Intake Air Temperature Sensor Question...
 

I have a turbo'd 1.8L 1999 miata. The factory intake air temperature sensor is obviously not made for turbo applications. Currently I have it in the intake side, but I need to get a new sensor moved to the post-turbo, pre-intake manifold side.

Can someone suggest an inexpensive turbo style sensor that will plug and play on the '99. I would like one that will of course screw into a bung welded in the post intercooler piping. Currently I am running 10psi, but will soon jump to 14psi.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

see diyautotune.com open element GM sensor w/ bung.

Pretty sure the GM sensor is not compatable with the factory ecu. If it was no one would have to use easy-therm.

Is the sensor in the MAF in your car? could you remove/relocate it? Otherwise I would look for other mazda application that have a screw in sensor. You would have to check resistance values, but chances are it would work.

I ran my '99 for a long long time with the sensor pre turbo and it was fine. not ideal, but it didn't hurt anything.
What EMS are you using for fuel control?

i wonder if there's a coolio circuit to convert the GM IAT sensor output to something the mazda ECU would enjoy...

or you can rip the damn sensor out like kinda like Perez did.

Damn, I love this forum. Thanks for the quick responses.

I am currently running the sensor pre-turbo (no, it's not part of the MAF). Unfortunately, I have issues at the autocross because it's usually such a short course that the intercooler doesn't have much effect even with both fans rigged to pull any time the ignition is on.

I will definitely look into the GM sensor (and it's cheap!!). Thanks for the advice!

Oh....I forgot. I am running the emanage blue. I got it working with the 550's to boot!

Well, I think I might have answered my own questions. I'm not sure what the hell is in my car now though.

http://www2.partstrain.com/partlisti...r+Temp.+Sensor

Since the 99 AITsensor plugs into a hole using only pressure from the snug fit, you need a positive mount. I've used the setup below - a washer over the sensor so the connector comes thru the center/hole. Drop it in to a hole in your IC pipe, then just drill to small holes for bolts/screws in the big washer that run into the IC pipe. That'd hold it in and keep it sealed.

Thanks M2

I thought about that exact setup, but are you sure it will hold at 14psi?? I am a it skeptical that the plastic sensor probe will even be sturdy enough. Did you see the link on my previous post? The sensor shown in it looks like is has a steel threaded fitting. Is this for a mazdaspeed miata or is it just a generic picture? I have seen the same sensor on about three different part websites though. I don't want to order it and get the same rubber mounted plastic IAT that I already have.

No - I'm not sure what it will hold. BUT the washer will do the majority of work to resist the force, not the plastic flange. Whatever amount of plastic that does resist pressure will be reduce dramatically. I can't answer anything on the screw in sensor. You might visit the mazdaspeed miata forum and ask somebody to confirm. Then you'd need to verify specs for ouput.

Well, mine was a little different. It's a 1.6, so my IAT sensor was integrated into the AFM, and I merely pulled it out and relocated it into my new intake pipe. It's still technically in exactly the same place it was before (between the filter and the turbo) it's just not surrounded by an ugly ole' AFM anymore. :bigtu: