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! |
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#14 |
What?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,617
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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
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Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU |
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,859
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Re: Flex Fans
Quote:
Of course, an electric fan setup could be the answer too.
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'70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60 |
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#16 |
Farm Truck
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Jersey Village, Texas
Posts: 547
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Re: Flex Fans
electric all the way
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1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx |
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#17 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Flex Fans
nuff said
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lake Stevens, WA
Posts: 623
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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. |
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#19 |
One of the First
![]() Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: St. Augustine,FL.
Posts: 4,054
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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.
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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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#20 |
if they can make it so can I!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: birmingham, alabama
Posts: 97
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Re: Flex Fans
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