Air Temp/Coolant Temp Sensor

[Twentyover]

I don't know how to even searh for an answer to this question, so I'll just as kit. Sorry if the answer is obvious to everyone but me.

I'm assembling a TBI injection system for a small English sports car. I've read the traditional dry plenum air temp sensor is too fragile to survive in the wet plenum I'm using in my system.

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/gm-open-element-iat-sensor-with-connector-p-116.html

I've understand that some have used the coolant temp sensor in wet plenum applications as the thermistor is protected.

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/gm-closed-element-clt-iat-sensor-with-connector-p-115.html




Reading indicates the resistance curves for the two sensors are the same. Is there any reason anyone can see using the CTS as an IATS will cause a problem? I realize I'll see slower response time , but I'm not turbo or supercharging the car, so i don't see significant changes in IAT in short time periods.

[Ollie8974]

The closed element sensor can be used as coolant temp sensor or a intake manifold temp. sensor.
The open element temp. sensor should be mounted in the air intake only, not in the manifold.
There is a version of the open element sensor that is not threaded. It is secured with a spring clip in the air filter.

[MrForce]

GM used a CTS in the plenum of their TPI systems. Other than the slower response time, the other problem is heat soak. Current thought is to install the ATS before the throttle body in the intake piping.

Rob

[anthonys 69]

I don’t think the coolant temp sensor will work as an air temp sensor. The coolant temp sensor is designed to be in the coolant of the car and needs that contact to work correctly. I’ve seen car over heating because of a hose go bad and not show it on the gauge because the coolant level was low and the sending unit wasn’t in the coolant. But it was in the steam.