Type of fan used on 196 Four Cyl

[Richard]

Tech Question:
I have a 77 SII, 4 cyl, , 4 sp, basically stock. It came with an after market fiberglass fan, so I had changed it to the stock 4 blade fan that I think came with the 4 cyl 196. It does not have a fan shroud, but I have never had a problem with it overheating, even in bumper to bumper traffic, in the summer, in Los Angeles. My question is: I wanted to switch to a 6 blade IH fan ( I am guessing for a V8). Is there any reason that the 6 blade did not come with the 4 cyl from the factory? is there really any difference in either 4 vs. 6 blade?

Thanks

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Horsepower! A six blade fan will rob the engine of more power than a four blade fan since it is pushing more air. The four cylinder, being a smaller engine, doesn't need such a robust cooling system like a V8 engine does. Since you are not having any cooling issues, I would leave the four blade fan in it and add a fan shroud for good measure.

 

[Richard]

Horsepower! A six blade fan will rob the engine of more power than a four blade fan since it is pushing more air. The four cylinder, being a smaller engine, doesn't need such a robust cooling system like a V8 engine does. Since you are not having any cooling issues, I would leave the four blade fan in it and add a fan shroud for good measure.

Thanks for the quick response. Will follow said guidance.