Cam sensors in 2022

[idickers]

I am converting my S14 to sequential injection and need to get a cam position sensor. The most used options seem to be the cam sensor from the S38 engine, or the VAC kit. Do the parts from the S38 just bolt onto the S14? Are there any other options I should be considering for a hall-effect cam sensor?
Thanks for any suggestions!

[Ironhead]

The S38 parts bolt on. IIRC you have to mess around a bit with spacers between the cam and the trigger to get it to work. It uses a two wire mag sensor.

The VAC kit just bolts on, no drama at all, and uses a three wire Hall effect sensor. It is a bit clunky, appearance wise, as it retains the distributor body. If that matters to you.

[1990m3]

I have a full bolt on kit that I will sell, only used for one year on track. Sold car, parting motor, no longer needed, PM me for details. It's the s38 setup, all required parts. I can include the VAC cover for the distributor as part of the package if you want.

Dave

[christsay]

The S38 parts bolt onto the intake side of the S14 with a few caveats:
1. The orifice of the intake and exhaust cam gears are different with the intake having a smaller opening, the S38 flange will bolt to the exhaust gear but needs to be modified if you are installing it on the intake gear: https://flic.kr/p/FJBmW9

2. The intake and exhaust gear have different face thicknesses, so if you modify the S38 sensor flange to sit on the S14 intake gear it will put the magnet ~2mm closer to the front of the engine. This may cause some interference issues with the sensor that bolts to the front of the motor. I used some washers on the mounting bolt to space it out and some o-rings around the sensor itself to keep it from leaking.

Also because you are bolting some extra thickness onto the front of the intake cam gear the stock bolts aren't going to be long enough.

If you are going to be using adjustable cam gears you might be able to save yourself some headache by just using an adjustable exhaust cam gear in both positions. This would avoid having to modify the S38 flange and would keep the sensor to magnet spacing of the original application (I think).

This is mostly from memory so double check it by throwing an exhaust gear on the intake side and mocking up the sensor install. If it looks good then go for two exhaust gears.

-chris

[1990m3]

Chris - I installed the intake and exhaust cam gear flipped, dialed in my cams manually and it worked with absolutely zero modifications. Swap gears, bolt on and go.

[christsay]

I wish I had done that. Didn’t realize the thickness issues until I had already had the S38 flange modified so just went with it.

[jimmy p.]

I have the S38 parts working on two cars, wouldn't even think beyond that. Looks like it belongs on the car.

[HANDBLT]

if you don't want to go through the process of swapping the cam gears, the VAC setup is plug and play. This is the solution I went with.

T

[Mpowermo]

Hi I recently purchased the Vac cam trigger kit and just wanted to inform anyone in 2023 looking at this kit. Don't waste your time and money.
the hole for the sensor is too big. The o ring supplied with the sensor does absolutely nothing and doesn't seal anything.
There is movement between the sensor and the Vac plate.
I have a video but cant upload it.
paid almost 500 gbp by the time the kit arrived here in the UK only to now not get a response from Vac as I'm trying to return the kit.
(I had Several issues with other parts supplied by them also)
if I could avoid them I certainly would have. Poor communication and handling of my situation on their part.

[HANDBLT]

Hi I recently purchased the Vac cam trigger kit and just wanted to inform anyone in 2023 looking at this kit. Don't waste your time and money.
the hole for the sensor is too big. The o ring supplied with the sensor does absolutely nothing and doesn't seal anything.
There is movement between the sensor and the Vac plate.
I have a video but cant upload it.
paid almost 500 gbp by the time the kit arrived here in the UK only to now not get a response from Vac as I'm trying to return the kit.
(I had Several issues with other parts supplied by them also)
if I could avoid them I certainly would have. Poor communication and handling of my situation on their part.

Well shit. Sorry for recommending it then. Not sure why all these issues with the setup you bought.

Can you get the S38 setup? Mario @ VSR usually carries the whole kit.

T

[Anri]

Well shit. Sorry for recommending it then. Not sure why all these issues with the setup you bought.

Can you get the S38 setup? Mario @ VSR usually carries the whole kit.

T

Mangum,

Mario/VSR if not mistaken is using VAC trigger kit.

A

[1990m3]

Hi I recently purchased the Vac cam trigger kit and just wanted to inform anyone in 2023 looking at this kit. Don't waste your time and money.
the hole for the sensor is too big. The o ring supplied with the sensor does absolutely nothing and doesn't seal anything.
There is movement between the sensor and the Vac plate.
I have a video but cant upload it.
paid almost 500 gbp by the time the kit arrived here in the UK only to now not get a response from Vac as I'm trying to return the kit.
(I had Several issues with other parts supplied by them also)
if I could avoid them I certainly would have. Poor communication and handling of my situation on their part.

can you just use a bigger o-ring to make it work? I saw that video you posted on FB and that was my first reaction, bigger o-ring and be done. No?

[Mpowermo]

Yes you are correct. The bigger O ring would solve the issue.
My greater point is the price I've paid for the item - It annoys me to have to modify it or correct their mistake - albeit its a simple fix, I had other issues with their products and service. They took no ownership of the issues

[HANDBLT]

First thing I thought as well. As well as once you install it and tighten the screw it’s solid.

T

[Mpowermo]

Well shit. Sorry for recommending it then. Not sure why all these issues with the setup you bought.

Can you get the S38 setup? Mario @ VSR usually carries the whole kit.

T

Much respect brother and no need for an apology. Your input is much appreciated here.
I was having a rant at VAC as its not the first time I've been frustrated by their products I'm afraid.
I'm going to wait on anri for the cam sensor kit.

[HANDBLT]

Much respect brother and no need for an apology. Your input is much appreciated here.
I was having a rant at VAC as its not the first time I've been frustrated by their products I'm afraid.
I'm going to wait on anri for the cam sensor kit.

I have the VAC kit on my 2.7L Michelin car and used it back in 2002 on my build at that time as well. I don't recall an oring on the sensor or in the cover plate, but maybe that's what's causing the movement clearance?

T