67 327/350hp Question/Opinion

[bobmanx]

What are the pros / cons of using or not using a fan clutch on a 1967 Corvette Convertible? The car has a 327/350 hp. with A/C, 4 spd, and has a "spacer" where the fan clutch should be installed. The car was from Southern Arizona and when we shipped the car to Southern California we found some parts in the garage but no fan clutch there.
Now that I'm going through things and replacing old hoses, collant, and liquids etc, I was wondering if there is any benefits of running a fan clutch or not. I understand that a fan clutch will save a few horses by not having to turn the fan at speed, but what are the "small block owners" opinions. I would like to hear from those that have had their C2's for a while and how their cooling system is functioning with or without the fan clutch. I have no problem installing one on the car if the consensus is that it helps keep the cooling system within reasonable temps, but if there is a plus side to the "spacer", and the cars run cooler without it I can wait, and use the money to get some pieces that are needed now.
OK guys here's your chance, whats the opinions out there from those that are running today. Cooler/not cooler/noisy/what and where?

Thanks for the help, Bob

 

[WayneC]

My opinion is that the non-clutch fans are noisier, and that because they are cheaper, if GM (or Ford, or VW, or anybody) thought they were up to the job, they would made them original equipment to save themselves many $millions.

 

[65TripleBlack]

Bob:

I would never run without it simply because the fan "roar" drowns out all the other sweet engine and exhaust sounds. Kinda makes it sound like a 1944 Willy's Jeep.

Yes, it will rob some power w/o the clutch. It will also cause the engine to take a little longer to reach op temp.

If you dont care about authenticity, then the next best thing (cheaper)might be a flex fan. If I were you, I'd install the clutch, as original. After all, if it was a bad design, then it wouldn't have been around for 20 plus years. IMHO, the only system superior to the viscous clutching system, is the thermostatically controlled electric fan.

As far as engine temp is concerned, the limiting factor is the capacity of your rad to dissipate heat. If your cooling system is healthy, and your thermostat is operating properly, then you should see no change in engine temp.

Joe

 

[bobmanx]

WayneC & Tripleblack,

Thanks for the input. I was planning on getting a fan clutch to replace the "spacer" and getting it back to asbuilt. Yes the fan makes a slight "roar" but nothing that the exhaust tones cant cover. lol
Is it a "C2 CORVETTE ONLY ITEM" or did Chevrolet use them on other models with a small block? (So I get the correct one)

Thanks for the help.
Bob

 

[65TripleBlack]

Bob:

The original fan clutch for your engine was made by Eaton. You can buy a very similar unit from GM for $100 plus, or you can get a generic unit for about half that.

If you want the Super Duper Deluxe version (i.e. a beautifully rebuilt original unit, with correct ink stamp and codes) for around $175 (without core) then talk to Fred Oliva. He is willing to help, and can probably give you better advice than I can, even if you decide not to buy a clutch from him. Here is his link:
http://www.gate.net/~foliva/

Good luck.

Joe

 

[bobmanx]

Joe,

I will check it out and will give him a call. Thanks for the info and the site address.

Bob