Preface:
We all assume more flow will equal more cooling, so I wanted to try to quantify "How much?" with some basic IAT2 monitoring as I have been running the Varimax for some time. I also have a BMR expansion tank and 3/4" lines throughout (hard lines removed), where I compared the benefits of a reservoir HERE. The system is: reservoir feeds the pump, which pushes into a track attack, and then straight to the ZL1 lid, back to the reservoir with the pressure cap in place. I typically run 30-50% coolant depending on the season (the reservoir tank comparison was 50-50 mix, this comparison will be 30% dexcool before and after as I drained the system this past spring).
Here goes: The Random84 / jb_bgg Stewart W29 intercooler pump installation guide:
Day 1:
I purchased the D3PE stewart pump kit for $189 + shipping, and it’s a nice looking kit: the 2-piece bracket is sturdy, powder coated, and they include hose clamps and (most) of the hardware, including two very nicely machined 1” to ¾” hose reducers — except my kit was missing two machine screws and after I hammered out the factory pump bracket from the subframe to make way for the noticeably larger W29… I realized it didn’t fit!
I have an aftermarket radiator, which likely is the reason why, but the short of it is the pump inlet was butting up against the bottom of the radiator and the outet hose kinked tightly against the radiator fan shroud when pushed into place. So I had to abandon that and hope that DP3E will offer a return / refund for my wasted day. After some ranting in an unrelated thread, jb_bgg was gracious enough to send me some photos of his solution, which I ultimately copied and expanded on here. Many thanks to him for his kindness!
Day 2:
I spent several hours test-fitting the position and location of the pump to allow for a 1” hose feed and return in the passenger-side fender well next to the washer fluid reservoir. I strongly encourage you to use cardboard to establish a template for your upcoming metal work, but all of this is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished with the standard assortment of power tools.
My template:
It took me around 2 hours to make the bracket out of a 12guage plate approximately 8 x 18” in size, $10 at the local big box store. A lighter gauge steel is recommended for ease of use. When determining where to drill your holes for the pump mount, be very judicious in focusing on orientation and location — you will need to be aware of the washer fluid pump line and hose clearance for the 1” inlet/outlet of the Stewart. You will also likely need to either remove the brake air duct behind the fog light or leave enough slack in the line to go under it when the front fascia is installed.
Test fitting (watch out for washer fluid hose and connector clearance):
The Stewart W29 has four mounting holes, using M8 x 1.25 pitch threads that are 15mm deep. You will also need to use spacers given the mounting surface of the pump — in my case I found everything I needed at the local Tractor Supply, I used:
(4) M8 x 1.25 x 25mm hex bolts with 3/8” tall stainless steel bushings (5/16 x 5/8 x 3/8), and locktite is recommended to keep things secure. **Only 15 ft-lbs is required.
(2) M8 x 1.25 x 25mm hex bolts with nylon locking nuts were used for mounting the bracket to the front bumper. You will need a 5/16" cobalt drill bit and plenty of patience to cut these holes. I used the existing rear fender bolt (M6 size) that holds the plastic fender guide in place for the rear of my bracket (see photos).
** Rubber bushings are optional, but account for their thickness when buying bolts — you may need longer 30mm bolts if you use locking washers and/or rubber bushings - IMHO the vibration is negligible and this is not necessary.
Lastly, I used
(2) 1 inch-to-3/4 straight hose connections along with a few feet of 1" hose to mate up to the Stewart.
Day 3:
After figuring out all of my fittings and having extras on hand, I realized I didn't need most of them. I installed the pump, bracket and wiring harness relatively easily: I used the +12 source from the fuse block, and the large negative ground right next to it for power - I also had some factory harness connectors and used the existing OEM pump harness to power the integrated relay via the Stewart. Everything is so close, I did not have to lengthen the provided Stewart pigtail for any of the three connections. Rerouting the hoses was also easy — and if anything is more accessible in the sub-lamp area with bumper removed, without kinking of hoses.
Wiring harness with in-line 25A fuse tied into +12 fuse block and ground:
I used the OEM reference signal (key-on signal) for the factory pump spliced into the Stewart harness with weather connectors (you can see my hose routed under the K member also):
The pump runs very quietly and I get no vibration (the fuel pump is louder). You WILL need to prime the pump, by making sure the inlet hose is completely full of coolant before applying power. There are several ways to do this, but if you find yourself topping off the system with everything buttoned up (like I did), then simply unbolt the pump from your bracket, lower it to the ground and give it a few moments.
Priming the pump by getting air out of the feed line:
Initial impressions:
Running IAT2s are easily ~5* cooler at speed, typically in the single digits (8-12* over ambient in 75-85* weather), whereas the varimax was always 12-20* over ambient with my setup and 30-50% dexcool. Although I plan on more testing, IAT2 during pulls from 45-130+ mph show modest but consistent reduction of around 4-5* compared to the Varimax, which aligns with other off-the-cuff impressions from a few days of driving.
