Radiator fan

What's the best distance between the fan and the radiator?

As close as possable without touching, and use a shroud.

I've got a 302 in mine. It has the stock fan on the crank, and about a mile between it and the radiator (and NO shroud). I am looking to rectify this situation as soon as possible.

I think the radiator is stock, any suggestions as to an electric fan that might bolt up? I was planning on removing the stock fan to free up the motor a bit (and quiet it down some). As far as electrical hookup, I've got a temp guage, can I just splice into that for the fan switch?

This is my Taurus fan unit. It's from a Taurus wagon with A/C. The spacing between the water pump and back of motor may be a bit close, but so far so good. This fan keeps a 350 cool at 185 degrees. I also have a new 3 core radiator which I believe is a must for these old vans, as the original rad would not be adiquit to cool properly. Fan fits perfectly on the rad with abot 90% coverage. Hope this helps you out.

Not sure how you missed it but have been posting about the Taurus two speed fan and shroud for a long time, surprised no one has chirped in,, LOL..
  I make the V8 cross members and have done quite a few.  Personally prefer the length of the stock 240 radiator for added cooling surface and then the old update of to a 4 row radiator.  Also use the short nosed water pump.
  The point I am talking about is that the Taurus fan comes with a shroud that fits the 240 radiator, puts out about 4,000 CFM and costs about $35 bucks,,,, or $18 bucks at half off sale.... As always I also insist on using the 3G alternator as it puts out 90 amps AT IDLE.  AT IDLE the most important part.
 The time that we over heat is when we are stuck in stop and go traffic, which is when the RPM speed is low and the stock alternator cannot put out enough amperage,,,  SO if you upgrade to the 3G it will keep up with ALL of your electrical needs at idle without having to sit with your foot on the gas pedal adding more heat,,,,  duh,,,,, If your alternator is not putting out enough to keep up with the fan then the CFM rating of the fan is useless as it will not be running at full speed anyways......................
  ALSO,,,, I have been using and remote fan cooled transmission cooler for over 15 years at least now,, and it greatly reduces the heat transfer load on the radiator itself.  Why RE introduce the heat back into an already compromised situation in the 1st place.
   vic

I'm running a old Org Ford flex fan off of a V8 engine useing a stock 240 radiator, the org spacer is about 3 inches long and I'm still about 2 inches away( no shroud ) I run about 195-200 in stop and go traffic and have never over heated yet. Sitting in garage and reving it Im blowing the leaves and grass clippings out from underneath my van. Just bought another one off of a old Lincoln V8 for $5.00 this weekend to give to (It Runs) to see if his V8 dodge runs any cooler. Picked up 2 Taurus fans last year for half price after reading Vics thread on keeping a V8 cool.Just need to make the relays and install fan (summer project??) and see if it runs any cooler

This is all GREAT information. I watch my temp creep up to like 240 degrees in traffic. Once I start moving, it's fine, but…

I think I'll start looking for a Taurus fan. Is the temp switch usually included with the fan? Does the switch just mount through the radiator?

My problem is that I don't get enough air to the radiator at high speeds.
Maybe I should have put the new aluminum 3 core radiator lower.
Any suggestions on an air dam or scoop?