OK, what I can see from searching is that folks recommend either
1. The FC3S oil filter pedestal adaptor
2. The Greddy oil filter pedestal adaptor
or
3. The oil pan drain plug replacement

The FC3S unit is currently not available (no word on if it will be available again in the future).

Greddy now only makes a "universal" adaptor. Their tech staff aren't sure if I would have enough clearance for the oil filter or not, and recommended their oil filter relocation kit ($160, requires a Toyota-specific filter, and I don't know that I have enough room near enough to the current oil filter pedestal to install a remote filter bracket).

I don't like the idea of the drain plug sensor - I have occasionally been known to use the unpaved part of the track - and some of those gators stick up enough to worry me.

Anybody have the Greddy universal unit that can tell me about clearance?

What appears to be the obvious thing to do is to simply install a "T" fitting between the block and the OEM oil pressure sensor and install the temp sender there. Anybody done this that can tell me the correct size, threads, etc.? When I did this on my Miata, the tapped hole in the block was a 1/8" British Standard Pipe (BSP) thread (slightly tapered) and I had to use a BSP to NPT adapter plus an NPT "T" fitting. Not sure if this was because Mazda considered the Miata a Japanese MG, or whether they used this for all their vehicles.

 

I know that Honda/Acura also use BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) threads on their oil pressure senders. I think many Japanese manufacturers do, probably for historical reasons. The T fitting is the most obvious, as you said, but if you want both oil temperature and pressure it will not work as well as a sandwich adapter (e.g., http://www.splparts.com/Parts/Univer...gs/default.asp) with multiple ports.

 

Just fitted mine in your third option by my specialist. At first we coould not find and exact replacment for the oil panel nut. All that we tried continued to produce leaks. Finally my specialist drilled the nut and inserted the sensor sending unit in it.

Worked fine.

 

Racing Beat makes a pedistal adapter for 1st gens that will work. You may have to unplug the throttle position sensor for clearance when you change the filter.

Jack

 

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.