I have a '57 272 out of an F100 that is going in my Model A coupe, the engine has a fan spacer that is 2 1/8" long, the water pump shaft side is 3/4" and the fan mount shaft is 5/8". I would like to narrow the distance between the engine and radiator, can I do without the spacer? it looks like the fan will clear everything with no spacer used. I would just have to enlarge the fan hole for the larger shaft. Does this work or will it cause problems? I know there are shorter spacers out there so may go that direction.



Thanks

Spacer was there to get the fan closer to the radiator so it could pullmore air in . Dont know if you will need one on your car or not you may have to put it in place and check clearance.  

55Birdman  Hickory NC

I have a 302 in a 48 Ford and run without a fan spacer. No problems. Just make sure everything clears.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks. It looks like it shouldn't be a problem, I just didn't know if there was any vibration or other issues that the spacer may have been there for. I am making all the engine mounts so I can get the fan as close to the radiator as I want, I was thinking around 5/8" gap between radiator and fan blade.

I,m guessing radiators are cheap over there? would give some more space to allow for mount flex, chassis flex etc.if possible.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

With 5/8 inch I don't think you will even have room to install fan and bolts. Let alone tighten them. I'd hold it to around 1 1/2 inches. Are you using the stock radiator?

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

The instructions with my spacer stated to ensure that there is at least 1" between the fan blade and radiator core.


Lawrenceville, GA

Over 1" is sounding smarter, thanks. It is a somewhat new, replacement Model A radiator, I realized the original style mounting bolts have springs in the setup, so some radiator movement can happen.

I'll be putting a 292 in a '29 sport coupe, eng still at the shop (although getting closer), so I'll be looking at m/mount locations shortly.  Will you be mounting the firewall and radiator to get your exact clearance?  Fabricating your own frame mounts?  And I think there's someone else here doing the same swap, so hopefully he'll chime in with helpful hints.

RB