Notices
General Miata Chat A place to talk about anything Miata

IAT Sensor in Stock Intake?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 18, 2020 | 09:09 PM
  #1  
Dawn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newb
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Total Cats: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Question IAT Sensor in Stock Intake?

I have a '97 M-Edition with a 1.8l, naturally aspirated. I'm turboing it further into the future. Right now I'd like to install the wideband, MS3X, and IAT sensor.

Can install the IAT sensor in the stock intake, and if so, is it okay to do it close to the TB? I have a GM sensor, so my plan would be to drill a hole in the plastic and use some kind of adhesive to attach the bung, and then screw it in. Is this extremely dumb? If so, please stop me.
If this isn't possible and I must be stopped, what intake could I build / buy that won't get in the way of the future turbo being installed?

I've been reading through the forum for a while but haven't found my exact question answered.Thanks!
Old Mar 18, 2020 | 09:49 PM
  #2  
mjcanton's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 55
Total Cats: 4
From: Maple Grove, MN
Default

I drilled a hole in my plastic intake tube and screwed it in directly to the tube. I didn't tap it, just let the threads do the work and make the seal.

I wouldn't recommend trying to epoxy a bung onto the intake tube - I attempted this initially and had trouble getting a good bond that would hold up to the heat and vibration.

I've seen other users who just tossed it into the stock air box. An even simpler solution and probably good enough until you go turbo.
Old Mar 18, 2020 | 10:28 PM
  #3  
Dawn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newb
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Total Cats: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Default

Where's the best place on the pipe to do it as far as avoiding heatsoak and still getting accurate readings?

Last edited by Dawn; Mar 18, 2020 at 10:29 PM. Reason: Stonks
Old Mar 19, 2020 | 10:11 AM
  #4  
sixshooter's Avatar
Moderator
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22,155
Total Cats: 3,536
From: Tampa, Florida
Default

The most important thing is to keep it from heat sources like the radiator or engine itself. When I first added MS to my car and was still using the stock airbox and filter, I dropped the IAT sensor into the stock airbox beneath the filter and just let the wires sneak out through the seal. It was temporary but seemed to work well until I was able to add my turbo and intercooler for a more permanent solution. I assume you won't be running the stock plastic crossover tube forever.
Old Mar 19, 2020 | 05:48 PM
  #5  
Dawn's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newb
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Total Cats: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Default

I saw 2 people on YouTube just drop in the IAT to the airbox, but I wasn't sure if that was the best solution. I think I'll try the airbox temporarily, and then when I move to turbo I'll obviously have piping that it will screw into. Also if it's sketchy I'll just embed it in the plastic. Thank you!
Old Mar 19, 2020 | 05:51 PM
  #6  
hks_kansei's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 298
Total Cats: 44
Default

if you're really concerned about the airbox one being dodgy, just drill a hole in the side of the airbox and put the sensor there.

pretty much exactly what the NB had as OEM
Old Apr 10, 2020 | 11:46 PM
  #7  
Justaturbo95's Avatar
Junior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 131
Total Cats: 5
From: Olathe, KS
Default

There is a pcv grommet that will fit the sensor very well. Requires a larger hole but seals excellent. I have used in charge pipe as well. You can find them in the help section of parts store.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RuckRider
General Miata Chat
21
Oct 28, 2016 01:02 AM
cordycord
MEGAsquirt
3
Sep 1, 2013 01:44 PM
nile13
MEGAsquirt
13
Jun 30, 2012 07:47 PM
mj71
MEGAsquirt
3
May 20, 2009 04:05 PM
cjernigan
MEGAsquirt
6
Apr 15, 2007 07:10 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:15 AM.