When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 1998 C5, A4, and just bought an LS3 crate engine for it. I am trying to get everything together before I make the swap. I ordered several harnesses from Summit, and one that I received was an extension harness for the knock sensors. This harness will plug into the the connections already installed on each side of the block. Originally I thought this was great, as it plugged right in for a neat installation. But, I have recently read that the computer may not read the signal properly, and I should instead install original style knock sensors (the type which were installed in the valley) on the sides of the block. Anybody with any information about this would be appreciated.
Getting a Modern LS3 into Your C5 is Easier Than You Think
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/engines-drivetrain/1603-getting-a-modern-ls3-into-your-c5-is-easier-than-you-think/
cheers,
GOOSE
Last edited by 69; Dec 26, 2018 at 08:34 AM.
Reason: Spel
As it turns out, I can use the Casper harness using plugs already installed on the LS3 crate engine. As long as the tuner is aware, those sensors will work fine. There is no need to drill and tap anything. A tech from "Injection Connection" out of Georgia, who has done about 40+ of these conversions, recommended that I just turn them off completely. His position is that they are way too sensitive, and driving with a lap top will show that every pot hole, or suspension bump triggers a retard in timing.
As a last resort most all tuners can adjust the "knock sensor" tables in your existing ECM tune--
Whether they need to be "sensitized" OR "de sensitized" This depends if the tuner hears real knock or is getting false knock
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
personally I wouldn't want to have them turned off on my car... if you don't have enough octane and/or your tune is on the edge and something goes wrong then you will be buying another ls3 lol
Sensitizing OR de sensitizing the knock tables does NOT turn them OFF----It changes the frequencies where the sensors pick up detonation-------------------------
I agree about not turning them OFF as well ---Best only done on a race only application using race fuel all the time--