help temp sensor

[wcknotts]

Im putting a 06 ls 5.3 in my 70 c10 what temp sensor do I need to run stock gauge

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by wcknotts

Im putting a 06 ls 5.3 in my 70 c10 what temp sensor do I need to run stock gauge

I don't know of any direct replacement but I did my swap a few years ago so there may be something now. I drilled and tapped my LS1 head for a stock '67-'72 Chevy truck sender. You use a 23/32 bit ( I started out small and worked my way up) and a 1/2-14 NPT tap, and use the correct sensor for your gauge or light.

There are two sensors, one for idiot lights and one for gauges, if you buy a new one be sure you get the right one.

I am going to move this to the LSx Swap forum, the guys over there are up on all this stuff.

LockDoc

[mongocanfly]

Yep...just like Leon shows...drill and tap passenger head to the correct npt size the new temp sender is...you'll still need to keep the drivers side LS temp sender for the ecm...
There is a guy on here that was rethreading stock npt temp sensors to metric thread so theyd screw right in the head with no drilling or tapping...I'll look for it...

[mongocanfly]

Well ...cant find it at the moment....but if you search temp sender under the LS section,you'll find alot of other options that have been used....again depends on your gauge...but the easiest way is just drill and tap....

[Cledus Snow]

To use your stock temp gauge you need a Metric to SAE adapter.

Depending on what size coolant temp sender you have, LSX Innovations makes both M12 to 3/8 and 1/2 NPT adapters.

Here are the links to the Metric to SAE adapers:

M12 to 3/8 NPT - https://www.lsxinnovations.com/produ...apter-fitting/

M12 to 3/8 NPT (Extended) - https://www.lsxinnovations.com/produ...-m12-x-38-npt/

M12 to 1/2 NPT - https://www.lsxinnovations.com/produ...r-m12-x-12npt/

To use an aftermarket electric coolant temp gauge you need a three pin coolant temp sensor.
You also need a three wire connector harness to plug into the sensor.

For an aftermarket electric coolant temp gauge, you don't need to drill or tap anything. Simply swap out the 2-Pin coolant sensor for the 3-Pin sensor, and then wire up the sensor to your gauge.

Here are the part numbers and links to what you need:

- 3 Pin Temp Sensor (#12551708): https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-12551.../dp/B005OVAUN2

- 3 Wire Connector Harness: https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Moto...RCDHS4PAZDBCYZ

[mongocanfly]

cledus...how did you wire that up?...
I should have added to my post above that I'm using mechanical gauges...not electric

[kipps]

Originally Posted by Cledus Snow

To use your stock temp gauge, you need a three pin coolant temp sensor....I did this and it works great....

How close does your temperature gauge track with actual engine temperature? I've heard this three-pin F-body sensor gets you functional, but not exact. True or not?

[Cledus Snow]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

cledus...how did you wire that up?...
I should have added to my post above that I'm using mechanical gauges...not electric

I messed up, sorry. I updated my post.

[Cledus Snow]

Originally Posted by kipps

How close does your temperature gauge track with actual engine temperature? I've heard this three-pin F-body sensor gets you functional, but not exact. True or not?

It's close, only off by a few degrees.

[rpmerf]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

There are two sensors, one for idiot lights and one for gauges, if you buy a new one be sure you get the right one.

LockDoc

Idiot light should have a spade connector. Temperature sender should have a nail head connector.

There was someone here taking the old sensors, machining them down, and tapping them for 3/8 NPT. Might be able to do the same with M12.

[lutronjim]

Might want to check this out - idiot light type I think
https://www.vdo-instruments.com/sens...-801-10-3.html

There was also a post about gauge type that has the same resistance as the original but I can't seem to find it.