I know I'm impatient: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/oil-temp-sender-fitting-380961/

But does anyone have the Greddy unit? It looks like it fits between the oil filter pedestal and the oil filter, instead of replacing the oil filter pedestal like the FC3S unit does, so I'm worried about whether I will have clearance to change the oil filter. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

I have it, yes it is installed between the oil filter and the pedestal. It makes for a nice clean gauge install -- however, it makes changing the oil filter a royal PITA. It also makes the gauge sensor wires more susceptible to "operator error" when changing the filter.

When I finally get a new oil temp sensor from Defi (their design SUCKS, especially for the price), I'm going to have my mech tap into the banjo bolt there and get rid of the Greddy adaptor.

 

That, and the fact that you add 2 more orings to leak. This is nothing new, the mazdatrix and racing beat units have been available for years...though not geared for the FD.

 

 

Rynberg, I have the Greddy oil adapter too (as per your suggesstion a while back), and you're right, it is a PITA to change the filter and you're very likely to pull off the hose from the MAP sensor and move the TPS in the process haha.

You know what I found to be VERY helpful? An oil filter wrench -- not the strap type tho. There are a few diff shapes, but basically they cup the filter, and attach to the end of a ratchet, so not only does it save you from putting your hand in that area and burning it on the hot metal or messing w/ the TPS etc, but it also makes removing the filter a snap since you have a greater length and hence more torque to undo the filter.

Here are pics of two diff types:

 

BTW if you decide you want the adapter, I have one that I machined part of the sides away for more room around it (I didn't change the thickness of it). But later I ended up making a more customized one for what I wanted. If you'd like it, I'd sell it to you for $35 shipped. It has everythig EXCEPT the o-rings. Anyway, if you want it let me know.

Hopefully the pic I attached is here too.... If not PM me and I'll get some to you.

Good luck,
Grant

 

Kevin -
I assume that the Mazdatrix and Racing Beat units you are referring to are adapters for the FC? Do they replace the oil filter pedestal or go on top of it? Are they "bolt-on"s, or do you need to drill and tap for the sensor, oil return line, etc?

 

The Mazdatrix/Racing Beat like the one I posted goes in between the engine and the pedestal and requires no modification.

The one Mazdatrix sells now replaces the pedestal. To use it on a FD requires the banjo bolt threads drilled/tapped larger. I forget the size, hopefully someone else will chime in. If you have an -AN setup, you might be able to get the proper adapter and not have to drill/tap it.

 

thx, guys, I'm going to take GQMRacerX7 up on his offer and use his old M'trix/RB adapter that fits between the block and the filter pedestal. He said it does require unplugging the TPS sensor when changing the filter - but I think I can handle that. I just didn't want to back myself into a corner where I have to remove the UIM to change the oil - seems like every time I do, I break some other brittle piece of plastic or wire - ah, the joys of a 12 yo car with an oven for an engine compartment.

 

Are you doing this for an oil pressure sender, or temp sender, or both?

If you are only doing this for a temp gauge, you may want to consider another option. VDO makes a oil pan drain plug with a temp sender in it. Just remove your old drain plug, and put in the VDO unit. Then run a wire with a female spade connector and it is done.

http://www.concept1.ca/images/323-05...0drainplug.jpg

 

thanx, adam. I saw your posts on the other threads about this.

I'm afraid to put the sender in the drain plug - I have been known to use the unpaved portion of the track from time to time, and some of the gators you cross doing that can be high enough to scrape the lowest portions of the belly of the car. I don't want to destroy the sender or oil down the track for the folks behind me.