Cooling Fan
 

I noticed my engine had an electric cooling fan above the main fan shroud that looks like it pushes air over the heat exchangers. Do I need this? Does it just make the heating more efficient or does it actually play some part in engine cooling?

That fan blows air through the heat exchangers to provide more consistent levels of heat & defrost in the cabin as well as keeping the headers cooler.

OK, understood, so do I need them if I am prepared to accept less consistent cabin heating?

Where do you live. It's 85 degrees in Los Angeles today and Zero degrees in New York.
I'd leave it in. As Steve states above, it cools the headers.
Bob B

Look up "backdating heat" threads for more information on the blower and associated parts removal.

Thanks, I read a bunch or posts about heat backdating so I know what I need to do. One question, where can you get the left and right ducts to backdate your heat. Also, does anyone make a left duct that does not have the "cutout" for the distributor as I wont have a distributor on my build?

You can get the back date parts right from our gracious host.

Right Side Part Number: 911-106-322-01-PH - Pelican Parts - Product Information: 911-106-322-01-PH

Left Side Part Number: 930-106-321-01-PH - Pelican Parts - Product Information: 930-106-321-01-PH