Radiator Fans Infront? or in back?

so I got the 302 in the merc and finally put the front back on and when I stuck the radiator back in I noticed that theres is maybe about 1 1/2 inch space between it and the crank that the belt is on. So my question is can I use a electric radiator fan in front of the radiator? or do I need to move the motor back? Thanks for the help

 

Everything I've ever read says they work best as pullers. A lot of muscle car guys use them as pushers in front of the radiator to augment their stock engine driven fans. You could also use 2 smaller electric fans as pullers strategically placed to avoid interference with your water pump pulley which is probably the biggest obstacle.

 

You can go either way but, I understand that pullers are more efficient than pushers.

 

pullers are more effective in a big way. when you are driving a pusher fan restricts airflow across the radiator where the body of the fan is. the idea is to get the maximum amount of air across as much of the radiator as possible. fans are only needed at low speeds, idle, and when your engine is under load. i ran no fan on my daily for a long time during summer and it was fine until it sat at idle. but definately if you can manage to make room use a puller.

 

I'd move the engine back/radiator forward and use a good old engine driven fan.

Electric fans are not old school....

 

lol true but either is my 86 302

 

ok well I have anoher hole to use in my motor mounts so I can set it back another inch and a half. that would give me about 2 1/2 or 3 inches of space. whats the thinnest puller fan you guys know of?

 

'SO.K. to use electric in a closed hood. Just build a shroud if you want to keep the mechanical.