C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

L98 '87 Vette, KNOCK SENSOR RELOCATION

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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 06:04 AM
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Default L98 '87 Vette, KNOCK SENSOR RELOCATION

When installing block hugger headers the collector pipe clears the knock sensor by only a hair .. Im worried about header exhuast heat getting to the sensor.... Or even melting the plastic .. On the other side of the block there is a plug that can be removed and it looks like the knock sensor will fit right in to tHe tapped hole, and its a little bit further away from the collector.. Has anyone relocated the knock sensor to the driver side of the block using the tapped hole that is plugged ? Thanks.
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 07:58 AM
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Don't know about using the other location but you can use some of the thermal tape on the sensor..I used it on the brake lines because they were close to my headers and where as before I couldn't touch them after I shut the motor off, now they are just warm to the touch..This stuff is amazing and works great.....WW

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14002/
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 08:21 AM
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Have never done it but should work. Over heating a KS can cause them to malfunction, usually making them more sensitive. When installing this type of sensor, proper torque is critical for proper sensitivity.
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 06:23 PM
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No reason you cant relocate it. If you can get the plug out of the other side after 25 years. Dont be surprised if you get some nasty crap out along with the coolant also.
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 07:23 PM
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thanks everyone for the ideas, maybe a combination of thermal tape and new location because even at the new location its close to the header, but not as close...

its old muscle but good muscle.... IMO GM should never have given up on the MAF, sure, its an expensive part but as always you get what you pay for..

anyway, thanks again and thanks for the summit link, Ive got an order aalmost ready to go and will add the thermal tape to it
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by dynocar
Have never done it but should work. Over heating a KS can cause them to malfunction, usually making them more sensitive. When installing this type of sensor, proper torque is critical for proper sensitivity.
thanks for this, happen to know what the torque is supposed to be ? cant be too high, maybe 10 ftlbs or so ?
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by WW7
Don't know about using the other location but you can use some of the thermal tape on the sensor..I used it on the brake lines because they were close to my headers and where as before I couldn't touch them after I shut the motor off, now they are just warm to the touch..This stuff is amazing and works great.....WW

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/THE-14002/
got it, thanks. The description says great for "odd shaped components" -- cant get more odd shaped than the KS !
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Mountaineer
thanks for this, happen to know what the torque is supposed to be ? cant be too high, maybe 10 ftlbs or so ?
Sorry, I do not know the torque spec, no longer have any C4 manuals. I'm sure someone else can help you.
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by dynocar
Sorry, I do not know the torque spec, no longer have any C4 manuals. I'm sure someone else can help you.
Torque the knock sensor down to 14 ft/lbs (19 N/M ) on your 1987 Corvette.

Looked it up for you in my 87 FSM.

Page 6E3-C5-2. Install or Connect ESC Knock Sensor.
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Old Sep 3, 2011 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by JackDidley
No reason you cant relocate it.

only have to extend KS wiring to other side

Originally Posted by JackDidley
Dont be surprised if you get some nasty crap out along with the coolant also.
No he won't.
It is only when out of curiosity you hit the accumulated solid plug in the hole with a screwdriver you get a nasty surprise
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Old Sep 4, 2011 | 04:08 AM
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Originally Posted by 87 vette 81 big girl
Torque the knock sensor down to 14 ft/lbs (19 N/M ) on your 1987 Corvette.

Looked it up for you in my 87 FSM.

Page 6E3-C5-2. Install or Connect ESC Knock Sensor.
thanks for the torque spec and how do I get one of those 87 FSM manuals ?

thanks to everyone who offered advice. i switched the KS to the driver side of the block, perfect fit in the threaded hole after removing the plug, and put the plug where the KS used to be. Installing a new harness so the KS wire will just go to the driver side...

I was surprised that neither the KS or the plug was froze up, both came out nicely with 3/8 drive sockets...
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Old Sep 4, 2011 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Mountaineer
thanks for the torque spec and how do I get one of those 87 FSM manuals ? ...
To get an 87 Factory Service Manual go on "ebaymotors.com" and do a search under "87 Corvette Service Manual" ...There are no less then 25 books on there from $20.00 to $95.00........WW
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Old Sep 4, 2011 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by WW7
To get an 87 Factory Service Manual go on "ebaymotors.com" and do a search under "87 Corvette Service Manual" ...There are no less then 25 books on there from $20.00 to $95.00........WW
That is where I found my 87 FSM used too on ebay.

$15 bought it.

Buy it Now.

Had a big grease finger print on the front cover.
From a mechanic like me.
It arrived 4 days later to my house.
Wiped most of the greasy fingerprint off with a clean rag.
Looks good again.

No missing pages also.

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Old Sep 4, 2011 | 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 87 vette 81 big girl
That is where I found my 87 FSM used too on ebay.

$15 bought it.

Buy it Now.

Had a big grease finger print on the front cover.
From a mechanic like me.
It arrived 4 days later to my house.
Wiped most of the greasy fingerprint off with a clean rag.
Looks good again.

No missing pages also.

thanks guys, Im shopping for the manual, maybe can get some "OEM" fingerprints with it...
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Old Oct 16, 2013 | 08:36 PM
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Can anyone tell me what goes into the threaded hole on the drivers side
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by lilronnie82
Can anyone tell me what goes into the threaded hole on the drivers side
A 3/8" NPT hex head pipe plug
unless you have the optional oil cooler in which case it has a nipple for the cooler coolant hose to connect to
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 05:12 AM
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Thank you
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Old Oct 18, 2013 | 02:00 PM
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Sorry a little late responding, but yes I relocated mine to the driver side where the block ground bolt connects to the block.

It is working fine and is out of the way of my shorty headers, I was worried it wouldn't be a good spot but seems to be working great.
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