so got one and looking at the install for a stock FD Im guessing you take off:

crossover pipe
black vac chamber
couple of vac lines
alternator
short coolant hose

my question - do you need to remove the other sensor mounted above. I would rather not Im guessing the connector will break off in my hand as every piece of plastic under there is brittle as hell.

 

You don't have to remove the coolant thermosensor to install the thermoswitch. I could make life easier for you to remove it depending on what tools you have but it's not required.

 

I don't remember having to remove any coolant hoses either. But it's been a while.

 

There is a short 90deg coolant hose behind the alternator on the left side, I had got the entire coolant hose kit from ray so I just think Ill replace the old one since Im in there.

 

That's fine then, it might even give you a little better access. But I don't think it's absolutely necessary.
Here's this just in case there's something that helps.......
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/doing-fc-thermoswitch-449071/
Don't mean to insult your intelligence, but make sure you disconnect the battery before removing the alternator.

 

finished this up today, ended up talking off the alternator the vac chamber and the short coolant hose. I would say the use of a slightly longer than normal 17mm socket is almost required. My short one didnt reach the hex and a normal long one wouldnt fit in the space due to all the hoses/hard pipes. A mid length one did the trick. My open end wrench couldnt get enough grab in the limited space and my gear wrench head was too big to get in there as well..

 

I did mine tonight. What a bitch. I also noticed mine had 97 stamped on the side instead of 95...... hmmmmmm.

 

Where are you guys ordering your FC thermoswitches? I can't seem to find them.

 

Malloy Mazda. 1-888-533-3400. Ray will know what your asking for. Series 5 Thermoswitch.

 

thats where i got mine, showed up the next day.

 

Oh wow, I saw that in a thread from a few years ago and doubted he would still be there. Just ordred it. As soon as I said Series 5 thermoswitch he replied with "club" pricing! haha Good to have people we can frequently order from!

Thanks guys!

 

how much was the switch??

 

If I remember it was something like 50 dollars.