Hello, I have combed quite a few of the cooling upgrade threads, and just want to double check that the path I am taking is the right one (i.e. necessary for series 2 RX8's).

- Swap thermostat to Mazmart 172 degree
- Flush coolant and replace with FL-22 at dealership
- Install fan cooling kit https://www.rx8performance.com/produ...an-control-kit
- Clean / straighten AC fins and oil cooler fins


Are any of these only specific to a series 1? And how would you rank the priority of these 4 steps?

My RX8 is a 2009 R3 with approx 50,000 miles on it. It is only summer driven.

 

From what I have read from some posts(some from Steve Dallas), the only upgrade you really need on an S2 is possibly the radiator. He tracks his car in summer, so if his car doesn't overheat, we will also be fine.

The OEM radiator core for S2 is thicker than the S1 OEM unit, with a more stable water pump as well.

Another cooling mod recommended by ASH8 is cutting the plastic shrouds behind the oil coolers and in front of the front wheels. Basically, you make the holes a bit bigger(but not too big, you don't want rocks in there), and that will keep the car cooler. I think he later ended up cutting a big hole in that section and put a metal screen there, which made the temperature even lower.

 

Lower temp thermostats are almost useless. My OEM thermo opens at 174°F anyway.