455fbird, you say it hit the shroud in a couple of places....all around? or where? probably in a couple of places close together on one side? if so , try moving the shroud... I recently fixed my problem w a broken shroud ,the fan had hit it on right lower side...former owner had installed new engine... my problem was because engine was off , not the 1" to the right Vikki is talking about but engine tilted down on pass side,i checked brackets and they were fine, I had to shim engine mount up and trim off 1/4" off battery tray to be able to move radiator over 1/8" and then center shroud...and YES you DO need the shroud....unless you go electric... if you go electric, make sure to get 'puller' fan(s) in rear of , not 'pusher'fan fan(s) in front of radiator...main problem with electric fans in my mind is the constant noise = "whishing sound"....
