Trying to keep my "cool"

Let me set the scene before I start asking questions.

I'm ordering the parts for my 351w (400 hp) , and I'm trying to figure out whether I need to use the short water pump ($125) in order to have enough clearance for a pulling electric fan. This route also requires purchasing a special $260 balancer.

My radiator is 16.5"w by 24" tall.

As it is, with a stock water pump, there is 1 3/8" between the radiator and the tip of the pump. The pump shaft is 15" below the top of the radiator.

I also will be running AC, and the condensor is mounted in front of the radiator.


What CFM do you recommend?

Can anyone recommend a fan that might work with the stock equiptment?

I'm thinking I might can fit a 16" in there, but it will overlap the pump stub by 1". The manufacturers usually give a max fan thickness, but I don't know how thick they are out close to the edges.

Thought about going to push fans? Seen'em on 37's before. Make a little more room for tinkerin' in that engine bay too.

Andy,
Push fan with a condenser in the way is not likely to get the job done.

Think puller, gotta have a shroud to help for stop and go, if you can fit a 16" something around 2200 cfm is good. You're going to lose some flow with the tight confines you've described. The shorter pump would be better, you pick up another 1 1/4", fans work better if they're about an inch away from the core, especially with the shroud.

You have the same problem I had and I went with two puller fans on the front. You won't be able to fit two, but get a large maybe 3000cfm with a shroud like Bob says. It should keep that 351 cool.

Yea, other than the fact that pushers aren't as efficient, I really like the fact that they would be pretty visible from the exterior of the car.

Looks like it's the short pump for me.