What shroud to use on CJ7 with AMC V8?

[10Seconds]

I have a CJ7 with the AMC v8. It didnt have a fan shroud when I got it, but I want to put one back on as I am rebuilding it. Problem is, there are 3 different part numbers I come up with and dont know which I need.

I have a 3 core radiator and automatic Transmission as well.

Any ideas?

Also, should I upgrade to a flex-a-lite or similar fan? Dont want to go electric, but do want to keep this as cool as I can.

Thanks!

 

[mriplaybass]

We used an Omix-ADA shroud on our 79 CJ7 . We have a T-18 4 speed, but I don't think that makes a difference. It required a little trimming around the lower radiator hose, but it works great. I don't normally care much for Omix-ADA, but this item works fine if you don't mind doing a little "adjusting"

As for the fan, it depends on what you are using your Jeep for. A flex fan is great if you are using it only on the road. The purpose of a flex fan is that it moves a lot of air at low RPM's because the blades are angled. When the engine is at high RPM, the blades flatten out because of centrifugal force. Your cooling is achieved by the air moving over the radiator because the vehicle is at high speed. Since the blades are flattened out, there is less drag on the engine.
If you are using the Jeep for a lot of off road where you are geared down, especially if you have put lower gears in the differentials, or a Tera-low in the Transfer Case , you will be turning high RPM's at very low wheel speeds. The blades will flatten out due to the high RPM's, but the Jeep will not be moving forward fast enough to provide adequate air flow over the radiator. Given this scenario, you stand a greater chance of over heating. I use a non clutch, rigid fan and cool just fine in all applications. I am, however, considering an electric pusher fan in order to pick up a few extra horses by reducing engine drag no matter what kind of driving I am doing.
Hope this helps!

 

[10Seconds]

Which Omix one did you use?

They list 3 part numbers: 17102.3 17102.1 and 17102.02 and I dont know which is what. One site lists the 17102.02 as HD cooling.

I just dont want to order wrong.

Thanks.

 

[mriplaybass]

The 17102.02 is for the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l inline 6. The 17101.01 is a lighter duty shroud. I have never physically seen one, but from the pictures, it looks like there might not be any trimming necessary. I used the 17103.03. It is of heavy construction, with a deeper tunnel for the fan to fit into. I did have to trim to make the lower radiator hose fit, but in my opinion, is a better shroud. When the engine is running, the front of the radiator is like a wind tunnel. I plan to use the same shroud on our 1959 CJ5 . Even though that one only has a V6, I still like the deeper fan tunnel and don't mind doing a bit of trimming.