Reroute - Plugging nipple
 

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.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331757812

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.