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

AA wrote:

It's a bayonet mount. Twist it.

Either I'm a wussy or this thing is jb welded in. There's black goop around the seal point. I will twist harder and see what happens.

I tried all manner of things to get the dang thing out when I was ditching the stock box. Ended up having to just more or less cut it out of its mount. Was crazy stuck in there

llamalor2112 wrote:

I tried all manner of things to get the dang thing out when I was ditching the stock box. Ended up having to just more or less cut it out of its mount. Was crazy stuck in there

That's what I'm afraid of... I really dont want to have to cut it out.

Here's what the airbox looks like after the IAT sensor is removed. You can see the two slots that engage the bayonet tabs:

Thanks, AA. Looks similar on mine except for the plastic weld around the seal. I am prepping for my 4" intake so I wanna make sure I can get the sensor out clean first.

If you damage it, I think I have my original listed in the for sale section. If you're going to the trouble of sourcing cooler air, I would suggest not using the OEM sensor, which is much slower to react than an OMEGA Mil-spec type ($15).

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t8404-write-up-omega-intake-air-temperature-sensor-iat

I always left my IAT dangling down in my FWI hole.. LOL

That works! No heat sink!

AA wrote:

That works! No heat sink!

My shit was super Sloppy. But it worked VERY well

Why do we try to get our IAT sensor as close to the filter as possible and Intense gets it right up by the throttle body?

They are smarter than we are, right?

If you put it near the filter, it gets the coldest temperature possible your car is getting. If you put it near the throttle body, you get the ACTUAL temperature that's going into your engine. It probably isn't more than a couple of degree difference, but it is probably better to put it there.

I dont think I've seen anyone here make a FWI and put the IAT sensor by the TB. Just curious..

On the stock setup, the IAT is closer to the filter than the TB. So, what gives? GM engineering > intense engineering. Right?

It's hard to say. Why don't you test the 2 locations and report back? Let us know of anything you find.

I plan on sticking to my original design and keeping the IAT in the engine bay but as close to the filter as possible. As close to the OEM setup as possible. Sorry, Intense, but I dont like that TB IAT idea.

I like to keep my IAT in the fenderwell with myfilter so I know what temperatures the filter is actually pulling in. All you can really do is try to pull in the coldest air possible, so thats the temp I like to be able to see!

I stuck mine in the filter itself. When I had it outside my mileage dropped by about 1 or 2 MPG.

I would imagine that the IAT being closer to the throttle body would be better because the air temp could change several degrees between what the filter pulls in and what the engine actually receives. So I would think the IAT on the throttle body is a more realistic number.

th3fr4nchi5e wrote:

I like to keep my IAT in the fenderwell with myfilter so I know what temperatures the filter is actually pulling in. All you can really do is try to pull in the coldest air possible, so thats the temp I like to be able to see!

I have nothing to back this up, but, I have to believe the air temp in the filter is different than the the air temp entering the TB. Even if your sensor is telling the computer 80 degree air is coming in, but the engine is REALLY eating 86 degree air, then the engine isn't receiving accurate information.

96_Juggernaut wrote:

I would imagine that the IAT being closer to the throttle body would be better because the air temp could change several degrees between what the filter pulls in and what the engine actually receives. So I would think the IAT on the throttle body is a more realistic number.

I think that might be the worst place to put the IAT. So much residual heat will be soaked up in the housing your IAT sensor is mounted in that it might be telling the computer an even higher temperature than the air really is. It might be telling your computer you are getting 90 degree air when the engine is really pulling in 80.

charlieRobinson wrote:

th3fr4nchi5e wrote:

I like to keep my IAT in the fenderwell with myfilter so I know what temperatures the filter is actually pulling in. All you can really do is try to pull in the coldest air possible, so thats the temp I like to be able to see!

I have nothing to back this up, but, I have to believe the air temp in the filter is different than the the air temp entering the TB. Even if your sensor is telling the computer 80 degree air is coming in, but the engine is REALLY eating 86 degree air, then the engine isn't receiving accurate information.

96_Juggernaut wrote:

I would imagine that the IAT being closer to the throttle body would be better because the air temp could change several degrees between what the filter pulls in and what the engine actually receives. So I would think the IAT on the throttle body is a more realistic number.

I think that might be the worst place to put the IAT. So much residual heat will be soaked up in the housing your IAT sensor is mounted in that it might be telling the computer an even higher temperature than the air really is. It might be telling your computer you are getting 90 degree air when the engine is really pulling in 80.

This is true... I might end up doing the Intense kit but without the extra $70 is cost to but the IAT near the throttle body. I'll probably use a slightly longer 3.5" metal collar and drill a hole in that to sneak the IAT in between the filter and the tubing.

AA wrote:

Quote :

Are you suggesting the INTENSE FWI is a poor design? Sounds pretty lazy to put the IAT on the TB only so the OEM wiring will reach it. Why not include an extended wiring kit?

I haven't heard anything yet from INTENSE, but on the surface, this appears to be a simple marketing decision. Why not include the IAT extension? Because they can sell it for an extra $20: LINK

From the description:

"This 24 in plug-in harness extension allows you to relocate your Intake Air Temperature Sensor from the factory F-duct to a custom location of your choice. It is ideal for use with fenderwell intakes, cold air intakes, aftermarket air boxes, or timing modification devices that use the IAT signal for adjustment. 300 degree nylon convoluted tubing protects the wire from heat and weather and keeps your vehicle looking neat and clean. The engine end is heat-shrink wrapped for extra heat protection."

Look at what ZZP offers with their FWI kit (note position of IAT bung): LINK

Mandrell bent steel intake tube, silicone couplers, aluminum shroud, and and IAT extension. Price: $190



INTENSE is positioning their product much lower at $100. Entirely different approach - bare minimum product with the cheaper flexible tubing, and not as many pieces - it's just not up to the level of ZZP's product. It's a classic case of "you get what you pay for", and there's nothing wrong with that. I think some people expect to get a lot for $100. But considering CAI intake kits for every other car in the universe start at $150 and go up past $300, I wouldn't expect much more from the INTENSE kit.

I also found this interesting. It appears INTENSE supports putting the IAT sensor near the TB: LINK

Do these ZZP Kits work on our cars? I'm ready to order one if there is a remote chance I can make it work.

I know some of you on here are big metal workers. What would it cost to just have someone fab up a nice stainless pipe? It doesn't even have to go into the fenderwell, it can just have a blockoff plate like I have.