JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

would using the stock water temp location, in the driver side head, cause any problems other than causing the stock gauge not to work??
thanks

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

I'd imagine it would work just fine, except a dead gauge might look kinda strange. You can out it in on the passenger side head(#8 cylinder), or above the starter.

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Yeah I'm pretty sure you need the stock sender in place because the ecm needs to know what the engine temp is for its operation.

TA TED

Install it where Ferocity02 said, in the passenger side head. Mine workes like a champ. Yes the PCM does need temps, and unlike the LT1, I don't believe the LS1 has independant sensors for the PCM and the guage. So if you pull it, you'll run like **** and never enter closed loop.

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

I think in '98 they had seperate sending units from the same location - thats why the '98s are somewhat accurate. In '99 they switched so that the sender sends the signal to the ecm only, which then sends a signal to the gauge. Hence the idiot light tendencies of the gauge.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

thanks guys for all your help, I had a feeling that the stock gauge would hafta be in place for the ecm to work right. I guess I'll install the sender in the passenger side head when I do my header install.
thanks again

ram-it

Dropping the starter and installing the sending unit in place of the plug there is way easier! Trust me, I've been there. Removing and reinstalling the starter is cake.

WS6FirebirdTA00

iTrader: (33)

yeah there is a plug in the passenger head for a new sending unit. if you dont keep the factory one on the driver side head u will throw about 3 or 4 codes i think and the fans will stay on all the time

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

The one on the passenger side head is a bitch to get too. You best bet would be to remove the coil packs and plug wires. Even then it will be somewhat difficult since you can't see back there. Above the starter was very easy. All you need is a 8mm allen socket to take out the old plug, and an M16x1.5 adapter for the new sender. Watch out, about a gallon of coolant will come out of this plug. Make sure you arent under it when you take out the plug. I got a mouthful of coolant when I did it.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

yeah I thought about the plug above the starter since its alot easier, and I have the metric adapters already, but I heard that the readings were a little off, is that really true?? BTW, I agree about the passenger side being a bitch to get to, what a PITA!
thanks

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

I think they might be a little off. I don't know where the plug is along in the system. Obviously if it's towards the end of the cycle, the readings will be a little high. At the beginning of the cycle the readings will be a little low.

ram-it

My readings are typically in the 190-200 range until I hit stop and go traffic. I have never had it go higher than 210. As to wether this location is a little of high or low I don't know. I wouldn't think it would matter.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

thanks for the help, I will be doing my headers as soon as my ORY comes in, so I'll see which location is easier to use since it doesnt seem to matter

WS6FirebirdTA00

iTrader: (33)

if your doing headers do the one in the back of the passeger head, i dont know if the others are talking about in the black or not but if its in the head it gives a truer reading

TA TED

I did my buddies Z with the same sender location and I only spilled a little coolant. Do the finger in the hole thing and have a buddy hand you the sensor under the car. Quick is the key. Forgot to mention that I didn't even need to pull the starter on either car. Both were '02's.

Drew98TA

I did mine on the back of the passenger head (#8). If your going to have the manifolds/headers off anyway, its going to be a breeze to get it in back there.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

great! thanks for the info guys. with no headers or cats in the way I'll see if I can get to the pass. side head 1st, if not, I guess I'll just stick it in the block then.
thanks again