Radiator clearance help

Solid fan will just soak up horsepower after 45 mph. Clutch fan doesn't . One of the reasons the factory always used a clutch fan. More efficient.
Clearance ? 1" is plenty if everything is tight and you have good mounts. Make sure to run a shroud.
Did the Barracuda have a v-8 to begin with or is this a complete engine change ? You said you were restoring it but you have changed everything from stock.
Factory stuff fits, different year/aftermarket parts seldom do.