Where Should I Install My Coolant Temperature Sensor?

 Recommended Location

For the most accurate coolant temperature reading, install the sender in an available coolant port on the intake manifold or water neck/thermostat housing as applicable for your engine. 

 Small Block Chevy (SBC)

BluePrint recommends using one of the coolant ports in the intake manifold. Most SBC intakes include multiple coolant port locations that can be used for temperature senders, EFI sensors, fan switches, or gauge senders.

 Big Block Chevy (BBC)

Use an available coolant port located in the intake manifold or thermostat housing. These locations provide the most consistent coolant temperature readings

 Small Block Ford (302 / 306 / 347)

Install the temperature sender in the intake manifold coolant passage or thermostat housing location.

 LS Engines

Follow the sensor locations specified by your ECU manufacturer or wiring harness documentation. Factory-style coolant sensor locations should be used whenever possible.

 Why Shouldn't I Install the Coolant Temperature Sensor in the Cylinder Head?

Many customers assume that a cylinder head temperature reading is the same as coolant temperature, but this is not always the case.

BluePrint aluminum cylinder heads can dissipate heat differently than the intake manifold and coolant passages. Installing the sensor in the cylinder head may result in temperature readings that appear higher or fluctuate more than expected. This can lead customers to believe the engine is overheating when coolant temperature is actually within the normal operating range.

 What If All My Intake Ports Are Already Being Used?

If all ports are occupied, common options include:

• Using an available port in the thermostat housing.
• Using a tee fitting when appropriate.
• Relocating another accessory sensor to an alternate coolant port.
• Installing a thermostat housing with additional sensor provisions.