Running hot, need bigger fan and other tricks advice please

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Here's what I have on board now -
Contemporary Shelby Cobra replica
520" FE engine. 744 HP (I know - tough to cool)
Fluidyne Shelby Cobra radiator
Custom made full radiator shroud
Spal 2082 16" puller fan - 1900 CFM
No thermostat in the system right now
2- Cobra style pusher fans
50/50 Prestone coolant mix

The car is running almost 220 degrees in the Texas heat in traffic, I need to cool it off. I believe the issue may be with the fan, it's not moving enough air. At the time I bought it, this Spal 2082 1900 CFM fan was about the best out there. That was years ago. The problem is, in my Contemporary it's VERY tight back there. This fan barely fits between the shroud and the steering rack right behind the fan. It's not a standard Contemporary (CCX) radiator install. In the stock CCX radiator install the rad sits vertically. In my car it's laid back a bit like a typical Cobra. Going back to vertical would be virtually impossible due to changes made to the car. That's not a choice available to me. There is no possible way to get a Taurus style fan to fit back there.

In short, I do not have the room for something like the usual monster Taurus fan, etc. Whatever I use needs to be the typical style 16" fan. What's the best one out there now, moving the most air? I do a Google search and dozens come up, most look like Chinese junk. Anyone using a good quality 16" that moves significantly more than the 1900 CFM that this Spal moves? A very good trusted friend recommends to me to use a 2 speed Volvo fan. I have to look into that as far as installed dimensions to see if it'll fit in my tight space. He also recommends that I use water wetter. I didn't realize that stuff actually works. I always thought it was a gimmick but he tells me it can lower temps by 10 degrees or so.

I've read that the Cobra auxiliary pusher fans are cosmetic only, that they do virtually nothing. Is that true?

Any and all proven ideas you guys might to get this car to run cooler within the limitations of space that I have outlined above would be greatly appreciated.

Have you confirmed your timing is set properly and your carb is properly tuned? Either one can cause a hot run condition.

As for cooling a high compression (you make not mention of compression) engine for the street, Be Cool makes a 16", slimline style fan with a 3,000 cfm capacity. CLICK HERE
I've used this one in the past, but uncertain if it was on a Contemporary.
You also need to install a thermostat, again, high volume, 180 degree, mix of 50/50 coolant with an additive like MOTOR MAX installed.

Like I've seen with plenty of street rods over the years, there will be limitations to how cool your car will eventually run, all based on build specs, and fuel used. I'd start with the above, maybe add some additional details as to your engines specs, and whether it has been tuned properly or not, and we can go from there.

Bill S.