I finally pulled the motor out of my 96 TA. I noticed that on the passenger side of the motor there is a sensor that is part of a freeze plug. Does anyone know what this is? My new 383 shortblock doesn't have the sensor, just a regular freeze plug.

 

Freeze plug or block drain? A freeze plug is around 2" around and up on the side of the block. It is the knock sensor if it is in the drain hole location (close to the bottom middle of the block).

If it is in a freeze plug location above the starter, it is the engine block heater, optioned on cars in cold climates.

 

Thanks Shoebox. It's the Freeze plug. I forgot that I had the engine block heater. I've never needed to use it.