Flex fan to clutch conversion

Hey where was the discussion on this? I can’t seem to find it again.

Is there a torque limiting clutch that crosses over?

A centrifugal fan clutch rather then a thermostatic clutch.

72FordGTS wrote:

I am not sure on the mechanical clutches. Why not use a thermostatically controlled clutch? They use less power.

x2

Vince, I just read your post, great info!

I had no idea these cars ever came with a 4 blade fan, I've never seen one in person!

My car has the 6 or 7 blade fan, but I drive my car a LOT and on the highway back and forth to work most of the time (75mph).

I might be interested in the clutch setup, if it will pick me up a few more mpg. Did you see any mpg improvement?

I can't use the stock fan, right?

Sal Mennella
73 GTS 351 CJ
75 Cougar XR7
73 Ranchero - 5.0 Coyote swap - in progress
Past Torinos - 72 Gran Torino, 75 Gran Torino, 75 Elite

72FordGTS wrote:

Thanks for the feedback Sal. The four blade fans only came on cars without A/C. Other cars got a flex fan. There was no clutch fan offered from the factory.

I don't know if it made any real difference in the MPG as I don't track it on this car. I definitely noticed less fan noise at high RPM and the engine seemed somewhat more willing to rev. I do almost all highway with my car too which is part of the reason I wanted to get rid of the direct drive fan. Plus I am sure in traffic it will pull much more air.

You can't use your stock fan as it won't bolt to a clutch. Overall it's worthwhile upgrade and the best mechanical fan setup available. The only better setup would be a electric fan but it's quite a bit more work and money and you lose the stock appearance.

You can actually have an electric fan with a stock appearance. I used to build them back when I was making Lightning parts. I would mount an 18" electric fan in the opening of a stock shroud, and it the only way you'd notice is if you looked behind the shroud at the engine.

My concern with the clutch fan, is airflow. I already have the upgraded stock fan. My car doesn't overheat, however in heavy traffic here in FL on hot days, the temp does creep up a bit past where it normally runs. With the clutch setup, that would give me 80% lockup, with pretty much the same size fan. So wouldn't that give me LESS airflow at idle?

Sal Mennella
73 GTS 351 CJ
75 Cougar XR7
73 Ranchero - 5.0 Coyote swap - in progress
Past Torinos - 72 Gran Torino, 75 Gran Torino, 75 Elite

I just want the factory knife thrower flex fan gone. I had one of those POS things come apart once. Tears the crap out of fan shrouds radiators and if you are super lucky it’ll even f up your hood.