What type Mechanical fan is best for cooling; a high perf small block motor, air cond. What blade shape? / What type ;clutch,flex etc...... I can go as much as 20" fan, and approx 3" depth to radiator
I would say a fixed blade fan with as much pitch and blades as possible. Look at factory fans on A/C equipped cars. If you have the room, clutch type fans are plentiful.
I read a article in one of the BIG mags a few years ago that tested the flow and cooling ability of fans. Fixed Flex Electric none of them could come close to the five blade clutch fan.
I always sought out solid Caddy fans for my stock cars. Which was a double-edged sword if the radiator got pushed into one. I've seen aftermarket ones similar to those with 6 blades or so. Bob
I have used one of these on my dirt track cars. Ain't worth a darn wthout a proper fitting shroud though. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flex-a-lite-Heavy-Duty-Steel-Cooling-Fan,1846.html
I prefer the one from Summit! I have this steel blade fan on all 3 of my hot rods,,they come in several different sizes. HRP
Now that's a great fan above. You can use the best fan ever,but if ya need it to work right,it needs a good shroud...........
We have used Flexalite plastic fans to fix cooling issues on a lot of different cars...... They're inexpensive and they work.
I don't know if this one is anywhere near the best but it will suck a cat through the radiator if he gets too close. it came off a Dodge Van that I had.
Best fan blade I've ever used....4 blade early Chevrolet. Cools a 750h.p. Dirt late model engine with no shroud....something about staggered blades.....