Honestly, I was expecting a more significant IAT2 reduction during pulls, and have several 45-130+ mph runs for the purpose of monitoring this. Interestingly, the IAT2 decrease remains consistent (increases at the same rate as with the Varimax, just 4-5* cooler) - however when I increased capacity with the reservoir the IAT2 delta increased with time (the larger coolant volume was taking longer to heat up).
In all fairness, I suspect I am not utilizing the Stewart to its fullest potential: I suspect a potential restriction with ¾” lines elsewhere in the system; or perhaps a restriction with the style of reservoir tank I am using (BMR), or just cumulative resistance from multiple <3/4" transitions in the lines that are inevitable.
Conclusion:
In my opinion, for twice the price and a more complicated installation, I do not see the Stewart W29 as a great buy relative to a Varimax for a typical “under hood” installation utilizing a reservoir tank — Although from a big picture standpoint I gained greater IAT2 benefits from the Stewart, it was actually equal to or less of a change than from the reservoir tank alone: The reservoir / extra capacity netted me 4-5* lower IAT2 at the end of a single 5-6 second run only, whereas in this test the Stewart showed lower IAT2 across the board, but would be 3-4*F less under the same conditions (ie a single gear) that I used to test the reservoir tank. Only when I expanded my test over a longer 45-130mph pull did the delta really become appreciable, given the potential error in my ad hoc testing - and that's what I've shared here.
I think the Varimax will continue to be the standard for a cost-effective Plug-n-Play upgrade. The “hopped up” Stewart version is likely more effective, but also significantly more money with unknown durability. At the end of the day, by the time you buy a Stewart W29 and a reservoir tank of your choice, you’d be better off with a trunk tank specifically for the four-fold increase in system capacity — all you need are a few extra feet of hose IMHO. It seems that “capacity” is the primary driver of cooling effectiveness in our cars: the more volume you have, the better off you are assuming that the heat generated is the same, since the Supercharger is the primary heat source while in boost (and heat dissipation is mostly limited by your condenser efficiency).
I also feel that, with most of the available reservoir tank designs, the 12AN fittings and various filtering devices intended for using ice are limiting the pump feed along with the necessary use of ¾” hose and fittings through most of our intercooler system, and likely reducing the effectiveness of higher volume pumps like the Stewart.
I do plan on converting to a trunk tank setup in the near future to see if this theory holds up.
We all assume more flow will equal more cooling, so I wanted to try to quantify "How much?" with some basic IAT2 monitoring as I have been running the Varimax for some time. I also have a BMR expansion tank and 3/4" lines throughout (hard lines removed), where I compared the benefits of a reservoir HERE. The system is: reservoir feeds the pump, which pushes into a track attack, and then straight to the ZL1 lid, back to the reservoir with the pressure cap in place. I typically run 30-50% coolant depending on the season (the reservoir tank comparison was 50-50 mix, this comparison will be 30% dexcool before and after as I drained the system this past spring).
Here goes: The Random84 / jb_bgg Stewart W29 intercooler pump installation guide:
Day 1:
I purchased the D3PE stewart pump kit for $189 + shipping, and it’s a nice looking kit: the 2-piece bracket is sturdy, powder coated, and they include hose clamps and (most) of the hardware, including two very nicely machined 1” to ¾” hose reducers — except my kit was missing two machine screws and after I hammered out the factory pump bracket from the subframe to make way for the noticeably larger W29… I realized it didn’t fit!
I have an aftermarket radiator, which likely is the reason why, but the short of it is the pump inlet was butting up against the bottom of the radiator and the outet hose kinked tightly against the radiator fan shroud when pushed into place. So I had to abandon that and hope that DP3E will offer a return / refund for my wasted day. After some ranting in an unrelated thread, jb_bgg was gracious enough to send me some photos of his solution, which I ultimately copied and expanded on here. Many thanks to him for his kindness!
Day 2:
I spent several hours test-fitting the position and location of the pump to allow for a 1” hose feed and return in the passenger-side fender well next to the washer fluid reservoir. I strongly encourage you to use cardboard to establish a template for your upcoming metal work, but all of this is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished with the standard assortment of power tools.
My template:
It took me around 2 hours to make the bracket out of a 12guage plate approximately 8 x 18” in size, $10 at the local big box store. A lighter gauge steel is recommended for ease of use. When determining where to drill your holes for the pump mount, be very judicious in focusing on orientation and location — you will need to be aware of the washer fluid pump line and hose clearance for the 1” inlet/outlet of the Stewart. You will also likely need to either remove the brake air duct behind the fog light or leave enough slack in the line to go under it when the front fascia is installed.
