Coolant temp sensor for Vortec heads
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 24
From: Coastal Georgia
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Coolant temp sensor for Vortec heads
I just began the install of my Fast Burn aluminum heads, and started to button things up when I noticed that the coolant temperature sensor I had from the old heads (Gen 1 350 heads) is too big and does not appear to fit the Fast Burns, which are Vortec-style heads. I looked a couple of parts stores online (Schucks), but the coolant temp. sensor they show for a Vortec head does not look like it has the same electrical connections as a stock Gen 1 head.
Help?
Help?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Warren IL
The 5/8 sensor will work. The female connector slides right on to the newer style male connector. The new sensor will read high though. You can also take you head to the machine shop and have the hole drilled out and taped to 3/4 NPT for the correct sensor.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I was able to get a small sensor to work. I worked with the parts store guy and we matched one up. I think it reads a few degrees high but it does the job. I checked with my IR gun and I was reading about 10 over the reading at the thermostat. I can live with 10 degrees. I do not have a part number as it was a few years ago I did this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Leroy Township Ohio
I notice that you have an electronic choke on the Q-jet. Is that the original Q-jet? I have a fresh rebuilt one on mine and want to install an electric choke to it if it isn't a problem. Good info for the sensor, great pics. How about the mounting of the carb brackets for the throttle. Any mod's required to the intake? Getting off the sensor issue but, whatever info or experiences you can share will sure help. Where did you get the plug wire brackets? I like those. I bought the chrome valve covers but same fit it looks like.
Reddog76
Reddog76
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
I ran into the same issue during my Vortec swap. I ended up just installing my original sensor in the intake manifold just under the water hose neck. This setup work fine. I had no problems with hood clearance on my 78 and I'm using my stock breather.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I notice that you have an electronic choke on the Q-jet. Is that the original Q-jet? I have a fresh rebuilt one on mine and want to install an electric choke to it if it isn't a problem. Good info for the sensor, great pics. How about the mounting of the carb brackets for the throttle. Any mod's required to the intake? Getting off the sensor issue but, whatever info or experiences you can share will sure help. Where did you get the plug wire brackets? I like those. I bought the chrome valve covers but same fit it looks like.
Reddog76
Reddog76
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I went to a local hardware store and asked for his bin of misc brass fittings. I took about an hour but I was able to use to brass fittings to make the proper temp sensor gauge fit. I had to cut one of the fittings a little shorter and insert it into a second fitting which threaded into the vortec heads. The cost was for the fittings was about $4.00.
Jim
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I put the original under the hose like some here have done but didn't like it since it rubbed on the upper radiator hose. I found a smaller sensor that fits in the vortec hole but it reads just a little bit off. I don't have the part number but I believe it was originally intended for a Volvo. Do a search and you may be able to come up with something meaningful.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I have fast burn heads and I used my original temp sensor so it matched the gauge. Here's a pic of the sensor installed
Pic of intake manifold plug pugged
These are the new style heads
Hope this helps!
Pic of intake manifold plug pugged
These are the new style heads
Hope this helps!
Last edited by spedaleden; Feb 28, 2009 at 12:13 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,741
Likes: 1,383
How do I machine the sensor if I don't have a lathe?
Hi Rotonda...about your idea:
How do I machine the sensor if I don't have a lathe and I want to keep the sensor round?
I have mine in the intake manifold now, but it reads low....
How do I machine the sensor if I don't have a lathe and I want to keep the sensor round?
I have mine in the intake manifold now, but it reads low....
