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Author Topic: Radiator clearance question  (Read 1744 times)

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Offline Rob3865

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Radiator clearance question
« on: April 02, 2014, 12:27:08 AM »
ok, I searched my hind end off and could not find exactly what I need. Yall forgive another question. The radiator I have is a three row that bolts into the stock location in the Bobcat. I know from experience that it is enough to cool a stock or mild 302 as long as everything else is doing its job, but here is my question.

Right now, the car has a 2.8 V6 in it and an auto. I assume some form of C4. It appears the bellhousing bolts sit a pretty good bit forward of the firewall. I know I could get the bolts out with little effort. There's that much room. The Explorer engine measures 27" from bellhousing flange to the tip of the water pump shaft. Just eyeballing it, it appears the radiator will fit, but I want room for a fan between the engine and radiator.

Does the 302's bellhousing sit in the same place as the V6 or does it possibly sit further back? Depending on how long the T5 bellhousing is, I just don't know. I can mill off the threaded water pump shaft that the late model fan screws to and gain about one inch. I want the radiator in the stock location for several reasons. Aint no way I'm cutting the radiator support out.

So I reckon my question is, has anyone used the stock radiator in the stock location with some kinda of thin electric fan between the radiator and engine? If not, you can bet your butt, I am fixin to figure out how to do it. Thanks.

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: Radiator clearance question
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2014, 07:28:41 AM »
I been contemplating putting an electric fan on mine.
Art
65 Falcon 2DR 200 IL6 with C4.

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Radiator clearance question
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2014, 10:42:56 AM »
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fms-m-8501-e351s


http://www.cvfracing.com/category-s/165.htm


Regardless of where your V6 is sitting, move it all back as close to the fire wall as you can. You'll need the right oil pan to do this: http://www.milodon.com/oil-pans/street-oil-pans-ford73.asp

Look in my "Ugly Yellow 72 Pinto" topic in the Projects section for ideas on a couple mods to make.

Please stick to your guns on not cutting the rad support : no need to cut it !
To install the engine the balancer can be on the front. Nothing else.
Flywheel & back plate can be on as well. Not the clutch.
Bolt that & bell on when the engine is nearly in place.

Need more info feel free to ask.

FYI - the T-5 that was in my car when I bought it - the shifter hole was not cut.
May have a different shifter handle ?
I found it to be in a good location for shifting.

Offline Rob3865

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Re: Radiator clearance question
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2014, 01:18:29 PM »
Oh I aint cutting the radiator support. Count on it. That water pump will not do it for mine. I am using the Explorer front cover and water pump. Supposedly, it ends up being the shortest possible combination. Ain't but one way to find out and I will take pictures and post them when I get there. Dropped the block and heads off at the machine shop this morning to get cleaned and magnafluxed. Getting my transmission and bellhousing next week. I am going to go ahead and pull the V6 and C4. No sense in wasting money trying to get it running. Just double work. So it won't be long before I put it together for measuring. I will let yall know what I come up with.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Radiator clearance question
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2014, 12:28:31 AM »
I have the 20" factory radiator in my '73.  This required widening the cradle (see pic 4). The moved portion was overlapped to strengthen the cradle. Running a 2.3 Turbo I have virtually 3/16" from the pump shaft to the radiator (see pic 3).  I used a pusher fan on the front and have NO problem cooling even offsetting the fan to the side (see pics 1 & 2).  How that works with a V-8 and the additional heat I don't know.

I understand that a puller fan is better than a pusher fan, but at least in my case a pusher was no problem.  BTW, that fan and motor cost me $1 at a swapmeet.  The mount was made from a bed frame.