I picked this aluminum flange at a VW show for $1 (also a good used PS pump for $7).

It has 3 coolant hose ports and 3 screw in sensors. The sensor circled in all the pics has the same resistance characteristics as the coolant temp gauge sender that's in my car. I have not checked the other 2 sensors yet. It will not work in my EcoD without modification. Mine has two 1 inch coolant barbs, one points straight out from the face of the head and the other down to the left at about 8 o'clock towards the water pump. The alum flange I have points at 9 o'clock which interferes with the glow plug wires.
Is there an aluminum flange that will fit my EcoD? I hate the plastic flanges and want to replace them all with aluminum.