El, I promised I'd give you an update on the response to the installation of the higher CFM fan. It's made a huge difference at speeds under 30-35mph I think. Well so far over 800 miles in four days through California and Arizona, from desert to 7000 feet altitude, from idling at freeway accident scenes in 85-90+ degree asphalt heat to 90MPH running between Barstow and Needles midday, and not a problem yet!
<<<That Barstow to Needles stretch was amazing - even though the speed limit was posted at 60MPH and often at 70MPH ("RADAR ENFORCED"
no less), nobody seemed to care - 80 MPH was the "get over into the slow lane you $&^%@$#!!" speed in that stretch. With my setup the left hand flow of traffic was about 3100-3200RPM, ran at 194F the whole way, ram - air effect no doubt. NOW I know for sure I want an AOD someday.>>>
It seems the max CFM fan has made a difference at slow speeds, at idle, and in town stop and go for my setup. I can't imagine why it would help at high speeds though. I did seal the 1/4" wide full vertical spaces on each side between the fan shroud and the radiator body. Next step for me will be shrouding the front end opening to the radiator.
The fan is a SPAL High Output 16" puller - 45AMP draw - not even listed on their website, bought it from A1Electric after Googling SPAL fans.
Whereas previously almost any serious demands on the cooling system resulted in my pulling over when 225F approached, (usually in stop and go traffic) the engine now runs 190-194F 95% of the time. At speed it's naturally cooler on the straightaway at altitude, maybe 185-190, hotter with steady climbing from the desert floor midday into the mountains, reached 205F after about 30 mins of climbing and
oil pressure dropped 2# before returning to normal once on the straightaway again.
There's some serious danger of my reducing my Temp and Pressure gauge scans to once a minute LOL...! Four more days and we'll be home, hopefully no news during that time.
Hope you discover the optimal solution for your overheating challenge El!
Regards,
Dirk