Which Thermostat is OEM?

[MazdaSpeeder]

I'm about to do a coolant change and thermostat replacement, but when I look on Rockauto I have a number of different choices.

It looks like OEM temp is 195 degrees, but there is also a 180 degree thermostat.
There is also a "Premium Superstat," dimensions 2 3/64" x 29/32" x 29/32" vs the regular stat dimensions of 2 1/16" x 29/32" x 13/16". There are combinations of all of the above...temps and dimensions.

Which stat is the best...I would prefer to go with just an OEM replacement unless there's some real advantage to going with a different size or temp. Any advice?

[Maxx Mazda]

If your car is modified, a low temp thermostat is better. It doesn't get too cold in Kentucky, so go with the coldest one you can.

Mazdaspeed makes a 115* tstat, but it's pricey. I needed it though, my car ran hot!

[MazdaSpeeder]

I thought I had read somewhere that low-temp really isn't necessary on our cars at all. I'm running basic bolt-ons, no turbo or anything. Anyone have any idea about the differing dimensions of the "regular" and "superstat?" Anyone ordered a tstat from Rockauto before?

[MazdaSpeeder]

Bump...need to order this soon and I am looking for more info (answers to above questions).

[MazdaSpeeder]

Based on what I have read in this thread (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12753) i'm guessing 180 degree tstat is a bad idea based on the fact that it will most likely cause the car to run rich all the time. So I guess I am going to go with stock temp and the first size...I hope that's right!

[TWISFM]

Sub... need to know as well... for turbo application... ive heard the oem stat's go bad...

[MazdaSpeeder]

I really just want to know which of these is best for OEM application

"Premium Superstat," dimensions 2 3/64" x 29/32" x 29/32"
vs
"Offset stat" dimensions of 2 1/16" x 29/32" x 13/16"

Why are there two listed? Will they both fit?

[FourMazdas]

I bought mine from Rockauto going with the Gates 34014. The box it comes in also has a Madza part number on it. It fits and works perfectly. It is 180F.

[MazdaSpeeder]

That is helpful, except that apparently the stats are different on the 02 and 03 models. Rockauto lists the OE tstat at 180 for 02 and 195 for 03. And your dimensions correspond to the "superstat" dimensions for an 03...what the heck.

[Maxx Mazda]

It's all probably bullshit anyways to be honest with you. They'll all work, this isn't rocket science here, just buy one.

[neox.286]

just stick with oem

when tuning a car a big factor is water temperature, and the car is tuned as such...when the car is cold the tune is typically setup to run rich, however as the car warms up the tune is more effectively setup

when you run a lower temp thermostat you will be running a slightly different tune...from what I've seen on friend's proteges the stock ecu tune is worse as a result (like you said above, they run really rich)

just stick with oem and you should have no worries...you aren't going to be running super hot n/a on the FS-DE with basic bolt-ons...maxx mazda on the other hand will because he's got a serious setup haha, and he is also able to tune accordingly because he's running a standalone (haltech if I recall)

[TWISFM]

sorry for thread jack... if im going to be running the msp setup...should i get the mso thermo stat... or is it the same as the n/a protege?

[neox.286]

if I recall it's the same, but don't quote me on it

[MazdaSpeeder]

Okay, so to add to this madness...I have an MP3 ecu, and the MP3s OEM temp is lower than the 03 P5. The 03 P5 has an OEM stat at 195 and an alternate colder stat at 180. The MP3 has OEM 180, alternate 170. So...if my ECU is running the MP3 a/f ratios, etc, should I have the MP3 tstat? Bear in mind as well, that the 02 P5 tstats and the MP3 tstats are identical. The 03 is the only one with different temps.

[TWISFM]

Interesting!!!!!

[Maxx Mazda]

The MP3 tstat and normal protege ones were the same.

[neox.286]

Okay, so to add to this madness...I have an MP3 ecu, and the MP3s OEM temp is lower than the 03 P5. The 03 P5 has an OEM stat at 195 and an alternate colder stat at 180. The MP3 has OEM 180, alternate 170. So...if my ECU is running the MP3 a/f ratios, etc, should I have the MP3 tstat? Bear in mind as well, that the 02 P5 tstats and the MP3 tstats are identical. The 03 is the only one with different temps.

considering yours is tuned to run slightly colder, this shouldn't be as much of an issue....however, I'd still stick to whatever the oem t-stat is for the mp3 if you are replacing it