Hot Rods Need Advice on Water pump and Fan Blade

I have 8 inches between water pump boss and radiator on a high performance SBC. I need advise on how to use 7 inches of it on a water pump and fan, leaving an inch gap between the end of the fan blade and radiator. Do I need a fan Clutch, or could I leave it with just the blade and no fan clutch, Or am I screwed and need an electric pump, I don't know, and that's why I need advise guys, thanks, Stan

 

what are you working on? post some pics

 

I'd move the core support or make a fan shroud. Electric water pumps are for lazy people.

 

A SBC short water pump is 5-5/8" so that leaves you 2-3/8" for the fan.
This is 2.15" thick; http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AAF-ALL30103/
Perfect!

 

Shroud. Done.

 

What they are trying to tell you is that you probably need a shroud as much as you need a pump and fan. Take up any space with the shroud. Leave some of the fan blade outside the shroud (toward engine) for best results.

 

FWIW, I just returned that same fan to Summit because the blades actually stick out well in front of the pump mounting flange by 1 3/4", and only 1/2" behind it, while most OEM fans I'm familiar with, the blades are curved behind. Summit doesn't give any front/rear clearance info and their picture is misleading, as you can't really see that the blade tips also have 3/4" curl towards the radiator.

 

Using that fan he'll be 5/8" from the radiator (2-3/8" minus 1-3/4" leaves 5/8").