Just a thought....if you were to put on an adaptor plate behind the old style water pump you'd raise the fan up to the center of the radiator. I tried the "short pump route" gave me a little extra clearance but left the fan low (off-center) and I experienced fan interference with the balancer. The adaptor plate moves the fan up about 3".(You have about 1/2" under the thermostat housing) I have that setup on my 235 and my 15" six blade Flex-fan clears the stock balancer.
The adaptor plate is $40.00, an early pump $50. from NAPA....wonder what Patrick is going to ask for his balancer? Might be something to check into!!!
An added benefit to the adaptor plate route, is that you can buy a replacement water pump at any local parts house. Would hate to be sitting beside the road waiting for a UPS truck to deliver my "special" pump!!! Check it out!
