How close, is to close for rad fans to water pump pulley space

Part of the op issue is that plate with two holes, that's gotta go, as mentioned. You may as well cut that section of radiator out if you're going to do that.

But I'm shocked that two ten inch fans don't have enough to cool at idle and slow speed. If you cut holes in your shroud, you're just allowing air to back flow when the fans kick on which renders fan and shroud worthless.

Are you putting flaps on the holes in the shroud? All late models do this and it's a brilliant idea. Air flows through more of the shroud when under way, and the flaps seal shut forcing fans to draw through radiator when stopped.
If the radiator can cool it when you're on the freeway with no shroud or fan, I'd think extra holes with flap and your fans would be enough, if I understand the problem at all (unlikely).