Thread: Mechanical Flex Fan Question

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Having created enough space to go with a mechanical vs. electrical fan, I now seem to be limited to a 16" diameter fan blade. Most available are flex fans from summit, flex a lite, etc.. So do you think a 16 inch fan is big enough to cool a 460 mild performance engine/c6 trans. with big new aluminum radiator? I'm asking because it seems a 16" mechanical would be as goos as a 18" electrical, but not sure. I'd prefer to use the mechanical set up but not sure if blade diameter is enough. Radiator big enough for 19" fan, but space between bottom radiator hose and the mechanical fan will only permit 16" or smaller. If I went electrical I can mount fan without hose clearance issues, but like stated above prefer the easy route!

It would be Better if you could go with a Larger 18" Flex Fan . But this 16" Flex fan will move a Lot of air . I have used many over the years . Make sure you use a fan Spacer to move the fan close enough to your radiator 2" is most Likely what you will need . I have a 14" Flex-a-lite Fan that I use on my Engine Test Stand with a 58 Chevy Radiator . It works well in keeping engines cool when breaking them in . Just stick with the S/S not the Aluminum Blade Type's or fiberglass .

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLX-1316/

Be real cautious with a flex fan as there have been more then a few instances where they have fractured. We went through this exercise on another forum a year or so ago and the consensus was - there are better choices, especially for a performance engine. What happens is that while flexing, the blades are subjected to high cycle fatigue, eventually launching a blade through the hood (that one I've seen), radiator or hose

Ford has some very nice 5 blade 16 and 17" fans.... Came on some of the Mustangs and a lot of pickups before the days of those worthless clutch fans.... As Dave mentioned, stay away from the cheapo flex fans, saw one of them come apart and pieces of it stick in the guy's arm who was hanging over the fender setting the timing!!!! The good factory ones are usually easy to find at your favorite (older) wrecking yard, paid $5.00 for the one on my pickup....!!!!

Thanks guys. I actually bought the same one Tango posted this morning before going to work, and it should be here today(tomorrow) before work to test out. Summit gets stuff moving fast. The worst thing is I had to buy a 2" spacer, because mine disappeared in the garage, surely to be found a week or two from now! I swear the garage eats 3/4 " sockets and utility knives!