I was wondering how important the IAT sensor is for my engine? I have been looking at my different options for a new intake elbow and I wanted to know if the IAT really needed to be there?

 

It is one of the parameters read by the PCM. So I would say, yes you need it. But you do not have ot keep it in the original position. As long as it's measuring intake air temps.

 

you could always modify the aftermarket elbows to accomedate the iat it's not hard.

 

just go to radio shack and buy some resistors, they come in a pack of 5 for like 99cents and you plug it in the IAT which tricks the pcm that cold air is always comming in around 50* of cool air and stays that constant temp, causing a good lil hp mod...prob good for 1-3 hp..but hey i have it in mine...and i have no problems, but after a while that resistor can go out and will cause a SES code, cause the IAT isnt plug in no more cuase you replaced it with the resistor...
im sure you have heard of it, if not more people on here shoulda tell ya..
randy

 

I personally would not recommend the above. Of course the IAT (MAT) is important, why else would it be there

 

I agree with the above post. The computer adjusts injector pulse widths based on a formula, part of which includes the temperature of the air coming in. On hot days the air is less dense, and the computer adjusts based on this.
I don't think the impact would be huge, but it might affect fuel economy in certain driving conditions...

 

The reason people don't recommend the IAT resistor mod is because it has been proven pretty much worthless and a waste of time (even though it is cheap, lol!).