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Tech Tips

Guide to High Performance Cooling Systems

The information contained in this section is based on Stewart’s 25+ years of experience in the high performance cooling system industry. While few truths are absolute, the following guidelines apply to virtually any application and should be followed as closely as possible, in order to maximize the performance and efficiency of your cooling system.

Select at Tech Tip from below:

  1. Water Pumps & Pulleys
  2. Radiator Caps
  3. Thermostats & Restrictors
  4. Coolant, Fans, and Hoses
  5. Radiators & External Plumbing

Additional Information & Tips:

  1. Advanced Cooling System Basics
  2. Competitors Comparison
  3. Special Applications – Dirt Race Cars, Street Rods and Pavement/Road Racing

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The water pump is the heart of the cooling system and flow should always be maximized to reduce temperatures.

Both are Hi-Flow and will work well although the aluminum version is available in a hand polished finish.

Most street driven vehicles should use a thermostat and we recommend the Stewart/Robert Shaw hi-performance one that we modify for better cooling.

For STREET applications, the water pump speed must at least match the crankshaft RPM, to a maximum of 10% faster than the crankshaft speed.

Most stock or OEM pumps are built to meet standard performance requirements and at low RPMs the flow is reduced, the Stewart Hi-Flow water pump is designed to produce increased flow at idle as well as higher RPMs.

If freezing is not a concern we recommend water with a corrosion inhibitor. If freezing is a concern, use the proper amount of antifreeze required for your climate.

We strongly recommend aluminum radiators. They dissipate heat more efficiently than copper brass.

We recommend using the largest (in surface area) that will fit into your vehicle.

We recommend using a radiator cap with the highest pressure rating that the radiator is designed to accept.

Electric fans now outperform mechanical fans in nearly every application.