ACT sensor in plastic charge pipe

92Rustang · Jul 23, 2024

I am in the process of installing a v3 vortech on my foxbody with a holley terminator. The terminator ecu uses the intake air temp to calculate the Volumetric efficiency (VE) fuel tables.
Currently on my n/a set up I have the sensor laying on the top of my explorer gt40 Intake. I never drilled/tapped cylinder 5. I don't like how most people experience heat soak issues when using the cylinder 5 runner location.

What's better for the ecm to know the temperature of the cast aluminum intake manifold or temperature of the air going thru the plastic (less heat soaked) charge pipe?

Based on other forum searching seems like a good place for the ACT sensor is on the vortech charge pipe. (I'm non intercooled) I also have a 1 inch plenum spacer between the upper and lower intake I wouldn't be opposed to drilling and taping.

I have the plastic vortech style charge pipe. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to attach the 3/8 NPT sensor in the plastic pipe between the blower and throttle body?

My only idea i have is drill a hole and install with epoxy/gasket maker a bulk head fitting a 3/8npt inside diameter on the bulkhead.

Ultimately with custom tuning on the terminator I should be able to adjust fuel table to where I want it even if ACT reads 100 degrees in the charge pipe or 194* degrees (sensor limitations?) in the lower intake?? Maybe someone can educate me more on the subject.

Noobz347 · Jul 23, 2024

I think what you need to be concerned with are the limitation on the actual sensor you're using.

The stock Ford sensor ranges from 50* to 194*. I have no experience with what others have done with that kit but seems to me that the charge pipe would exceed that number.

Since the terminator is programmable, I would probably mount it on the air inlet side of the blower. In the airbox, if you have one.

Noobz347 · Jul 23, 2024

This should be applicable to your situation.

Courtesy of @jrichker:

jrichker said:
Pin 25 on the computer - ACT signal in. at 50 degrees F it should be 3.5 volts. It is a good number if the ACT is mounted in the inlet airbox. If it is mounted in the lower intake manifold, the voltage readings will be lower because of the heat transfer. Here's the table :

68 degrees F = 3.02 v
86 degrees F = 2.62 v
104 degrees F = 2.16 v
122 degrees F = 1.72 v
140 degrees F = 1.35 v
158 degrees F = 1.04 v
176 degrees F = .80 v
194 degrees F = .61

Note that all resistance tests must be done with power off. Measuring resistance with a circuit powered on will give false readings and possibly damage the meter.

Ohms measures at the computer with the computer disconnected, or at the sensor with the sensor disconnected.
50 degrees F = 58.75 K ohms
68 degrees F = 37.30 K ohms
86 degrees F = 27.27 K ohms
104 degrees F = 16.15 K ohms
122 degrees F = 10.97 K ohms
140 degrees F = 7.60 K ohms
158 degrees F = 5.37 K ohms
176 degrees F = 3.84 K ohms
194 degrees F = 2.80 K ohms

92Rustang · Jul 24, 2024

@Noobz347

Thank you for the data. That's great information.

I have considered putting the sensor on the air inlet to the supercharger. But that same air is going to be a alot warmer by the time it's compressed and smashed into a cylinder.
I ordered the UPR boostmaster tube. Pretty sure that utilizes a fenderwell air intake.

Was trying to get the most accurate reading of the air without the sensor becoming heat soaked.

Essn95 · Jul 25, 2024

I have a V3 Blower and have my IAT sensor in the plastic charge pipe with no issues. I went this route because I didn't want serious heat soak issues and the hassle of tapping my intake (95 Cobra). I am spraying meth at the discharge of the Vortech, so I gave about 6 inches from that point to place the IAT. That way, the air already got heated and compressed by the blower and gets some of the cooling effect of the meth. It also is a failsafe in case the meth does not spray, the IAT will be higher and tune will pull timing

92Rustang · Jul 25, 2024

Essn95 said:
I have a V3 Blower and have my IAT sensor in the plastic charge pipe with no issues. I went this route because I didn't want serious heat soak issues and the hassle of tapping my intake (95 Cobra). I am spraying meth at the discharge of the Vortech, so I gave about 6 inches from that point to place the IAT. That way, the air already got heated and compressed by the blower and gets some of the cooling effect of the meth. It also is a failsafe in case the meth does not spray, the IAT will be higher and tune will pull timing

How did you attach the 3/8 npt sensor to the thin plastic charge pipe?

Cheapskate207 · Jul 27, 2024

I’ve drilled and tapped with some liquid thread sealer with good results.

I also put a fitting in for a blow off valve. Since the diameter is so much bigger than 3/8 I was having issues getting it to stay tight and seal. I tried “Seal all” and it’s been fine ever since.

Blown88GT · Jul 28, 2024

The IAT must be in the charge pipe or without an intercooler use the factory location in the upper intake. You cannot put it in the supercharger inlet. Heatsoak will not be an issue since you have no intercooler. The Procharger uses an air to air intercooler & there is little difference between the 2 locations. I have IAT's installed in both locations with a wire extension to reach the charge pipe.

Essn95 · Jul 28, 2024

92Rustang said:
How did you attach the 3/8 npt sensor to the thin plastic charge pipe?

Drilled and tapped. I put a dab of E3000 sealant on the threads

92Rustang · Jul 31, 2024

Essn95 said:
Drilled and tapped. I put a dab of E3000 sealant on the threads

Thanks for help all. I installed the AIT sensor in the charge pipe drilled and tapped with a little loctite to help secure it. Its reading well.

ACT sensor in plastic charge pipe

92Rustang

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Noobz347

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92Rustang

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Essn95

92Rustang

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Cheapskate207

The left one hangs a little lower

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ACT sensor in plastic charge pipe

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