Enclosed is an attachment demonstrating my latest little problem.

When I remove the item with the red arrow pointing to it, what do I use to block off the resulting coolant passage?

 

a bolt.... like the one above it. or, you leave it in for the oil cooler. you could just put a nipple and clamp on it if you want the easy way out.

 

It's interfering with the fit for the Kia water neck, I have an alternative source for the oil cooler. Are you 100% certain it is a threaded hole, and NOT a press fit?

 

I seem to recall Abe attempting mightily to remove that thing cleanly, and damn near destroying a head in the process.

 

Ouch, thanks for the info Joe. I'm going with the second option.

 

Looks like a picture of my head .
Anyway, leave it where it is. It's 100% a press fit, NOT a threaded hole.

 

My head guy did this for me.

 

So guys. Guys. GUYS!

If I leave the oil cooler lines in, is that sufficient flow to not have to drill the thermostat if I do a no-heater reroute?

JasonC SSB mentioned it being enough in a post a few years back, I'm just trying to confirm.

 

probably. but why so against just adding a tiny hole?

 

I'd rather just be able to drop in a stock thermostat rather than have to drill them, Brainy.