crazecars & go2fast....i ran a cooling system pressure test today. pressure held fine at 14 psi. i released the pressure then reinstalled the tester & started the engine & the pressure did not climb rapidly as well. i'll get on getting the correct fan. I did not measure the clearance btwn the plates & the water pump impeller the last time & had it off, but you are correct that it's an 8 bolt so there are no rubber rings present. i first read that & immediately started to freak a bit but now i realize that those aren't on my year. phew. I did have the filler panels on, but I didn't put them back on when I put the electric fan in. As soon as I pull the efan, I'll get them back in.

As for pulling the head, I'm getting the feeling that the problem lies deeper as well. I'll pull the water pump first just to check the clearance, but my gut is telling me to yank the head.