temp sender for vortec
 

what temp sender do i use in the head with vortec heads that will work with my temp guage? the thread is a different size than normal small block heads (i cant think of it off the top of my head) i cant put the temp sender in the manifold cuz it will interfere with my radiator hose.

I have never been able to find one that has the same resistance as the stock sender. I used the closest one I could find, and added a big wirewound resistor to the back of the gauge to correct the gauge. I have details somewhere, but not at hand right now.

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Tim

I have Autometer gauges and had no problem with the sender. The hole is smaller then regular heads so I didn't have to use an adaptor.

You could use an adapter, or a thermostat housing that has a hole for it. It wouldn't be in the head, but it is an option.

You could use regular pipe fittings from a hardware store. You would need a reduction coupleing and a close nipple. It would not be pretty but if you put it on the passager side it would be in the back and not as noticeable.

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72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail
Olive Branch MS

had the same problem with my heads/temp sender and the lack of clearance under rad. hose so had my machinist buddy cut out a 1/2" aluminum spacer (used gasket as template) for under the hose connection on intake. Works slick and matches the polished manifold too!



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72 swb cheyenne super 350/350
69 cst20 BB longhorn

Mine is not a Vortec but I have mine in the water neck on the intake. Is there any disadvantages to doing this is the output good? My truck always runs VERY cool according to my gage. I dont seem to have anyother place to put it. The ones under the upper radiator hose are well under the radiator hose and wont fit.

nate68,yeah I too am having the same problem.
Our old heads were tapped 1/2 inch pipe thread and the vortecs have a 3/8 inch pipe
threaded hole.I have no clearance for temp.
send unit and reducing fitting since I'm
running headers.Be nice to find 3/8 temp.
send unit to work with stock gage.Blazer
1970,how did you do that again?

I used one from an 87 chevy. It works fine. I just went to kragens and they found it for me. It is from a 87 truck or camaro. Hope this helps.

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68 LWB, .040 over 350 with 10:1 pistons, balanced, vortec heads,comp 270H cam, air gap RPM manifold, holley 750, and gear drive to annoy the neighbors.

Ron's68, are you using that sending unit with stock type temp. gage?

yep. And it seems to run in the same temp range as the one I had in my stock heads.

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68 LWB, .040 over 350 with 10:1 pistons, balanced, vortec heads,comp 270H cam, air gap RPM manifold, holley 750, and gear drive to annoy the neighbors.

i'm usin one from like an 88 vette, says its running cooler than before. of course it takes longer for it to warm up with these heads. one of the disadvantages of vortecs, also guideplates dont fit with stock style valve covers.