Engine fan clutch

[Ray C.]

What was the first year a fan clutch installed on a Corvette?

[Don H.]

I know it was an option in 1960, I'm not sure if that was the first year.

[Ray C.]

I have done some additional research and I believe you are correct with 1960. Thanks Ray

[Duke W.]

I was going to say 1961, but wasn't sure, so I decided to let others to chime in. To be sure I checked the GM vehicle information kits. For 1960 the fan is described as "four blade, staggered" (page 39 of the pdf) and no indication of a fan option. The '61 fan description is "thermo modulated" with additional information (page 21 and 38 of the pdf).

https://www.gm.com/content/dam/company/no_search/heritage-archive-docs/vehicle-information-kits/chevrolet/1960-Chevrolet-Corvette.pdf

https://www.gm.com/content/dam/company/no_search/heritage-archive-docs/vehicle-information-kits/chevrolet/1961-Chevrolet-Corvette.pdf

These vehicle information kits that go back over 100 years for Chevrolet alone are terrific resources for technical information.

Duke

[Ian G.]

Per judging guide, RPO 121 Fan Clutch an option in 1960, and not available in 1959...
Screenshot of RPOs from the 1959 GM guide Duke mentioned.

image.png

[Duke W.]

I didn't reference the 1959 Corvette vehicle information package... just the '60 and '61 versions, but I now see that RPO 121. Fan, thermostatically controlled, is listed as the last item in the '60's options list.

It's listed in the NCRS Spec. Guide at 2711 installed, about one-quarter of production.

I apologize for the error.

Duike

[Ray C.]

Duke,
There is no need for an apology, your post with attachments help me and others come up with the correct information. One of the best things about the NCRS forum is the members and their willingness to help others by providing information needed to restore their Corvettes correctly .
Thanks again!
Ray

[David B.]

Per October '61 Chevrolet Service News p.26 announcing the new 1962 Features
"A new non-adjustable thermo-modulated clutch fan is standard equipment on all 327 and 409 cubic inch engines" It is also available as an option on 283 engines.

[Ian G.]

Hey Duke my intent wasn't to disprove, just to clarify and help... Thanks for all you do on the forum. I'm glad I've been in the hobby long enough now to occasionally be a help as well