Nissan Z32 300ZX owners who switched from factory mass airflow sensor and upgraded to an aftermarket engine management, naturally need to install an intake air temperature sensor (IAT) and a manifold pressure sensor (MAP). IAT is usually installed on top of plenum and sticks out like a sore thumb with a connector pointing up. An adequate manifold pressure sensor (3+ BAR) is expensive, bulky and still needs to connect to a vacuum source with a hose. What if I told you that there is a better way?
Bosch is and OEM supplier for a series of IAT and MAP sensors that are used in Europe. Some of these sensors are just air temp, others are just air pressure and there is one that combines both those functions into one sensor! A single sensor will measure your intake air temperature and manifold pressure up to 3.5 BAR (~37psi boost).
The sensor is slim and only uses one 4-wire connector for: ground, 5V, temp. output, press. output. This sensor is very popular with Motec standalones. I acquired calibration tables for it and confirmed that it works with Haltech and AEM. I am sure any other reputable ECU will recognize it with proper calibration file.
A small billet aluminum adapter plate installs in place of your EGR flange on driver (USDM) side. Adapter seals to the manifold with an o-ring and gets secured with two countersunk bolts. Bosch sensor inserts into an adapter, makes an airtight o-ringed seal and is held in place by a single bolt. This makes for a very clean installation especially for those who strive to keep their engine bays as close to a factory look as possible, and also those with wire tucked show cars.
If you only need the IAT function there is a sensor for that which will also bolt right up. If you only need manifold pressure, there is a sensor for that as well. The dual function BOSCH sensor is optional and can be bundled up with your billet adapter kit.
What is included in a basic adapter kit:
- CAD designed, billet aluminum 6061 adapter plate that is Type II anodized black
- Mounting hardware (stainless steel with hex drive)
- O-ring to help properly seal adapter plate against factory Z32 plenum
- Electrical connector for BOSCH sensor (4-wire connector with terminals and insulators)
Options:
- Pigtail connector with four, color-coded 12” leads
- Genuine BOSCH dual function IAT/MAP 3.5BAR sensor (ships within 7 days since these are only available in Europe and I usually stock a few at a time)
NISSAN Z32 300ZX Mounting Adapter for BOSCH IAT/MAP Sensor
This conversion is designed for a Z32 300ZX that is in an excellent/very good mechanical condition. If you have an excessive oil blow by and oil consumption through intake tract, this conversion would not be a good idea. The sensor is positioned on the bottom of the intake manifold and its operation can be affected if excessive amount of oil is present inside the manifold. This conversion is designed to be used off-road, on vehicles with prior modifications like throttle body coolant pipe bypass, EGR delete and altered PCV system. The easiest way to determine if this conversion would be a good fit for your car is by manually opening your driver (USDM) side throttle plate (with engine off) and inspecting the inside walls of your intake manifold. If everything looks dry and clean, you are good to go. If the walls of your plenum are covered in oil (or other fluids), it would be a good idea to address the cause prior to converting to this BOSCH sensor setup. A healthy running engine should not have any oil deposits on inner manifold walls.
Frequently asked questions:
Will this sensor work with a factory ECU?
No, you will need an aftermarket engine management system capable of running on VE tuning.
Where do I get calibration tables for both the IAT and MAP sensors?
Calibration tables are provided with your order.
What is the maximum boost pressure that this sensor can handle?
There are many variations of BOSCH sensors with MAP function ranging from 1.2 BAR all the way to 3.5 BAR. It is important to use a correct sensor that will be adequate for your boost levels. An optional sensor that is supplied with this kit is rated for up to 36.2PSI boost pressure, but tuners recommend staying under 35 PSI.
What is the best way to wire this sensor in?
Since you are removing factory MAF sensor, the absolutely best way to wire this up would be to splice into the factory EFI harness and use old wire leads from factory MAF to connect the sensor to. On the other end (at the ECU connector) you would de-pin those factory MAF leads and connect them to aftermarket ECU inputs. If what I just wrote is not immediately clear, please do not experiment with this and seek a professional installer. Otherwise, you can simply run a wire loom through the firewall to your ECU and make those connections.
Many Polar Engineering parts, including all ignition system altering products, are sold for off-road use only. All performance modifications and installations are at the customers own risk.
Polar Engineering or www.polarengineering.co hold no responsibility either implied or otherwise for mechanical, electrical or other failure when using any aftermarket performance products. Items sold for off-road use only are illegal in many states and provinces and are intended for racing vehicles which may never be used on a public road.
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