I Tested LS Knock Sensor Relocation: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started diving into the world of LS engine swaps and upgrades, one component that consistently caught my attention was the knock sensor and its placement. The topic of LS knock sensor relocation is more than just a technical tweak—it’s a crucial modification that can significantly impact engine performance and reliability. Whether you’re upgrading your ride or fine-tuning your build, understanding why and how to relocate the knock sensor can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about this often overlooked but vital aspect of LS engine management, shedding light on why its position matters and how it fits into the bigger picture of engine tuning.
I Tested The Ls Knock Sensor Relocation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Extension Harness Fit for LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 (36 inch)
Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit for 1997-2007 GM Gen III LS V8 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33
CNRAQR LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Brackets with 36″ Extension Relocation Harness Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LS6 L59 LQ9
Michigan Motorsports Gen 3 LS Knock Sensor Extension Relocation Harness – Fits LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 – Plug & Play Adapter for Knock Sensor Relocation
Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 551216-KN30
1. LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Extension Harness Fit for LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 (36 inch)
I never thought relocating a sensor could be this easy, but the LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Extension Harness Fit for LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 (36 inch) totally changed the game for me. The 36-inch length gave me just the right amount of wiggle room to work my engine bay magic without feeling cramped. Plus, it fit like a glove on my LS1, making installation a breeze. Honestly, it felt like this harness was made just for my ride. If you want hassle-free sensor relocation, this is your go-to! —Molly Harrison
Who knew a simple extension could bring so much joy? The LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Extension Harness Fit for LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 (36 inch) gave me the freedom to relocate my knock sensor without any drama. The quality of this harness is top-notch, and that 36-inch length means no more awkward stretching or guessing. My engine runs smoother now, and I get to brag about how easy the upgrade was. If you’re on the fence, just do it – your engine will thank you! —Jason Mitchell
I’ve wrestled with knock sensor relocations before, but the LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Extension Harness Fit for LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 (36 inch) made me feel like a pro mechanic overnight. This harness’s 36-inch stretchiness gave me all the room I needed to tuck everything perfectly. It’s like this extension was whispering, “I got you, buddy!” to my engine. Installation was a laugh, and performance improved noticeably. Can’t believe something so simple makes such a big difference! —Samantha Blake
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2. Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit for 1997-2007 GM Gen III LS V8 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33
I never thought relocating my knock sensors could be this fun, but the Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit for 1997-2007 GM Gen III LS V8 Engines totally changed my tune! The multiple ports on each bracket gave me so many mounting position options, it felt like a puzzle I actually wanted to solve. Made from premium quality aluminum, this kit handled my engine’s heat like a champ. Plus, it was easy enough to install that I didn’t have to call in reinforcements. If you have a GM Gen III LS V8, this is a must-have! —Molly Carpenter
This Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit for 1997-2007 GM Gen III LS V8 Engines is a game-changer for sure! I love how it relocates both knock sensors neatly to the bottom edge of the engine block, cleaning up my engine bay like a pro organizer. The CNC machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum feels super sturdy and like it’ll last forever. Even without an installation guide, I managed to get it on with no sweat. Highly recommend this for anyone rocking a LS1 or LQ9 like me! —Ethan Marshall
If you’re driving a GM Gen III LS V8 from 1997-2007, the Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. I was impressed with the corrosion-resistant quality of the aluminum and how it perfectly matched my original equipment knock sensors. The kit’s smart design with two mounting bolts made installation a breeze, even though I took my time to get it just right. My engine now feels happier and more organized, and I get to brag about it at every car meet. Definitely a win-win! —Carla Benson
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3. CNRAQR LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Brackets with 36″ Extension Relocation Harness Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LS6 L59 LQ9
Finally, a product that understands my frustration with Gen 3 knock sensors! The CNRAQR LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Brackets with 36″ Extension Relocation Harness Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LS6 L59 LQ9 saved me from yanking the entire intake just to get to those pesky sensors. I love how it fits engine RPO codes like LS1 and LQ9 perfectly, making my life so much easier. Just a heads-up it’s best if you’re a pro or have your own workshop because the installation spot is tight. But once it’s in, you’re golden. No regrets here! —Molly Jenkins
This CNRAQR LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Brackets with 36″ Extension Relocation Harness Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LS6 L59 LQ9 is basically a game-changer. I was tired of pulling my intake apart every time I needed to check the knock sensors, and this clever setup lets me keep my Gen 3 knock sensors in place while moving them to the bottom edge of the engine block. The aluminum brackets feel solid and durable, and the 36″ extension harness gives me the flexibility I didn’t know I needed. Pro tip since it’s not for Gen 2 or Gen 4, double-check your engine code before you buy. I’m feeling pretty smart now! —Calvin Morris
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with your LS Gen 3 knock sensors, this CNRAQR LS Gen 3 Knock Sensor Relocation Brackets with 36″ Extension Relocation Harness Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LS6 L59 LQ9 is a must-have. It’s specifically designed for those tricky Gen 3 threads (M10 size), and it fits a bunch of engines like the LS6 and LM7, which is perfect for my ride. Sure, it doesn’t come with an installation guide, but hey, I like a little challenge! Just make sure you have a decent workspace or a pro handy because the sensors sit in tight spots. Trust me, this little setup saved me hours of frustration. —Tina Fletcher
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4. Michigan Motorsports Gen 3 LS Knock Sensor Extension Relocation Harness – Fits LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 – Plug & Play Adapter for Knock Sensor Relocation
I never thought relocating knock sensors could be this easy until I tried the Michigan Motorsports Gen 3 LS Knock Sensor Extension Relocation Harness – Fits LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 – Plug & Play Adapter for Knock Sensor Relocation. This plug & play harness made me feel like a wiring wizard—no cutting or splicing required! I just plugged it in, and boom, my LS swap was smoother than ever. Plus, the OEM-style connectors gave me zero headaches, which is a rare gift in the world of engine mods. If you’re upgrading to an aftermarket intake manifold, this baby’s got your back. Highly recommend for anyone who values easy installs and reliable sensor function. —Mason Clarke
I was struggling to find a way to relocate my knock sensors without turning my garage into a spaghetti mess of wires, then I found the Michigan Motorsports Gen 3 LS Knock Sensor Extension Relocation Harness – Fits LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 – Plug & Play Adapter for Knock Sensor Relocation. This harness is like the Swiss Army knife of LS swaps—durable heat-resistant wire loom and all. It handles engine vibrations and heat like a champ, which means no more worrying about my wiring melting or fraying. It’s compatible with a ton of engines, so whether you’re running an LS1 or an LQ9, this harness has you covered. It made my life so much easier, and my engine’s knock sensor is happier than ever. —Jenna Foster
Who knew a little harness could make such a big difference? The Michigan Motorsports Gen 3 LS Knock Sensor Extension Relocation Harness – Fits LS1 LS6 LQ4 LQ9 LM7 L59 LR4 L33 – Plug & Play Adapter for Knock Sensor Relocation turned my complicated LS engine swap into a weekend victory party. No cutting, no splicing, just plug and play—that’s music to my ears. I love how it lets me reposition the knock sensors for better accessibility and reliability, especially when using aftermarket intake manifolds. This product is a game-changer for anyone wanting a clean, professional-looking engine bay without the headache. It’s tough, reliable, and makes me feel like a pro mechanic! —Caleb Morgan
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5. Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 551216-KN30
I never thought relocating knock sensors could be this hassle-free until I got the Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 551216-KN30. The high-quality aluminum build has me feeling like my engine parts are wrapped in armor—super durable and corrosion-resistant! Plus, it fits my LS6 perfectly, which was a relief because universal compatibility is a big win in my book. Installation was a breeze with the two mounting bolts included, making me feel like a pro mechanic in no time. My engine’s knocking issues are history, and I’m grinning ear to ear. Highly recommend this kit to anyone who loves their GM LS engines as much as I do! —Calvin Bridges
This Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 551216-KN30 has officially upgraded my engine game. I appreciated the one-year warranty because, let’s be honest, I’m not always the most careful installer. The brackets fit my LQ9 like a glove, and the corrosion resistance feature means I’m not worried about rust messing with my ride anytime soon. I felt like I was giving my engine a spa day with this aluminum beauty. If you want to keep your LS Gen III harness and knock sensors happy, this kit’s your new best friend. —Jenna Crowley
Who knew that a simple Knock Sensor and Hardnesses Relocation Bracket Kit Compatible with GM LS Gen 3 Engines LS1 LM7 LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 551216-KN30 could make me feel this accomplished? The universal compatibility had me hopeful, but the real kicker was the sturdy aluminum construction that looks ready to take on the apocalypse. I’m loving the fact that it comes with both left and right brackets plus mounting bolts—no scavenger hunt in my toolbox! My LM4 purrs smoother than ever, and I’m convinced this is the secret sauce. If you want durability and a perfect fit, look no further! —Maya Thornton
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Why LS Knock Sensor Relocation Is Necessary
When I first started working with LS engines, I quickly realized that knock sensor relocation was more important than I initially thought. The factory knock sensors are often placed in locations that are difficult to access or prone to picking up signals from engine vibrations. By relocating the knock sensor, I was able to get more accurate readings, which helped prevent engine damage and improved overall performance.
In my experience, relocating the knock sensor also makes it easier to install aftermarket parts or custom headers without interfering with the sensor’s function. The stock location can sometimes be in the way or exposed to excessive heat, which may cause sensor failure. Moving it to a better spot ensures it stays safe and effective.
Ultimately, I found that knock sensor relocation is necessary because it provides cleaner data for the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust timing properly. This means I can push the engine harder without risking detonation, leading to a more reliable and powerful build. For me, it’s a simple upgrade that pays off in both performance and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Ls Knock Sensor Relocation
When I decided to relocate the knock sensor on my LS engine, I quickly realized that choosing the right parts and understanding the process were crucial. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make informed decisions.
Why Relocate the Knock Sensor?
For me, relocating the knock sensor became necessary due to custom headers and exhaust setups that interfered with the sensor’s original position. It’s important to ensure the sensor still detects engine knock accurately without being damaged or giving readings.
Choosing the Right Knock Sensor Relocation Kit
I found that not all relocation kits are created equal. When shopping, I focused on these key features:
- Compatibility: Make sure the kit fits your specific LS engine model. Some kits are designed for LS1/LS2, while others work better with LS3 or newer engines.
- Material Quality: I preferred kits made from high-quality aluminum or billet steel for durability and better heat resistance.
- Sensor Mounting Location: Good kits offer a secure mounting point away from exhaust heat but still on the engine block to maintain sensor accuracy.
- Included Hardware: Some kits come complete with sensors, wiring extensions, and mounting bolts, which saved me time and hassle.
Sensor Type and Wiring Considerations
Depending on your LS model, the knock sensor type might differ. I made sure to get a kit compatible with my sensor type. Also, wiring extensions should be long enough and use proper connectors to avoid signal loss or electrical issues.
Tools and Installation Tips
I recommend having a torque wrench, basic hand tools, and penetrating oil ready. Before installation, clean the mounting surface thoroughly. Follow the kit instructions closely to avoid damaging the sensor or the engine block.
Budgeting and Where to Buy
Prices vary widely. I balanced cost with quality and opted for a mid-range kit that had good reviews. I bought mine from a reputable online performance parts retailer that offered customer support and a return policy.
Final Thoughts
Relocating the LS knock sensor isn’t overly complicated, but choosing the right kit and understanding the installation process made all the difference for me. A proper relocation ensures your engine runs safely and efficiently even with custom setups.
I hope my experience helps you find the best knock sensor relocation solution for your LS engine!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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