Test fitting (watch out for washer fluid hose and connector clearance):
The Stewart W29 has four mounting holes, using M8 x 1.25 pitch threads that are 15mm deep. You will also need to use spacers given the mounting surface of the pump — in my case I found everything I needed at the local Tractor Supply, I used:
(4) M8 x 1.25 x 25mm hex bolts with 3/8” tall stainless steel bushings (5/16 x 5/8 x 3/8), and locktite is recommended to keep things secure. **Only 15 ft-lbs is required.
(2) M8 x 1.25 x 25mm hex bolts with nylon locking nuts were used for mounting the bracket to the front bumper. You will need a 5/16" cobalt drill bit and plenty of patience to cut these holes. I used the existing rear fender bolt (M6 size) that holds the plastic fender guide in place for the rear of my bracket (see photos).
** Rubber bushings are optional, but account for their thickness when buying bolts — you may need longer 30mm bolts if you use locking washers and/or rubber bushings - IMHO the vibration is negligible and this is not necessary.
Lastly, I used
(2) 1 inch-to-3/4 straight hose connections along with a few feet of 1" hose to mate up to the Stewart.
Day 3:
After figuring out all of my fittings and having extras on hand, I realized I didn't need most of them. I installed the pump, bracket and wiring harness relatively easily: I used the +12 source from the fuse block, and the large negative ground right next to it for power - I also had some factory harness connectors and used the existing OEM pump harness to power the integrated relay via the Stewart. Everything is so close, I did not have to lengthen the provided Stewart pigtail for any of the three connections. Rerouting the hoses was also easy — and if anything is more accessible in the sub-lamp area with bumper removed, without kinking of hoses.
Wiring harness with in-line 25A fuse tied into +12 fuse block and ground:
I used the OEM reference signal (key-on signal) for the factory pump spliced into the Stewart harness with weather connectors (you can see my hose routed under the K member also):
The pump runs very quietly and I get no vibration (the fuel pump is louder). You WILL need to prime the pump, by making sure the inlet hose is completely full of coolant before applying power. There are several ways to do this, but if you find yourself topping off the system with everything buttoned up (like I did), then simply unbolt the pump from your bracket, lower it to the ground and give it a few moments.
Priming the pump by getting air out of the feed line:
Initial impressions:
Running IAT2s are easily ~5* cooler at speed, typically in the single digits (8-12* over ambient in 75-85* weather), whereas the varimax was always 12-20* over ambient with my setup and 30-50% dexcool. Although I plan on more testing, IAT2 during pulls from 45-130+ mph show modest but consistent reduction of around 4-5* compared to the Varimax, which aligns with other off-the-cuff impressions from a few days of driving.
Honestly, I was expecting a more significant IAT2 reduction during pulls, and have several 45-130+ mph runs for the purpose of monitoring this. Interestingly, the IAT2 decrease remains consistent (increases at the same rate as with the Varimax, just 4-5* cooler) - however when I increased capacity with the reservoir the IAT2 delta increased with time (the larger coolant volume was taking longer to heat up).
In all fairness, I suspect I am not utilizing the Stewart to its fullest potential: I suspect a potential restriction with ¾” lines elsewhere in the system; or perhaps a restriction with the style of reservoir tank I am using (BMR), or just cumulative resistance from multiple <3/4" transitions in the lines that are inevitable.
Conclusion:
In my opinion, for twice the price and a more complicated installation, I do not see the Stewart W29 as a great buy relative to a Varimax for a typical “under hood” installation utilizing a reservoir tank — Although from a big picture standpoint I gained greater IAT2 benefits from the Stewart, it was actually equal to or less of a change than from the reservoir tank alone: The reservoir / extra capacity netted me 4-5* lower IAT2 at the end of a single 5-6 second run only, whereas in this test the Stewart showed lower IAT2 across the board, but would be 3-4*F less under the same conditions (ie a single gear) that I used to test the reservoir tank. Only when I expanded my test over a longer 45-130mph pull did the delta really become appreciable, given the potential error in my ad hoc testing - and that's what I've shared here.
I think the Varimax will continue to be the standard for a cost-effective Plug-n-Play upgrade. The “hopped up” Stewart version is likely more effective, but also significantly more money with unknown durability. At the end of the day, by the time you buy a Stewart W29 and a reservoir tank of your choice, you’d be better off with a trunk tank specifically for the four-fold increase in system capacity — all you need are a few extra feet of hose IMHO. It seems that “capacity” is the primary driver of cooling effectiveness in our cars: the more volume you have, the better off you are assuming that the heat generated is the same, since the Supercharger is the primary heat source while in boost (and heat dissipation is mostly limited by your condenser efficiency).
I also feel that, with most of the available reservoir tank designs, the 12AN fittings and various filtering devices intended for using ice are limiting the pump feed along with the necessary use of ¾” hose and fittings through most of our intercooler system, and likely reducing the effectiveness of higher volume pumps like the Stewart.
I do plan on converting to a trunk tank setup in the near future to see if this theory holds up.