Radiator/fan placement and set up.

At that stage in my build. (4.3 Vortec in an MB) I really only have 2 options.

A) Smaller radiator with an electric puller (fan between the radiator and engine)

-or-

B) larger radiator with an electric pusher fan.

With everything else going on, these are my 2 options. In the case of option A, the radiator would be mounted against the grill (or within 1/4" to prevent fin damage). - Hense the need to be small enough to fit between the headlight buckets.

 

Take that trashed grill, cut out everything you can, mount the 3 row aluminum rad right up close to the grill and mount an electric puller fan. Cooling fans work better if they pull the air through the cooling fins.

I have a huge radiator that goes from the outside edge of the headlight buckets and I have enough room to use the mechanical fan with a buick 225 V6. its not ideal, but it never runs hot, ever. I will most likely in the future go with an electric puller fan at some point.

 

47v6 is right on! I have an electric fan in front of my radiator, does well on the street but not off road. I didn't want to cut into the headlight buckets so my radiator isn't forward enough to put the fan behind the radiator.

 

Yep gut the grill. This is mine with a 2" spacer between the tub and fenders running a 302. With your 4.3 you should have plenty of room.

 

My set up uses two 12" electric fans mounted side by side. I used a 18 gauge steel plate and screwed the fans to it. Just like a fan shroud that holds the top of the radiator.

 

For the guys who publish cooling ratios...I want to report that a puller fan is 40% MORE EFFICIENT

 

Well, I only have two choices, short of cutting my grill.

I can run to 8 or 9" puller fans or a 14" pusher.

I do have a large 3 core, which should give me enough cooling, even when crawling. Mechanical is not an option.

 

I got by without cutting my grill. used an all aluminum champion radiator for a mustang and a 14" puller fan. Does not get hot.