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Tips for Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) Replacement?

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Old May 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM
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Default Tips for Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) Replacement?

Anyone have tips for the crankshaft position sensor replacement? My understanding is that both the starter and passenger-side exhaust manifold/header need to be moved out of the way, but I'm a little intimidated by how much work its gonna take on the header and the access to bolts. Do I just move it out of the way slightly, or does it need to be removed completely? Are all the bolts accessible from underneath, or do some need to be reached from the top? Should the passenger wheel be removed too? Can this all be done on a 4 post lift which the car is currently on and I can't move it off of since the car won't start?

Any good tutorial videos or picture guides out there?

Thanks in advance.
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Old May 20, 2025 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by C5ZedS
Anyone have tips for the crankshaft position sensor replacement? My understanding is that both the starter and passenger-side exhaust manifold/header need to be moved out of the way, but I'm a little intimidated by how much work its gonna take on the header and the access to bolts. Do I just move it out of the way slightly, or does it need to be removed completely? Are all the bolts accessible from underneath, or do some need to be reached from the top? Should the passenger wheel be removed too? Can this all be done on a 4 post lift which the car is currently on and I can't move it off of since the car won't start?

Any good tutorial videos or picture guides out there?

Thanks in advance.
So I take it you do not have a service manual for your car?
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Old May 20, 2025 | 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
So I take it you do not have a service manual for your car?
I have it as a collection of PDFs some kind/generous CF users have posted (see pic below); I believe it's a complete manual just can't find the section which covers CKP replacement when I use search terms like CKP or crankshaft on the PDFs. Also a manual isn't going to cover nuances and tips actually experienced by people DIYing this.

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Old May 20, 2025 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by C5ZedS
I have it as a collection of PDFs some kind/generous CF users have posted (see pic below); I believe it's a complete manual just can't find the section which covers CKP replacement when I use search terms like CKP or crankshaft on the PDFs. Also a manual isn't going to cover nuances and tips actually experienced by people DIYing this.

Ok. In the factory service manual, it would be in Engine>Engine Controls>Repair if I remember correctly..
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Old May 21, 2025 | 12:12 PM
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To clarify on the exhaust removal part, it's the midpipe section that needs to be removed. In your other thread you mentioned having stock exhaust manifolds so that won't need removal. The midpipe contains the cats and H-pipe, and connects the manifolds to the axle-back exhaust sections.

The midpipe will be removed completely, but it's not too bad. There are 3 studs/nuts attaching it to each manifold and honestly those are the worst part... they could strip or break if they are original (maybe 4 out of 6 on mine needed replacement). Might be a good idea to have replacements on-hand. For example: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589631481

This video shares some details on midpipe removal:
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Old May 21, 2025 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by MetalMan2
To clarify on the exhaust removal part, it's the midpipe section that needs to be removed. In your other thread you mentioned having stock exhaust manifolds so that won't need removal. The midpipe contains the cats and H-pipe, and connects the manifolds to the axle-back exhaust sections.

The midpipe will be removed completely, but it's not too bad. There are 3 studs/nuts attaching it to each manifold and honestly those are the worst part... they could strip or break if they are original (maybe 4 out of 6 on mine needed replacement). Might be a good idea to have replacements on-hand. For example: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589631481

This video shares some details on midpipe removal:https://youtu.be/OLVRIDULeU8?t=140
@MetalMan2 Glad I asked! All the information I came across online said to "remove the passenger side header/exhaust manifold". I have stock exhaust manifolds to stock cats to a Borla X pipe to a Borla catback. Removing the section of exhaust with the catalytic converter sounds a LOT better/easier than having to remove the exhaust manifold itself!
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Old May 21, 2025 | 12:27 PM
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I just want to warn you of something I noticed from years of doing this.
When you buy a 'new' crankshaft reluctor sensor, sometimes it isn't new.
Sometimes, somebody returned their old one in the box. And its bad right out of the box.
Also, sometimes they are mis-colored. I've seen grey 24x sensors and black 52x sensors.
And beyond all of that, there is a high rate of brand new CPS failures in the aftermarket, I don't know why.

My advice is, buy a CPS directly from the OEM, not online, not a parts store.
And if you are unable to do so, the best option is a known good sensor from a high mileage vehicle that already runs, so you can confirm its wiring and quality.

Also while you are in there, I recommend adding shielded wiring if its currently unshielded. If you know how
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Old May 21, 2025 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by C5ZedS
@MetalMan2 Glad I asked! All the information I came across online said to "remove the passenger side header/exhaust manifold". I have stock exhaust manifolds to stock cats to a Borla X pipe to a Borla catback. Removing the section of exhaust with the catalytic converter sounds a LOT better/easier than having to remove the exhaust manifold itself!
No doubt! I've replaced the starter on mine, and separately have uninstalled/reinstalled the midpipe section many times. Also have a Borla X-pipe but with stock Titanium exhaust. And I've never touched the stock exhaust manifolds...
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Old May 21, 2025 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by MetalMan2
No doubt! I've replaced the starter on mine, and separately have uninstalled/reinstalled the midpipe section many times. Also have a Borla X-pipe but with stock Titanium exhaust. And I've never touched the stock exhaust manifolds...
@MetalMan2 Gotcha! Did you replace the CKP (crankshaft position) sensor on your car and can confirm this is the section of exhaust that needs to be removed (along with the starter) to get access to that sensor?
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Old May 21, 2025 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by C5ZedS
@MetalMan2 Gotcha! Did you replace the CKP (crankshaft position) sensor on your car and can confirm this is the section of exhaust that needs to be removed (along with the starter) to get access to that sensor?
CKP isn't a common "preventative maintenance" item, and mine has never indicated it is going bad. So no, I haven't replaced it. However, I from the reading I've done on it's replacement, I suspect this is it as shown in this guy's video at the lower left:
(keep in mind his C5Z has aftermarket headers)

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Old May 21, 2025 | 02:05 PM
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BTW there is a guide available on these forums, but from its age the pictures are no longer working. (which I realize you also posted in) https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-pictures.html
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Old May 21, 2025 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by MetalMan2
CKP isn't a common "preventative maintenance" item, and mine has never indicated it is going bad. So no, I haven't replaced it. However, I from the reading I've done on it's replacement, I suspect this is it as shown in this guy's video at the lower left: https://youtu.be/JuwZ6VCcItM?t=441 (keep in mind his C5Z has aftermarket headers)

Nope. That's the oil level sensor.
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Old May 21, 2025 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Nope. That's the oil level sensor.
Thanks for setting me straight.
More digging later, I think it's this one:


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Old May 21, 2025 | 06:07 PM
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*cough* the chance to wrap it with reflective materials and shield sleeve the signal wire ....
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