I have a 69 camaro with a 400 small block that I recently purchased and the fan clutch is bad. Do I really need one on the engine or can I use just a standard fan blade without the clutch? I really am not sure which way would be the right way to go. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

you can use a rigid fan with a spacer, but the original design is hard to beat. the right way would be with a clutch. the cheaper, not as good way would be a rigid or flex fan with spacer. jmho.

You can use just a spacer, but make sure your fan is half in/half out of the shroud opening. Have you considered using a flexite clutch? Summit has a non thermal one for $35 Thermal is around $45


http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FLX%2D5255&N=700+303475+4294908216+115&autoview=sku

I know that I can run a basic fan without the clutch but is that the correct way to go or should I spend a little more money and get a new clutch. IF going with the clutch setup is the way to go with a aftermarket setup or am I better of sticking with original GM? give me some pros and cons if anyone has any experience with either. thanks

You can go either way. If you use the spacer, your fan will constantly run and place unnecessary drag on your engine not to mention use up horsepower. When the car is moving, there is enough airflow that the fan doesn't need to run. A clutch set up is more efficient while still providing enough airflow when you need it. There are two types. A nonthermal clutch is engaged at lower engine speeds and stops when your engine hits a certain rpm. A thermal clutch will engage when your engine hits a certain temp. I think gm only used a thermal clutch. If your after original gm, expect to pay big $$ which is why I suggested looking at the flex a lite clutches. I have the nonthermal flex a lite with a 6 blade fixed fan and its a quality unit. Working great for 3-4 years now.

what size fan blade will I need to get for my small block without a/c 69 camaro?

How do you know your clutch is bad?

I can grab the fan clutch and move it side to side and get quite a bit of movement while the mounting plate is bolted tight to the water pump. It moves almost as if a bearing was worn out. I may be wrong but I wouldnt think it should move like it does. Let me know what you think. Thanks

it's bad if it always spins freely or more commonly, if it seizes up. if you don't have overheating issues, it's probably working just fine.

Buy a new clutch hub. They're much better than using a fixed style mount. :thumbsup:

Consider one from GM or at least with a reputable name. Maybe there are crappy foreign ones entering the market.

Some on here run a 18 inch fan, but I have a 17 inch 6 blade fixed fan.