MAT relocation question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
MAT relocation question
ECM been throwing a code for MAT sensor. I looked and it looks like a tough thing to replace the sensor. (ie- must remove plenum). My question is, if the sensor is bad, can I just order the relocating kit from MAD:? Are they easy to install? They obviously come w/a new sensor since it is relocated right? Just leave the old one where it is.. aye?
btw- what exactly does the MAT affect? fuel/air mixture?
btw- what exactly does the MAT affect? fuel/air mixture?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
almost forgot to ask this. In MAD, there are 2 different types of connectors listed. Which one is the right one for my 86 auto Cast Iron. (A or B, pg 4-24)
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Campbell CA
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
The MAT measures air temp. thus mxing all the fuel air for the best comustion rate. However, since it sits on top of the motor, it gets warm, and thus not the best reading. Relocating it to the front, give a more accurate reading of air intake temp. Thus a better F/A mix, and hopefully more power.
MAd has a kit that move the plug from the sensor. TPIS has a kit that moves the plug farther down, around the distributer. This plug is the same on all of them. (pretty sure). The under/behind the distributer is a PITA to get to. I wish i had done mine when the plenum was off. The MAd one, should be easier to install, once you know the correct plug. Their pictures look the same to me so that part I can't help you with. Just leave your old MAT in its plenum location.
MAd has a kit that move the plug from the sensor. TPIS has a kit that moves the plug farther down, around the distributer. This plug is the same on all of them. (pretty sure). The under/behind the distributer is a PITA to get to. I wish i had done mine when the plenum was off. The MAd one, should be easier to install, once you know the correct plug. Their pictures look the same to me so that part I can't help you with. Just leave your old MAT in its plenum location.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
So, I don't need to remove the Plenum to connect the "relocation kit" right? Since I don't have to pull the old sensor.? If so, I will order the MAD kit as soon as someone on the forum can tell me which connector to get. I mean, wth is the difference. They do both look the same.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Campbell CA
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
Yup, they don't make it easy for you to figure that one out. Very simple job once you get the plug figured out. I suppose you could always order both, and return the one that had the wrong plug.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 13
From: South Bend, Indiana
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
I just did this to mine this week. You need to pull the connector off the sensor and look at it. If it's the mushroom style (most likely) you will see a mushroom shaped alignment cutout in the connector and it will be obvious. If it's the other style, it will have a small tab cutout on each side in the connector for alignment. Luckily, you won't have to remove your sensor as the kit comes with one. If you want to see a picture, email me. The pictures in the catalog are difficult to see.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
Take a long handled pair of needle nose pliars and pull the plug before you order it. That's all you need. You can leave the old one in there so you don't have to remove the plenum.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 20
From: Derby Kansas
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
Actually....
I'm pretty sure on the L98 MAF cars all the MAT sensor does is help to determine when to engage the EGR (at least according to my Helm's manual). But on LT1 cars the IAT (intake air temp.....same sensor, different name & location though) sensor DOES help control the distributor's spark advance.
But if you'd rather relocate it than pull the plenum to change it, go for it. I think buying a "kit" for $60 is a waste of money though. Just buy yourself a new sensor, mount it where you want. **** off your old connector, splice a lenth of wire long enough to reach your new sensor. Splice your old connector back and plug it in.
Simple as that and you just saved yourself at least $40. :cheers:
[Modified by Ron78Z&85Vette, 12:33 AM 9/13/2002]
I'm pretty sure on the L98 MAF cars all the MAT sensor does is help to determine when to engage the EGR (at least according to my Helm's manual). But on LT1 cars the IAT (intake air temp.....same sensor, different name & location though) sensor DOES help control the distributor's spark advance.
But if you'd rather relocate it than pull the plenum to change it, go for it. I think buying a "kit" for $60 is a waste of money though. Just buy yourself a new sensor, mount it where you want. **** off your old connector, splice a lenth of wire long enough to reach your new sensor. Splice your old connector back and plug it in.
Simple as that and you just saved yourself at least $40. :cheers:
[Modified by Ron78Z&85Vette, 12:33 AM 9/13/2002]
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 13
From: South Bend, Indiana
Re: MAT relocation question (dbwade36)
I, too, thought I could make this for much less than buying a kit. But if I had to do it again, I'd buy the kit again. The mushroom connector goes with the (usually) earlier plunger style sensor. The rectangular connector goes with the caged style sensor. The kit harness will convert the mushroom (if original) to the caged which is a faster reacting sensor relaying info to the computer which in turn will control your fuel mixture. I couldn't believe how much different my car ran with this kit. I thought I had a bad tps as I would feel "steps" in power as I push the pedal. It is smooth and even all the way now. Hope this picture is better than the catalogs. Rectangular on the left, mushroom on the right.
[Modified by jimtreber, 5:43 AM 9/15/2002]
[Modified by jimtreber, 5:43 AM 9/15/2002]
