the tuners said i need one but when i took it to the auto elecy they said i dont need it with a microtech. anyone know whos right?
the tuners said i need one but when i took it to the auto elecy they said i dont need it with a microtech. anyone know whos right?
You need one. Or at least shold have one.
The density of air changes with temperature (Will give the same MAP or AFM reading, but you'll actually get a different mass of air goin in). So you need different amounts of fuel depending on the temp.
Also you can change your timing given temp. Hotter air is more likely to ping, so you can back off some advance to try and avoid this.
Hen
The microTech will be very happy to run with not air temp sensor. But as Hen said it would be a good idea to have one. But... even if you do have one someone needs to know what to make your temp compensation maps look like. And your day on the dyno is going to be all at one temp... Who is going to change and check these things?
does a microtech know what to do with an air temp seonsor?
the main problem with not running one is (assuming your tuner gives you a "save" tune) is that it will always use more fuel than it should (except when its really cold) and you will never get as good power as you should (unless its really cold)
The microtech "knows" nothing. But you can use air temp and draw a map for fuel compesnsation, and ignition compensation. The graphs should be flat and at zero around your normal temp. At very hot air temp maybe retard timing and more fuel?
Maps made from air temp would only be a slight correction I guess. Water temp is more important and would effect cold start and such things to a greater extent.
Dont need one. As Jonny R said the water temp compensation is more important.