fan shroud/ fan width?

[losthope]

ok guys i need a little advice/ help! i recived my fan shroud via ups and its time to install it.im running the old clutch fan which measures 19"that i want to get rid of, and i have a flex fan im thinking about using my ?'s are the opening for the shroud measures 19 1/2" and the flex fan measures 17" is that gonna be alright to run and pull enough air or does the fan need to be bigger? im worried if i go bigger is there gonna be any chance the fan hitting shroud if motor flexs/moves ? and how far does the fan need to be in the shroud for proper performance? i've never addressed fan shroud's before so im in the dark any help is appreciated!

[bama63]

the blade should extend into the shroud half the width of the blade and have a maximum of no more than one inch clearance between the outer blade and shroud to function properly and my only experience with flex fans was losing a blade and completely trashing my radiator,shroud and hood so i prefer clutch fans or electric hope this helps

[Brad54]

Look at companies like YearOne, and get the biggest reproduction fan with the most blades you can get. I have a 7-blade fan for a big block with A/C... I think it might be Chevelle.
It should give the measurements. If I'm remembering it right, it's a little over 18 inches across.
Do NOT get their cheaper repro fan... it's got a sticker on it that says "Do not exceed 4,000 rpm." WTF?! I think it's source from Flexalite. It's steel, but they say not to take it above 4 grand... 4 grand isn't that high.

-Brad