Aftermarket coolant sensor placement

I will be adding an aftermarket coolant sensor to my 03.
My options are drain plugs on either side of block or crossover tube.
I have the aftermarket crossover fill plug with provision for probe.
Of the 3 which makes the most sense?
Being that the factory sensor is in the cylinder head already and m leaning towards one in the block.

Thoughts from those who have run multiple sensors

Thanks in advance


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

The factory coolant temp sensor is in the crossover. The hottest coolant will be in the crossover pipe so that's the proper place for your new sensor.

Is there also a factory temp sensor in the front of the driver side cylinder head?



Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Behind the power steering reservoir


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Imo best places for coolant sensor is:
1. On the hose feeding into the oil cooler.
You can buy an adapter and splice it in...also recommended location by na svt...iirc.

It is the hose between the tstat housing and the metal oil cooler hose connection.
This is the coolest point of the coolant.
imo this is where you will get the earliest warning.

It is a summing point in the cooling system.

2. The cylinder 7/8 block drain plug location..because it is near 7/8...which may become the hottest spot first..dunno.

I think the sensor behind the steering reservoir may be a cam sensor.

I remember posts from the past where cylinder head would over heat over 7/8 resulting in the tick.
That’s why I was debating between crossover tube or plug on drivers side block.

Thanks for clarifying the cam sensor location


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Dave.O said:

I remember posts from the past where cylinder head would over heat over 7/8 resulting in the tick.
That’s why I was debating between crossover tube or plug on drivers side block.

Thanks for clarifying the cam sensor location


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Click to expand...

You can also buy a crossover cap with an adapter for a temperature sensor.
It has a 17mm hex head with dual oring seals and a hex set screw center tap for a sensor.
The sensor will stick up into the hood a bit, but as I understand it, it is fine.

Ebay.

shurur said:

You can also buy a crossover cap with an adapter for a temperature sensor.
The sensor will stick up into the hood a bit, but as I understand it, it is fine.

Click to expand...

Sounds like he already owns one.

Run a wire for an oil pressure sensor while you are under there...just my .02.

Oil pressure is more important to know imo....and both oem gauges are crap on our cars

iirc The Stewart 279B F is the 100psi sender.
It is a marine use thick film type and will last.
The other 2242 diaphragm types die after a bit.

98 svt said:

Sounds like he already owns one.

Click to expand...

I do


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

shurur said:

Run a wire for an oil pressure sensor while you are under there...just my .02.

Oil pressure is more important to know imo....and both oem gauges are crap on our cars

iirc The Stewart 279B F is the 100psi sender.
It is thick film and will last.
The other 2242 diaphragm types die after a bit.

Click to expand...

This is good to know, I’m actually in the market for one. Wil tee it off the factory sensor in oil cooler
Debating on placing oil temp sensor probe on npt spot nearest filter


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Dave.O said:

This is good to know, I’m actually in the market for one. Wil tee it off the factory sensor in oil cooler
Debating on placing oil temp sensor probe on npt spot nearest filter


Sent from my iPhone using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Click to expand...

There already two separate mount taps.

I think that is what I did...moved the oem down and in front of the rack and pointing down. Then put other sensor in the original upper oem position.

But also with new sensor being pointed down with a brass fixture at a 45 angle helped it not hit the pump bracket and made it easy to access the sensor wire connection.

Also:
The gauge and sensor can be custom matched with a series resistor if needed.

Thanks for everyone’s input on this

Another question, looking at options for 12v key on power and dimmer. What did others use?

There is a diagram somewhere on these forums that I could not find in search function…

Again, thanks in advance for input


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com