Champion radiator w 16 inch electric fan and shroud question

[cthalite3]

Hello all. I have a '70 Roadrunner w a 440 BB and I want to change my original radiator to a Champion 3 row 22inch core with a 16in fan and aluminum shroud. I will be painting it all black. Do I have clearance for fan? I've heard I will need about 7-7 1/2 inches of clearance. Also the radiator is 22" core but 26" if u measure from bracket to bracket. I am supposed to be looking for a 22" core radiator correct? Thanks for all your help. The cost for all is appx $369. Any other suggestions wud be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dennis H]

I use a factory thermal clutch fan, 26 inch, 4 row, with factory shroud and green coolant. Add a Mancini Billet (overpriced) thermo housing and a 180 Napa superstat on the 440. Ambient 107 degrees in a Parade in Reno. Stays cool. It's the recipe. No need for aluminum anything. Ma knew. Good luck. Get your wallet and do it right. Reliable cooling in uncertain conditions is priceless.

 

[bigblock]

I have a 26 inch Champion,A/C,factory shroud,thermal clutch and a seven blade stock fan. No problems.

 

[krowbar]

Champion 3 row 26", stock shroud, 18" flex fan, 180°stat,50/50 green coolant. Runs @ 165° . Came w/ 16" electric fan but never installed it. about $240 on ebay. I'm in Texas too so that's pretty cool running. If copper was so GREAT they would be running them in every race car. What do they put in NEW vehicles?....Aluminum!Aluminum is lighter and the way they make them now they flow better( bigger tubes). Now if you want to keep it all FACTORY then the old heavy bulky UGLY copper one is the way to go.

 

[cthalite3]

Thanks dennis H, bigblock, and krowbar. All tips are very helpful.

 

[HT413]

I think the only answer is to take measurements and see for yourself. Also it depends on if center of the electric fan is centered on your water pump snout or if it is sufficiently offset, as that will allow you much more room.

Now, if you're looking for advice as to your cooling setup, like most have said, skip the electric fan and go with a thermostatic clutch fan, it's more effective and might even be a wash as far as horsepower if you consider that the electric fan takes horsepower for the alternator to generate the electric power for the fan.

IMO, the only time an electric fan saves significant horsepower is on an alternator-less race application, with everything running off batteries.

 

[cthalite3]

thanks HT. I did measure and I went with the 26" core. I did buy electric fans but I had my alternator built to 200amps. I'll give it a try and see. would u happen to know the color for the ignition wire under the dash? the diagram i have is not very helpful.