Vixion Intake Manifold and CLT Sensor Fitment

With the workshop still slowly progressing the frame build, the engine was taken to a machine shop so that preparations can be done to fit the Vixion intake manifold and the water temperature sensor (CLT). Intake manifold and CLT sensor are the only items that directly attach to the stock engine.

Surprisingly, Vixion and Tiger's manifolds have nearly similar mounting bolt spacing. Here's the manifold side by side.

One of the holes need only enlarging inward by 2-3mm as shown below.

Here's the intake manifold fitted. There' a vacuum line from it that, if i'm not mistaken, on stock form is used to connect to EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculator). That's nice because i can connect a vacuum gauge there. Or maybe if i want to go forced induction later, it can be used for another MAP sensor.

Next comes the CLT sensor. On Vixion, this goes to radiator water line to sense the coolant temperature which in turn informs the ECU of the engine temperature and allows the ECU to adjust the amount of fuel to inject. The question then will be: where to put this sensor if the engine is air-cooled like mine?

There are many location to choose from to mount the sensor. You just need to make sure that the location gives the best temperature reading and that it's stable and does not get easily cooled by air flow. Some chose to mount on the cooling fins but this is not recommended as the fins should be a few degrees cooler than the engine block. Another option would be to drill the cylinder head and mount the sensor to read the temperature around the valve and camshaft. I prefer to read the engine oil temperature and mount the sensor to the drain bolt.

The drain bolt wall is thin and care must be taken when you drill and tap the hole for the sensor. It's better if you can add some aluminum before to give you more "meat" to hold the sensor.

The sensor will protrude a bit and foul the oil strainer but it's still safe and will only leave minor bent. If you want to be safer, you can put 2-3mm of spacer ring before you bolt the sensor. Don't forget to apply some sealant to avoid oil leak.

Here's the sensor on its final resting place.