Distance between radiator and fan SBC 350 ????

[87BlazeLS]

Alright , I got this spacer from autozone that was 2.5" in length and is made from billet aluminum looks real nice. However.
That said the bolts it came with and mear millimeters too short to attach the hub of the fan clutch/ fan assembly.
I could get only one bolt in but had to remove all washers to do it.
The stock studs in the water pump neck are M8 x 1.25 pitch then convert to american thread that would attach the fan clutch
hub in the stock location. I had to purchase special threaded studs in the M8 x 1.25 pitch 80mm long with 27mm threaded ends to make the attachment work. Locking nuts and washers will attach the hub assembly to the new spacer.
This will bring my fan to within 3/4" away from the back of the radiator. It will take a few days for the hardware to come in.
I will post back after installation is done with test results. I checked locally for these special bolts and could not find the right combination. Either way too short, too long, not the right grade, Too expensive, Etc.
I spent over 2 hours just trying every possible way to make the setup work with zero luck. It was like a monkey $%&*@ on a football!!!!

talk about impossible. I guess thats why it said it was (universal fit ) Yeah right

 

[87BlazeLS]

Got an update on the Fan issue. I was told by more than one party that the OEM fan clutch assembly is not to be attached to a spacer!!! I did not know this. From what I understand the aluminum adapter (spacer) cannot handle the weight and mass
spinning out at the end. I have since purchased a 6 blade after market fan from a shop locally here in Orlando.
Will be here on Monday. I hope to have it back on and checked out so we will be ready for the show this weekend.

jake

 

[87BlazeLS]

Another update to this issue. Got my new fan today, Took it home and had it installed in 15 minutes. Fit like a glove.

It actually still is a good 4 inches away from the radiator. I'm going to try this setup in the next several days and see how
much of a difference is seen. This is a 6 blade flexfan. With the 2.5" spacer attached. Says the max spacer size is 3".

I would have to move the radiator rearward to gain anymore as far as distance between the radiator and fan.

Hopefully this is the cat meow...

jake

 

[RITTER]

Are you running a short water pump :?:

I run a standard long water pump and with my aluminum fan shroud and electric fan assembly, I have less than an inch clearance between the fan motor and the stud ends of my water pump pulley :? I guess that would be about 5" hanging off the back side of the radiator though (about and inch for the shroud and the FlexLite is 4" wide)

But if you still have 5" between your radiator and you fan with a 2 1/2" spacer, that would mean your pulley sits 7" or more from your radiator :|

 

[87BlazeLS]

YUP Ritter, it's a good 7" deep in there. Stock setup from the 305 vin code H. why so much room I do not know.
All I can say is the new Flex-o-lite fan made a HUGE difference in running temps and stand still temps. I can run for
20 miles straight and never even peg the 160 thermostat. And at a stop or sitting still it never climbs above 170.

Works like a charm. I think if it was closer to radiator it might be better. But this is Damn good for me.

Problem solved in my book.

thanks for all the comments and help from every member ...

jake