I have just gotten my first RX7. Its a first gen '79 with the 12a. I need to know the best way to keep the engine cooled. I want it as cool as possible. Any ideas?

I am just beginning to restore it so I will post pics of the entire process, start to finish.

 

The stock cooling system is rather efficent, when it is all in good working order. About all that needs to be done to keep these motors cooled properly, is a good condition radiator, and water pump. Adding an electric fan in place of the stock fan is popular. This is due mainly to reducing the drag on the engine.

 

Thanks, I just want to be sure not to get too heated, no point in worryin about temp if i dont have to

 

Good plan, as overheating a rotary almost always requires a rebuild.
Along with the rad and WP, check the thermostat (replace if any doubt, it's cheap) and the fan clutch.
The stock cooling system can easily keep it's cool, even with A/C in Arizona heat, when everything is good.

 

get a 160 degrees thermostat , use a fan shroud and the metal cover below the engine is very important

 

A properly heated engine is just as important,so dont go too cold.If you dont get it fully up to temp,your milage will suffer and you could contaminate the oil more quickly.
Stick with the factory Mazda thermostat.Its common to have cooling problems when a cheapo thermostat is installed that doesnt have the correct bypass plug.
Get the stock air/oil cooler all cleaned up.They get very grundgy down there and are commonly covered in oil soaked dirt.Some soapy water and a soft brush or a CAREFUL shot from a pressure washer will do wonders.Check for oil leaks from the cooler and lines after its clean.
Replace the belts.If you elimintate the smog pump,be sure to run dual belts to the waterpump to prevent slipping if you keep the stock fan.
Stick with the stock mechanical fan if you want max cooling.The stock fan and shroud are best at keeping consistant temps since they dont cycle on/off like an electric setup.The fan draws very little HP when its freewheeling,but moves massive amounts of air when it locks up.Be sure your fan clutch is working.
The stock short radiator in the 79-82 cars is OK when its clean and clear.If you want a "sure thing" then shop around for a 3-row short radiator.Its just like the stock brass radiator with another row added for good measure.Ive seen many in the wrecking yards,installed as a factory replacement.they are cheap to get and have cleaned up,plus they install like stock and can easily keep up with even a turbo'ed engine or 13B swap.

 

If you have F/I, use a T-stat. If carb with no emission crap, gut it and use the t-stat casing to restrict the flow on a stop and go traffic. This will give the anti-freeze enough time to absorb the heat.

If youre buying a new radiator, be sure to get the high efficiency one. it will costs a little bit more than the regular ones but the fins are finer to route more air to the core for better cooling. And yes on the 3-row.