Technical Fan swap question??? Flex, or clutch?

I plan on swapping the fan in my fathers stock 1960 Pontiac Catalina. The current fan is a 4 blade steel fan, that does not seem to move enough air. It has the factory top shroud, and a newer radiator. The easiest fix to me is to go to a fan that will move more air, any recommendations? I have looked into a clutch fan, or have even contemplated just getting a fan with more blades. The car is not boiling over, or close to melt down, but I would like get it cooler. Thanks for any input. -Joe

 

If you have room, clutch fans do a great job. If not, a trailer tow six or seven blade works good too.

 

I haven't had great luck with flex fans, they have never cooled an engine down at all for me and actually made it run hotter. If you can find one for your car that came on an ac car those have more blades and move more air.

I would suggest you put the biggest SPAL electric fan on it you can fit, but that won't go over well on here.

Don

 

Engines run more efficiently when hotter...
What's the running temp?
What's the thermostat temp?

 

I am not sure about operating temp, no gauge, that is on the to do list also. The stat is stock, not sure of the temp. I plan to address that too, just looking for fan suggestions at this point.

 

I've had a few flex fans come apart at high RPM, Never have one again.
What says a clutch fan will move more air?

 

I am going to check t-stat, actual temp, timing etc. I am just getting prepared to dig into it, The car was restored before my father purchased it, so I am not sure of the internals at this point.

 

IMO your putting the cart before the horse. Put a decent temp gauge in to see what is doing and go from there. At this point your just guessing. You may be trying to fix a non existing problem.

 

You answered your own question. That is if you really do have a heat issue. Without a guage, engine pinging, or water boiling out you have no idea.
A fan that will move more air is a larger fan with more blades.
A clutch fan moves less air when it slips.

 

I'm sure you can find them else ware but Old Aire has a real good steel six blade.