Belt-Driven Radiator Fans

Your factory-installed fan is belt driven, meaning it functions by pulling power from the engine. Because this type of fan can deplete horsepower and diminish fuel economy, choosing the right model is of the utmost importance.

Fan Clutches

Before getting into the different models, it's important to note how belt-driven fans work. The fan clutch is an important component of most belt-driven systems. It ensures that the fan is engaged at low speeds or high temperatures to provide adequate airflow to your vehicle's cooling system. Then, at high RPM or low under-the-hood temperatures, the clutch disengages the fan to remove any unnecessary load on your engine.

There are two basic types of fan clutches:

Thermal Fan Clutch

• Thermal fan clutches use thermostatic coil to control fan based under-the-hood temperature
• Engages belt-driven fan when temperature reaches a set point
• Disengages fan once temperature drops sufficiently

Non-Thermal Fan Clutch

• A non-thermal fan clutch senses shaft speed of water pump to control fan based on vehicle speed
• Engages belt-driven fan at low speeds when additional airflow is necessary
• Disengages fan when vehicle speed allows for sufficient airflow

Fan clutches are vehicle specific and can be found in our Fitguide. Because a clutch will take up a fair amount of space inside your vehicle's engine compartment, certain belt-driven fans are designed to work without them, allowing most room for custom engines.

Types of Belt-Driven Fans

Race Fan

• A race fan moves a large amount of air when engine's RPM are high
  • Great for anyone who has a need for speed
• Replaces factory fan and clutch
  • Saves space and reduces weight
  • Minimizes engine loading by not relying on clutch
• Rated up to 8,000 RPM for racing conditions

Flex fans

• Flex fans are perfect for engine swaps and custom work
  • Low-profile design fits in tights spaces
  • Different styles and colors let you customize the look of your vehicle
• Large surface area pulls more air than most factory models
• Narrow blades flatten out at high RPM to minimize engine load

Fan-Clutch fans

• Fan-Clutch fans operate the same way as a factory model - makes a great replacement
• Fits most factory clutches
• Made of heavy-duty steel for maximum durability and longevity
• Is available as either standard or reverse rotation to meet your vehicle's individual requirements

Fan Spacers

Because the distance between a vehicle's water pump and radiator can differ depending on the level of customization, it may be helpful to invest in a spacer for your belt-driven fan to achieve proper fan placement and, therefore, maximum cooling ability.

Diagram #1

If you are installing a fan with a shroud, measure from the water pump's flange to the edge of the mounted shroud and add 3/4" for your spacer length.

Diagram #2

If the fan you are mounting does not have a shroud, measure from the flange on your vehicle's water pump to the radiator. Subtract 3" from that measurement to get your spacer size.

Please Note:

When installing your new fan and spacer, be sure that the fan has at least a 3/4" clearance from the radiator, belts, hoses and pulleys. The range of adjustability on the spacer's flange allows it to fit several differently sized water pump flanges to ensure proper fit. Spacers are available in lengths ranging from 1/2" to 3".