I knew when I put this cooling system together that my clearances were marginal at best. After 2500 miles and a few good trail runs I thought I was in the clear. Well, this weekend I was out testing out my new BFG 35" MT's and actually found some mud here in Tucson. I got on my mildly built 302 to get through the mud and heard a sound no man should have to hear. I am guessing that the tires transfered the torque back through to the motor and it went forwrd and hit the radiator. Possibly the front clip bowed a little bit also. I have a Summitt universal fit aluminum radiator that was reccommended by one of the guys on here. I love the radiator and it was only $169. Even without a fan shroud I have never had any cooling problems here in AZ. The stock mounts were gone so I purchased some and welded them in but they only gave me about 3/4" of clearance at the top of the radiator. It leans inward for some reason. I also got a 1" fan spacer that gives me 1/2" of room from the fan to the belts. My motor is a 302 from an 89 Mustang that I believe was serpintine but was converted to two belts.
My plan for now is to mount the top brackets on the outside of the clip and get a little more room and modify the lower bracket to get it closer to the front also. I looked at electric fans, but I really think I will have clearance problems because some of them are up to 4 1/2" deep. Then I will need room from the motor to the back of the fan.
Questions:
How much room do I need between the fan and radiator?
How does everyone else have room and I don't with a 302?
Should I get an electric fan that is only about 2-3 inches deep.
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, and yes i am in the process of searching past posts.
Thanks
Chad
My plan for now is to mount the top brackets on the outside of the clip and get a little more room and modify the lower bracket to get it closer to the front also. I looked at electric fans, but I really think I will have clearance problems because some of them are up to 4 1/2" deep. Then I will need room from the motor to the back of the fan.
Questions:
How much room do I need between the fan and radiator?
How does everyone else have room and I don't with a 302?
Should I get an electric fan that is only about 2-3 inches deep.
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, and yes i am in the process of searching past posts.
Thanks
Chad