The easiest, simplest, cheapest, fastest, most effective thing you can do, is to install a fan switch. By installing a fan switch, you can turn the fans on anytime you want. Having the fans on will significantly lower your coolant temps, especially when in slow traffic.

You can do this right away, for less than $10.

http://www.fd3s.net/fan_mod.html

 

Thanks Adam!!! I'll check it out.

 

my problem was trying to replace everything until finally my radiator end cap (cheap plastic) cracked from over heating all the time. That forced me to buy a new radiator. . . no more problems. I dont drive on the track, but I do get on it pretty good.
1. Radiator $500
2. down pipe $200
3. Boost & air/fuel gauge $150
That is just my opinion. Another important one is intercooler, I wish I had that kind of money!

 

what is the stock thermostat temperature rating at... like the opening temp? i was hoping to finish my motor tomorrow and need a new thermostat. yet every local auto parts store has varing rated thermostats. lets here the recommendations

 

It's 180F. Buy an OEM one from Ray. It's only like $20 shipped with the gasket.

 

yeah im just trying to finish my motor today... so kinda want it NOW! lol as im posting this i got ray overnighting one here so tomorrow morning i can do the rest of it! hey do you guys use any coolant sealant for the thermostat housing to the motor (not the thermostat inside the motor). i saw some gray colored goo on my last motor teardown on some of the gaskets. i usually just put the gaskets on there and torque them up and it seals fine. thanks guys!

 

I changed mine a couple of weeks ago. Didn't use any sealant and I don't seem to have any leaks. If I remember correctly, the FSM doesn't mention anything about using a sealant on the housing.

 

I did this and it's really easy. This is the best thing to do in your situation. I am running a koyo and this and my temps sit at 190 constantly. I am still going to order a miata thrermo.

goodluck,
-josh

Edit: the first mod to owning a fd is a dialy driver. I know how it is not having the money for that because I drove my fd as a DD for a year. Last week I bought a land rover to DD and it makes life easy.