Cool/Heat: fan clutch replacement?

[ozrod]

Has anyone come up with a common fan and fan clutch for the 283 engines. Mine is a 65 model. I'm getting tired of that
roaring 6 bladed fan.
Thanks

[JoeHall]

That should be easy, look at GM stuff. You might have limited clearance between fan and radiator though, so may or may not be able to install a clutch fan.

[NCDave51]

On this good topic, I currently have a 5-bladed fan on the viscous clutch on my ‘64 289 and I was actually thinking of moving to a fixed-drive 6-blade to increase cooling (p/n 1692378P).

Any comments - pro and con:

Q1 - aside from modest power loss, is there a major benefit to a viscous clutch that can offset the question marks about it slowly leaking or otherwise failing??

I did the manual spin test on a cold engine, and it only spun 3/4 to 4/4 of a turn, so presumably still a good clutch, but not sure I’m getting the cooling I need.

Q2 - the 5-blade is a 4-bolt attachment to the clutch in a 3 1/4” bolt circle, whereas the bolt circle on the water pump pulley is 2 1/4”. If I was to move to the fixed-drive 4-bolt fan, do I need to change the water pump pulley or does the bolt circle on the fan become smaller to match?

thanks

[ozrod]

NAPA has the fan clutch but no listing for the blade. I guess I will buy the clutch and start searching wrecking yards for a fan. Trouble is, almost everyone crushes cars now.

[JoeHall]

Maybe something like this: CHEVY CAMARO FAN BLADE 7 FINS SBC 305 V8 1978

[StudeRich]

Water Pump Pulleys and Water Pumps all have the same Bolt Pattern, so they bolt to a Viscous Unit OR directly to the stock Blades or Spacer and Blades.

[NCDave51]

Water Pump Pulleys and Water Pumps all have the same Bolt Pattern, so they bolt to a Viscous Unit OR directly to the stock Blades or Spacer and Blades.

Many thanks, Rich.