The plastic IAT in the airbox on the NB's--is it "good enough" to use with most EMU's? The new EMU that I am looking at requires the use of an IAT. Do I need to/want to upgrade to the GM IAT?

 

I know for the NAs, the stock unit is restrictive and would measure temperature before the turbo and intercooler. I would say get the GM sensor and put it in the ideal location so it won't restrict airflow, and it will report an appropriate temperature.

If I'm wrong, I'm sure I'll be corrected.

 

No, you are right. I did some more searching and found that the GM IAT after the IC is the way to go.

 

The GM iat sensor is an open element, which means it reacts quickly to temp changes, something you need in a boosted car. I doubt the stock sensor is open, so yeah go with the gm one.

I put it right before the throttle body, some ppl put it in the intake mani... as close to the cylinders as you can bacially.

 

so are you going with the greddy emanage ultimate?

 

It's really easy to setup MS to read an open element GM sensor. Put it after the IC up in the front of the car so it doesn't heat soak.

 

It's really killing you, isn't it?I'm looking at going with the Adaptronic from Travis. Waiting for a phone call to discuss some details. Somebody has to try it in the US.

https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t25299/

 

OMG DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lead the way for us, kind sir

 

Its easy cause its already programmed for GM sensors :P


Although it may not make a big difference but putting it on the Intake Manifold like pat said can cause Heat Soak since the Manifold would take longer to dissipate the heat as oppose to on the intercooler Piping. I put mine a few inches in front of the TB so that MS would get the most accurate readings before it enters the engine.

 

Mine heatsoaks like a bitch. If I stop somewhere for a quick stop, I can't get the car restarted without popping the hood and airing out the sensor. I'm going to be moving it to immediately post-IC when I install my next IC setup.

 

Whats your intake setup?

This might not help but figured I'd mention it. Before I switched to a true Cold Air Intake setup I just had a air filter on the turbo. Whenever I come to a stop my intake temps would climb to 120-140*F this takes about 4mins for it to climb up, when driving it would be a few degrees above Ambient Temp.


When I installed my true cold air meaning the filter is outside of the engine bay near the driver side tire/bumper area, my temps dropped a significant amount for example the same idle/stop temps never reached over 110*F and during cruising it actual reached Ambient Temps.

 

Filter is behind the driver's headlight with a TSI open to it. Never seen above ~15-20*F above ambient except during boosted runs. PRoblem is after turning the car off and then coming back to it in ~5-10 minutes. Stopping for gas sometimes causes the problem. The sensor heatsoaks and I can't start the car without popping the hood and letting it cool down. It helps if I physically remove the IAT from the intake and wave it around. /jack

 

Yes, IAT sensor heatsoak is a problem, even if it's the open element. Best solution, as mentioned, is to keep it away from heat. Mine's as far away from the engine as possible and it does fine now. Park it hot and 15 minutes later fire it up and my AIT sensor might be 20*F over ambient. Nothing major like when it was by the TB.

 

Why did they make the whole thing out of brass? Was plastic too fragile or something? It would solve the heatsoak problem.

 

Well depending on which GM IAT sensor you get some are All Plastic, Half Brass/Half Plastic, and all brass.


Half Plastic Half Brass





All Brass




All Plastic