I'm putting a 403 into my 99 C5 and have the knock sensors mounted and all looks ok as to the install. My question concerns reliability. One of the things that causes codes on the C5's is when the knock sensors get wet they tend to rust. We all know the LS1/LS6 knock sensors are in the valley cover covered by plastic plugs, so they are relatively protected against this. However, us C5 guys, right or wrong, like to wash our engines and sometimes we get water under the intake and down into the sensor area where they rust and throw codes.
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My questions are:
Are the LS2 sensors somehow protected from the elements?
If not, are they made of some non-rusting material?
Can I do something to protect my LS1 sensors?
Should I do something to protect them?
Should I crack a beer and watch the Pats win the Superbowl and stop thinking too much?

 

Option 5, crack a beer and watch the game. Personally I think if you drive the car everyday rain, sleet, snow, and shine they would rust and need replacement. But if it's a race or weekend car, maybe even a sometimes commuter like mine there probably isn't going to be a problem, other than a slightly decreased longevity.

Don't foget to notch the passenger side motor mount for clearance also.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. Already had to notch, the motor's in the car and the sensors mounted.
Wondering what the LS2 sensors are like....
Oh yeah, won't see the rain unless I get caught in it.

 

Almost forgot the LS2 sensor is actually a 2 wire sensor, unlike the LS1's single (or grounding type).

 

Speaking of knock sensors , i havent had a problem with my knock sensors and i have had mine mounted on the side of my block since July of 06 and they havent rusted out .. its should be ok , but yes the Ls2 knock sensors that are used on the ls2's are covered with plastic.. so you should be ok !

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I have a LS2 in my WS6 and the knock sensors mounted on the side of the block Feb. of last year and steal works fine, Water should not hert the senors ,99% of knock sensor are mounted on the out side of the engine blocks.