FAQ: Where to install the IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor...

I'm planning on trying out a 4" FWI using some flexible ducting that we sell, that is very smooth on the inside.  Won't be able to mount the IAT in the hose though.  I may need to still use a 45 PVC elbow at the TB though, depending on how sharp of a bend I need to put in the hose to clear the overflow tank.  Possibly a 45 elbow for the filter end also.  If I have to use both those elbows, should I install the IAT at the TB or at the filter end?

BTW, the front PEM had no apparent effect on KR. Did a scan of KR driving to work this morning, with 68 deg IAT, and still saw nearly 6 deg at maybe 75-80% throttle.

DP and Cat next week...

I would put it as close to the filter as you can. It will give you a more accurate temperature reading of the air coming in. Also keep in mind that you will have to extend the IAT wires or get an extension to move it closer to the throttle body. The wire is pretty short, so I don't think it is long enough.

Locate it as far from the heat as possible:

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3061994

http://kb.ls1gto.com/KB/article.aspx?id=10279

http://www.chiff.com/a/car-engine-mods.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/IAT_sensor.html

http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/mper/24.html

http://www.ncgweb.com/mymods.htm

Yeah, I was thinking I should order the extension from ZZP or Intense, but I "may" not be using a pvc elbow at the FW, so it'd have to go at the TB.  Thanks for the links, I'll try to have a look.

Hmm, some interesting ideas... install in the base of the filter maybe.

The sensor doesn't have to be mounted inside the tube. It could be anywhere in the vicinity of the filter, or somewhere inside the fender well.

I'm tempted to mount mine inside the filter.

AA wrote:

The sensor doesn't have to be mounted inside the tube. It could be anywhere in the vicinity of the filter, or somewhere inside the fender well.

For sure, anywhere the air is close to or at ambient temps. Heck, I could even run my tubing to the air box and stick the sensor in the box, if I wanted to keep the stock appearance of the air box.

I think it's dumb how so many manufacturers mount the IAT sensor in the IM. Props to GM for mounting ours in the airbox, where it belongs. Our IAT sensor location is probably better than 95% of cars; yet we still manage to improve things...

Duuuh, right.... for some reason I was thinking it was in the bottom of the tube. Brain f*art, just that resonator thingamajig there.

I just ordered an IAT ext from Intense, along with a couple small stickers. They emailed it would ship in a few days because they are out of stickers! WTF. I told them to cancel the stickers if they have to, just ship the dang ext. Geez.

Lol, I usually pick up my order from their shop. What would they tell me? "Come back tomorrow when we have stickers!" I have a whole pile of stickers from the 3800 vendors. Guess I should sell them since they're worth so much!

I was able to mount my IAT sensor very low on the pipe with the stock wiring. INTENSE sells the kit for GS/GTP folks who have the sensor up on the TB. But if you want to go into the fenderwell, you'll need it.

Yep, planning for the longest possible.  I'll just coil it up if necessary.  BTW, Intense is shipping it today, will mail stickers later.  I have to say, they are quick on the emails.

I'm just not sure why it costs almost $12 to ship UPS ground. I opted for 3-day select since it's only $2 more. I could ship that thing TO Intense with a $2.50 handling fee tacked on and still only bill them about $8. Oh well, I should be used to this, just about every Vendor out there is padding the bottom line thru shipping fees. Besides the UPS charges for my order, they added 37 cents each for 2 stickers I ordered, 3"x1", and stickers are .99 ea.

at least you don't have to pay for shipping to Canada...

Jason wrote:

at least you don't have to pay for shipping to Canada...

You've got that right! I really feel for you guys that are stuck with U.S. vendors that will only ship UPS to Canada. Mail and Fedex aren't quite as bad, but still expensive.

I really didn't want to turn this into a shipping costs complaint, but I couldn't help commenting on today's experience...  

AA wrote:

........ I have a whole pile of stickers from the 3800 vendors. Guess I should sell them since they're worth so much!......

Ya know, I'm really not into slapping a bunch of stickers on any car, but I do like careful inconspicuous placement of smalldecals on a car. I've put my 2 small ZZP decals in the lower rear corners of the quarter glass, I think they look good there, just the 3 letters. I'm thinking about putting the small Intense decal in the lower middle of the rear glass. Just can't see doing one of those full-blown INTENSE RACING ones anywhere.

As long as they don't make contact with paint...

Right, nothing goes on the paint. I scraped off the dealer decals from the trunk lid earlier this spring. Kind of a PITA with a CC edge, but got it done, and it sure looks nicer w/o that crap on there.

Hey, I'm scheduled to be at NTR in Columbus/Hebron next Aug 1-3, maybe some of you OH guys can bring your Rivs out to play at the BPG/Buick Horsepower Nats? Would be a chance for Alex to prove he's got the fasted Riv with heated seats... I expect I'll be driving my 68 GS out there though. Trying to fill a 350 class for this event, and my car should be ready to go, albeit slooowwwwly. Just need to do a 4W drum brake job next spring. There is a bracket class that would be just fine for any 12/13/14 sec Rivs to run in. OR, you can just make some test-n-tune runs for fun. It's not an expensive entry either. I think to race has been like $35 per day. Car show too, on Saturday, $25 maybe? Spectator fees around $10/day.

I'll have to start a thread on this event once the contracts are signed, should be soon. Would be great to get together with some true Riv lovers for a change.

I'll be there. Almost went out this year, but had a family reunion and didn't plan.

AA wrote:

I'll be there. Almost went out this year, but had a family reunion and didn't plan.

Might have been a good year to miss anyway. VERY hot and humid Fri/Sat, then totally rained out eliminations on Sunday. Would have been fun anyway for someone local, but I'm glad I didn't make the drive this year.

Can I use this in a '96 riv? I mean, is a IAT the same on all or most GM cars?

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=184&catid=108

Yes, it'll work. It's mainly for W-Bodies with IAT sensor near the TB. Ours is already in the right spot.

I was going to use it with this:


Link

Maybe you would need it, but my intake is very similar and I use the stock IAT sensor wire.

did you tap into the hose?

Yes, but in my case it's a tube. Same difference.

Mark, I bought one I don't need, still in the package, if you're interested.  ZZP wants $16 + shipping, you can have mine for $15 to your door.

Actually, mine is 24", bought it thru Intense. It's made by Casper Electronics.

Dave,

thanks...If I need it, I'll buy it...24" give me more room to tap closer to the filter.

is it just an extender or does it have the sensor attached?

No sensor, it's just an extension cable.