Adding a fan clutch?
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Adding a fan clutch?
i gotta 79 with a 351w and was wondering if I could add A fan clutch to my current setup. Everything is stock and was curious if this would help/hurt/do nothing at all. I've seen some non thermal and thermal clutches so I wasn't sure if it was a wise idea until I get the funds up for a possible electric conversion.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,354
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From: Great American SouthWest
i gotta 79 with a 351w and was wondering if I could add A fan clutch to my current setup. Everything is stock and was curious if this would help/hurt/do nothing at all. I've seen some non thermal and thermal clutches so I wasn't sure if it was a wise idea until I get the funds up for a possible electric conversion.
Anyway, I think the fan clutch is better than the direct drive in that it can free-wheel when driving, utilizing the ram air effect.
My 77 is direct drive, and seems to run warmer than the others. I believe that the later factory AC trucks use the clutch
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
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I switched my 400 from fixed fan to a thermal clutch. It should be an identical swap for a 351M which is the same externally.
I used a thermal clutch (replacement from NAPA for the thermal clutch fitted to 351m/400), a matching fan, a 1" spacer and some studs from ACE hardware. The thermal clutch made the engine noticeably quieter cruising and probably increased mileage just a little. I noticed and appreciated the quieter cruising w/o fan roar.
When I made the swap, Autozone offered a new fan for use with clutch on their website only. That is what I used. I do not believe it is available anymore. You will have to hunt for a suitable fan.
Glad I made the swap all things considered.
I used a thermal clutch (replacement from NAPA for the thermal clutch fitted to 351m/400), a matching fan, a 1" spacer and some studs from ACE hardware. The thermal clutch made the engine noticeably quieter cruising and probably increased mileage just a little. I noticed and appreciated the quieter cruising w/o fan roar.
When I made the swap, Autozone offered a new fan for use with clutch on their website only. That is what I used. I do not believe it is available anymore. You will have to hunt for a suitable fan.
Glad I made the swap all things considered.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: White Bluff, TN
I run a 351w and swapped mine to a clutch fan. the noise is less from up front and I have had no problems with mine. I bought one for a 79 302 with a/c. I don't have a/c and the 302 was swapped for an oriellys crate 351w at least 6 years before I got it, but hey it works. I did have to use shorter bolts.
Just noticed you stated it is all stock. PapaBear is right it would not be a 351w but a 351m. But if it has been swapped for a w the there you go, yes the swap is fairly simple.
Just noticed you stated it is all stock. PapaBear is right it would not be a 351w but a 351m. But if it has been swapped for a w the there you go, yes the swap is fairly simple.
Last edited by corvair62; Apr 19, 2017 at 09:23 PM. Reason: missed info
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Yes unfortunately that is the only non stock piece that I've come across so far but that doesn't include missing bolts and upside down brake pads that the PO had done. It was originally a 302 going by vin. When I redid the intake and dropped a 4bbl intake I caught the casting numbers and found out it was a 1975 351w. Going by what was said I can order one off of rock auto for a non ac with thermal, is there anything I need to buy? Maybe spacers or can I get away with it, I need to replace the shroud anyways as only the bottom half is there, well just barely hanging on I should say. It still has a lot of work to be done and I'm just baby stepping along the way to make sure things are done right the first time.
Last edited by 79flat; Apr 19, 2017 at 09:43 PM. Reason: Missing info
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