I'm restoring my Can-Am car (ran mid-late '80's), just getting to the plumbing stage. The factory race aluminum water pump housing does not have an integral t/stat, so no provision for blanking sleeve or temp operated flow restriction. Wondering if this is designed into these castings or did these cars (mid '80's IMSA RX7)run some kind of remote t/stat?
Thanks

 

Mazda generally recommends no thermostat in race applications.

 

Doesn't the front housing have an attachment point for the upper radiator hose? The 'stat is under there. I think the recommendation is to plug the bypass opening with a 1/2" NPT plug, gut an old thermostat and install that. If you leave it open, the water will cavitate in the pump.

 

The race pump doesn't have the bypass IIRC.

 

the "race" setup uses no t-stat(as there is no where for it to go). this is not a modified OEM or stock housing. it was designed for racing so there is no need to modulate the water temp.

 

Race cars run the water system unregulated; race cars control the cooling airflow to control water temp.

I still want to see pics of your car.