I'm kind of curious myself if there is another good spot for the temp sender on the a518 other than drilling the pan?

 

Hey guys.....I have seen so many pyro probes put into manifolds I've lost count...personally I've done about 4 myself, not counting mine.
You don't have to worry a lick about doing the drilling in the manifold with the engine off.....
The single biggest issue would be making sure to stay centered between the side wall of the manifold and the center divider web....after that the grease/magnet works flawlessly....I don't like the idea of a running engine on this one.
If by some very remote chance you end up with a shaving to two from the "engine off" method the first time you kick it over to start it the those small shavings will just shoot right out and down the d-pipe...in addition, your turbo will not yet be up to speed and you'll little to no chance of damaging it....
The next issue is making sure when you insert the probe that you do not go too far down and touch the bottom of the manifold with the probe tip...after that, it's a piece of cake....

pb....

 

One last thing to say regarding the trans temp sender on this old post...

On the passenger side of the A518 there are three 1/8 - 27 NPT plugs screwed into the casting. A friend told me the middle one was the one to use. Tried that, but there was something in the way. Then tried the forward one... works like a charm. Thought I'd need a big catch pan for all the ATF pouring out, but I just plugged it with my finger and then quickly threaded in the sender. Minimal spillage. Gauge works great.

CR