Space between rad and fan

Finally dropped the new bb in my 71 and noticed how close the fan is to the radiator. It still has the original 3 core that came wiyh the small block. So my question is, what have you guys that have done the bb conversion noticed as far as spacing between the rad and fan and what did you do to resolve it? Also would you recommend changing the rad? Thanks

The closer the better as long as it does not hit.You nead it as close as you can.You got any pics of it.

No pictures yet as I haven't installed it permanetly ( I just held the rad in place to get some idea how close it is).

The question is: what kind of fan/water pump do you have??? if it is a clutch style or some oversized flex model....then it won't work. Factory BB Novas in 69-70 came with a 5 blade steel fan...no clutch..and long water pump...stock BB rad was 3 core. 68 models had the short pump and clutch fan w/5 blades....There is not a lot of room in the OEM setup.....I have a 70 L78 with 4 core..long pump...and flex fan..fan is about 1/2 way into the shroud and works great..never any cooling issues.


wilma

I run a 3 core SB rad w/ my 402, I have a shroud and flex fan. I think the front of the fan is about 2-3 inches from the rad. No cooling issues.

You should be fine with that radiator as long as you use a shroud.

if it is a clutch style or some oversized flex model....then it won't work.

Why will the clutch-style fan *not* work if it is 2" from the radiator?

Never heard that before. Just curious.

...if you have 2" of spacing...I guess it might work....from my experience there doesn't seem to be enough room... the 68's had the short pump with clutch fan...the 69-70 with the long pump had the fixed 5 blade...doesn't seem to me there would be room for the clutch...but, i've been wrong before....have to do some measuring....might be a new way to go..


always learning..wilma:awkward: