so the cam sensor in the newer (2001 and up) miatas are located in the back while mine is in the front 1999. what makes them so different where i couldnt relocate it to the rear allowing me to put on a different valve cover exposing my cam gears. as it is im cutting the housing away and leaving the cam bracket intact but it looks strange like that. any help would be lovely

 

so don't expose the cam gears...

 

The '01 and up have the sensor built into the VVT system, right?

Are you trying to relocate the sensor so you can backdate to a traditional-style cam gear and show off the exposed gears? Wouldn't that mean disabling the VVT system?

I never got what was so great about exposed cam gears anyway, but to each his own.

 

No, the cam position sensor is located on top of the head on the intake cam on VVT cars. I never looked, but there must be some sort of sensor ring between lobes.

Removing the cam sensor means disabling the vehicle.

Exposing stock gears is kind of

 

if the 99 cam has the little nubs out past the #4 lobe, you could move the sensor...

 

The same cam sensor is used in all NBs.

On the '99-'00, the sensor is up front, and reads a set of bumps which are cast into the front of the cam belt pulley.

On the '01+, the sensor is on top, and reads a set of bumps cast into the camshaft.

This change was made both to make space for the VVT actuator, and so that the signal coming from the cam sensor will reflect the position of the cam itself, not the position of the pulley.

If you want to relocate the sensor so that you can expose your cam gears and decrease the lifespan of your timing belt and idlers, just obtain a head, camshaft, and valve cover from a 2001-2005 engine. Performance will take a hit as you won't be able to control the VVT, but it'll look kewl.

 

good stuff guys thanks for the help. i probly just hold off on the exposed cam gears or jus fab a bracket to hold it in place either or not sure yet