Hey guys, question about thermostat modification. If you read this post:
http://www.teamfc3s.org/forum/showth...t+modification
They talk about gutting the thermostat and blocking off the coolant bypass. Is there any other way to accomplish this without drilling and tapping the hole? I am not going to be able to do this in time for a lapping day. (I didn't realize this was a nessisary step until now!)

Any other ideas?

Thanks.

 

You don't have to drill the hole, it's already there. just tap it and put a bolt in. the gutted thermostat posted in the thread looks pretty simple to accomplish as well. this should only take 30mins-1hour max. be sure to take the bolt out and replace the thermostat for street driving though or you could run into overheating/overcooling problems.

 

Tapping it could be a more clean fix but if you need it by race day get some epoxy putty (6 bucks a tube at home depot) clean and try the plug, and then apply the epoxy. It's been holding my bypass for along time. I've also got it plugging the heater hose nipple on the radiator and using a short (3-4 inch piece of straight heater hose with a 1/2inch drive extensions + hose clamps) blocking off the heater hose at the motor. This helped out alot IMO. Add an e-fan to the mix and this engine barely makes it off the bottom of the gauge. I could give you more accurate readings once my temp gagues get re-hooked up.

 

This is a race car mod. There is no good reason to do it to a street car. If you're having cooling problems that aren't cured by a new Mazda thermostat, then look elsewhere for the problem.

 

But in my case: