Radiator clearance help

MoparLeo said

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.

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No, factory didn't always use a clutch fan. Most times they didn't. Never saw a factory one until the '70s, but not saying they weren't out there. NONE of my '68 GTSs had them- 3 340s, 1 383; a '66 AC wagon, a '66 Valiant 270, a '69 Swinger, and others... all factory.
That said, there's no reason not to run fan clutches if you can fit one in. Fact is, you can't always. No crime if you can't.