Rather than RTVing + capping the rear housing water nipple and the nipple to the water pump (The nipples that handle coolant flow to the thermowax/etc.), is it possible/acceptable to just run a line from the rear housing to the water pump?

Or is there a specific reason Rotary Resurrection specifies to RTV+Cap or JB Weld the nipples?

 

Sure, you can just run a hose to connect the two. Mine is setup similar to that, with a hose running under the intake manifold, then into the thermowax, and then back down.

You didn't say what year/model, but what you're talking about will be easiest on S4 NAs, and turbos. Space is a little tighter on S5 NAs, but it'll still clear under the UIM.

 

are you sure you want to remove your thermowax? it will idle like crap when you start it up in the morning unless you sit there and keep your foot on the gas, which is a pain in the ***.

 

I already sit there and watch it warm up as it is in case something goes wrong as it is. Keeping my foot on the gas won't add a lot of trouble for me.