I am looking for some advice on the fan and fan clutch formy engine build. I read a pretty indepth thread about various clutches and then in the 70’s the parts wereconsolidated etc. So what I have is a1970 98 that I am putting a 455 olds bored .040 block, aluminum forged pistonswith a 14.5cc dish, Mondello aluminum heads, hydraulic lifter, aluminum rollerrockers, Mondello JM 20-22 Street Cam, Edelbrock Performer Intake. I have an aluminum 3 row radiator alreadyinstalled in the car, I’ve done someresearch on the fan/clutch and I came up with the following:

Fan = Flex-a-lite 5719 – 6 blades 19” Diameter
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-5719/overview/make/oldsmobile

Fan Clutch = Flex-a-lite 5555 – Non Thermal
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-5555/overview/make/oldsmobile

Unfortunately when I purchased the car the last person had aflex fan installed and I noticed there was always an overheating problem withthe car. I want to alleviate thisproblem with the new motor work. Anyinformation/guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Also this is my first ever build so please bepatient if you ask me technical questions and I stumble in my responses . Thanks again.

 

What is the size and condition of your radiator?

 

It is a 1 year old 3 row aluminum radiator.

 

from the first link:

"Rotation:Clockwise"

that's funny.
First off, maybe it's an illusion, but the one shown appears to be incorrect.
Second, any fan turns both CW and CCW, depending on the observer's position.

However, the shape of the blades affects which way it works WELL, and of course the pitch of the blade determines which way it moves air.

 

Does anyone have helpful information on this subject?

 

I'd use a thermal not a non thermal, , a thermal locks up when hot a non thermal tends to do the opposite, I'd search EBAY I got a 7 blade 69-70 BB Chevelle non date coded blade there for a good price.

 

I agree with jag1886, get a clutch fan with 6 or 7 blades. Do you have a shroud? If not, I'd be sure to add one of those too.


John

 

Thanks for the good information guys!

 

Be sure to use one pitched properly.
If you end up with one for/from a serpentine belt engine, it'll blow forward.

Epay or Amazon.com for a new clutch, or NAPA or rockauto.com or natauto.com..... do you really need guidance on how to shop for parts? Maybe we need to make a sticky on that subject. How to find stuff on the internet, and how to buy generic parts.

How about one of the millions of factory issue 6- or 7-blade fans that are out there? They seemed to work pretty well on the cars when they were new.

 

if you are looking to go electric and do it on the cheap, fans out of Lincoln town cars (all mod motor powered Lincolns, likely other fords too) are dirt cheap at salvage yards, have their own shroud, and have 2 speeds.

good alternative to aftermarket stuff if you are broke like me...but looking over your engine build specs, I'm guessing you will be fine :P

but yes, stock fan+clutch+shroud should cool it fine.