Sorry to be such a bother, but I seem to be rushing through a series of decision points right now as I put the pieces I've assembled and preped over a few years back together for a final assembly effort.
Having a 1955 'smallmouth' TR3 with the later high port head (engine otherwise unmodified) and an original radiator (with crank hole) seems to put me near the edge for around town driving in the 105+ heat of Carlsbad, NM.
I've seen recommendations to exchange out the original TR3 fan (4 blade steel/Al) for the later yellow plastic TR4 fan.
After a couple of abortive attempts to change out the fan hub, I saw where the TRF catalog noted that you could just turn it over and install it backwards.
I did this and was uncomfortable with the lack of clearance I had. After some careful shimming, I now have a good 1/4" clearance with the shock tower support member. Is this enough? What is the collective experience with this mod?
The new fan does look like it would pull a lot more air through he radiator.
Should I go back to the original fan, or will this be OK? Would like to hear from somebody who has done this mod.
Dave in Carlsbad
Having a 1955 'smallmouth' TR3 with the later high port head (engine otherwise unmodified) and an original radiator (with crank hole) seems to put me near the edge for around town driving in the 105+ heat of Carlsbad, NM.
I've seen recommendations to exchange out the original TR3 fan (4 blade steel/Al) for the later yellow plastic TR4 fan.
After a couple of abortive attempts to change out the fan hub, I saw where the TRF catalog noted that you could just turn it over and install it backwards.
I did this and was uncomfortable with the lack of clearance I had. After some careful shimming, I now have a good 1/4" clearance with the shock tower support member. Is this enough? What is the collective experience with this mod?
The new fan does look like it would pull a lot more air through he radiator.
Should I go back to the original fan, or will this be OK? Would like to hear from somebody who has done this mod.
Dave in Carlsbad