bring the fan to the radiator or use a shroud

i have a large set back from the radiator on my current project . is it better to bring the fan to the radiator or shroud the fan to the radiator

 

Shrouds cool better than an open fan when built correctly.

 

i certainly agree with that but i already have a 3 1/2 '' shroud on it . what im asking is it better to extend the fan to the current shroud or extend the shroud to the fan?

 

The shroud isn't going to do much unless about half the fan blade extends into it. I guess it depends on if you're concerned about how it looks, I think a shroud that's 5 or 6 inches deep will look out of place. I'd get the fan closer if you can. Even an electric fan would look better then a very deep shroud.

 

How far are you talking? 6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other as long as the shroud is sealed and/or the fan isnt extended to the point its going to wobble and become a projectile.

 

I would use a fan spacer. Probably a quicker and cheaper solution

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post some pics of what you are working on. what engine you are running?

 

How long of a spacer are you talking about?.

 

A photo would help,but getting the fan close to the radiator and using a good steel bladed fan,not a flex fan. HRP

 

Either will work, the fan extension is easier and cheaper. Early Monte Carlo small block V8s had the longest one I ever saw. Must have been 6" long, never caused a problem that I know of.

 

I had a C-2 corvette with a 5 or 6" fan spacer. Shoulda heard the noise when the water pump shaft broke at about 6500 RPM!
'Vette radiators are expensive.
Keep the RPMs below 5000 and you'll prolly be ok with a spacer.

 

Use a fan spacer... less work and will probably look better than a huge shroud, should work fine with your existing shroud

 

I'd strive for the fan being 1/4" to 1/2" away from the radiator and the fan being about half way into the shroud. In your case moving the fan closer to the radiator would be my choice.

 

I would avoid a spacer any more than a couple inches long. A long shroud is not unusual, however if it is too excessive, an Electric fan might be more visually appealing. Too not answer your question with my opinion, If it was my car, I would look into setting the radiator back towards the engine if possible, for better balance.

 

it is a sbc in a f100 on a chevy frame . i screwed the driver up in my pc so i cant down load pics. the parts stores around here say that they cant get a spacer over 3". i also remember the monty spacers i going to check with a dealer. as for electric fans i guess im old fashioned and dont like them when they go out u have nothing . i also use the 7 bladed fan on all my old cars . thanks for the help ,i guess one is as good as the other . if i move the radiator back i would have to shroud the whole radiator or the air would byp*** it .

 

I'm like you,,I don't like electric fans..

I've used them in the past and they are just not a cure all. HRP

 

Shrouding the front of the radiator to fill the gap is more an appearance thing than a function issue, at least in my experience. We had a 59 Galaxie, with the radiator moved back 1 inch, and didn't have any cooling issues. Just to play Devils advocate, have you considered water pump and lower pulley spacers, and if you arent running one, a long water pump ?

I have seen a few older trucks, with the radiator set back from the core support several inches, and rubber used to fill the void between the core support and radiator, although It seems it was only on the top.

 

yeh i am using a long pump and this would be at least a 4" set back . im believen it could get ugly .

 

Then the second generation Monte Carlo had a long shroud and a short spacer.

 

I looked at a couple images online . You might be able to disguise it somewhat with a couple bead rolled panels, in front of the radiator, or a forward tilting hood. I know where your at though, these type of dilemmas bug the hell outta me.

 

here's a 4 inch spacer from summit racing

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/kys-100-15310-4/overview/

 

To do it right, you need to do all 3. Add a longer fan extension, move the rad closer to the motor, and extend the shroud. Move each one 1 1/4" and your almost there and nothing would look out of place.

From the old dirt track racing days, if the solid 7 blade fan is properly spaced in the shroud, and the shroud is properly placed against the rad, the fan will pull enough air through the rad to cool under most conditions. Then if there is duct work pulling the air into the rad off the front end of the car, it will cover everything except a mechanical issue. Gene