Different types of IAT sensor + Calibration
 

Is anyone using any different sorts of Intake Air Temp sensors?
If so, please post your outcomes.

My research shows that this GM sensor came off a late 80's Pontiac, (which we have bugger all of, over here in NZ).

I am thinking of trying a japanese AIT, mostly because the cost is way less, but also because they are more available.

I realize you would then you would run into calibration difficulties, which would be my next question: How did you calibrate it to MS?

You'd have to determine the sensors resistance at different temps to development the curve. Then you plug in those values into EasyTherm. Then burn them into the firmware.

put sensor in ice cold water, verify temp with accurate thermometer, measure resistance.
put sensor in warm water, verify temp with accurate thermometer, measure resistance.
put sensor in hot water, verify temp with accurate thermometer, measure resistance.

those temps and those resistance values get plugged into EasyTherm.

btw, this is documented in the MS section.

You can also see how Stein calibrated his in the thread he started about his Adaptronic ems installation.

I am using a Bosch IAT. Used on turbo Audis circa 2000 and up. It works perfectly with the Bosch curve from easytherm. $20 or so (I got mine from here though that probably doesn't help you in NZ). I think they used the same sensor on the VW 1.8t.

I'd like to use one of those Bosch sensors in the manifold, it'd get rid of the heat soak issue since it's plastic. Unfortunately, I can't weld aluminum to put a receiver in for the hold down bolt.

Can i use this method for an open IAT sensor? Would the water damage it?

I have 2 multimeters with temperature probes, I stick them in water with the sensor and go through 0,25,50,100 C and average between the 2 meters.

It's safe to put an IAT sensor in for a short while; just don't let it soak for a couple hours.

Whoa ..... you really think that would eliminate the heat soaking issue? That would be awesome for me.

The AEM sensor also has a plastic tip vs. GM sensor's metal tip ... AEM costs more but it's threaded: AEM - Air Inlet Temperature Sensor Kit

metal tip? my GM IAT does not have a metal tip, it's ceramic.

I stand corrected.

There's a couple copies of GM IATs with a metal tip out there. The one we sell isn't one of them but I have seen them included with Holley kits and some parts stores stock them.