Since I only have what most people call the “idiot lamp”, I’m thinking about adding a temperature gauge. If I’m correct there are two sensors for the “idiot lamp”, one at the front of the engine near the thermostat and one at the rear end of the left head. I recall reading something about two levels on the “idiot lamp” like “Hot engine” and “stop the car” and that’s why the two sensors...<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<o></o> <o></o> Now to my questions; <o></o> 1. What kind of temperature gauge is the best? I never race and only drive on the street. Just want something simple, reliable, in Celsius and not too expensive.<o></o> 2. Which one of the two sensors do I replace with the one that come with the gauge?<o></o> 3. What thread dimension should the sensor have to fit my 455?<o></o> <o></o> Any input appreciated! <o></o> <o></o> Thanks <o></o>
Its the answers to question 2 and 3 that are most interesting to me. However, if anyone should have any suggestions on #1, Im all ears to that too.:Comp: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<o></o> Thanks<o></o>
Per, I would recommend the Autometer "Sport Comp" 2 5/8" just my opinion but I think they look good and are of good quality. It's up to you to decide on mechanical or electrical. Also, I would try to install the gauge without disturbing your factory ones. Maybe you can use a port on the DS of the intake for this. If not, I would go to the fitting near the thermostat. The thread dimension is standard for these. Not sure if the Sport comp gauges are available in celsius.
<FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana>Hi Jim, Thanks for your response! I like the idea of not disturbing my current system and to add another gauge sensor instead. I guess there may be a plugged connection somewhere on the intake that I could use for the third sensor to the gauge? I will take a look on my intake and try and figure it out. I know you are metric in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Canada</st1lace></st1:country-region> but how about temperature? Is it Fahrenheit? Just curious… Thanks <FONT]<FONT color="black"><st1lace w:st="]<o"> :beer </st1lace>
I know you are metric in Canada but how about temperature? Is it Fahrenheit? If you are asking about the Autometer gauge (that I have).....then yes it is in fahrenheit.
you may want to look at VDO gauges for a Celsius gauge. I know they make one for boats that is primarily C but also has F. VDO generally are electrical sending unit type gauges too. I believe there are two spots in the front of the intake that can be used for gauges. I believe the size is 3/4" pipe thread (will be closer to 1" actual diameter) -nate
If you are going to the mechanical temp gauge, you may as well go with the triple gauge and get volts, oil pressure and temp. If your going to moniter the engine you should consider the oiling system and the charging system? You can use the aftermarket system and leave the factory stuff there also, seeing as you are looking for advice...my 2 bits worth....
Quote: I believe there are two spots in the front of the intake that can be used for gauges. You believe right I have a temp gauge mounted in front. Its just under the air cleaner snorkel. This way you can keep both factory and have a proper gauge. I fitted a mechanical one. Tony. :bla:
Appreciate all the response guys, I have been thinking on an electrical temp gauge since that will be good enough for the street I suppose. To have an oil pressure and volt gauge as well wouldnt hurt, but Im bit concerned where to put them since I hate to mess up the original interior (see pict below) too much. Was thinking about getting another ashtray to rebuilt as a gauge bracket, long shot I guess but could be rather cool So the thread dimension for the extra gauge sensor on the intake is 3/4", hm ..And that connection should work for an electrical temp gauge sensor, right? Thanks
Mount the triple bracket under the ashtray or just to the right of the hump. put the most important gauge, water temp to the farthest right so you can see it when sitting in the driver seat, and the least important gauge in the spot thats hard to see when driving. If you have a passenger give them the job to monitor the gauges, that way if the engine blows up its their fault:laugh: I'd personally go with mech gauges and copper piping on the oil pressure gauge. You have a nice interior but function may trump looks especially if your broke down on the side of the road..:spank:
That's a good point and I have had the same thought myself. Guess going mechanical would mean some drilling in the firewall? for piping and such I mean...
Below are the sizes on temp gauge sensors I'm able to find on the market here, 5/8"-18UNF being the most common one of the non-metric kind. 3/4" was mentioned here earlier, hm.. uzzled: guess non of these will do? 1/4 18NTPF 3/8 18NTPF 1/2 14NTPF 5/8 18UNF
you can find a bushing from 3/4" to 1/4 18NTPF 3/8 18NTPF 1/2 14NTPF also on my 70 lark, there is a rubber plug in the firewall that is about 2" around with a slit in it along with 2 vacuum lines going thru it. it works nicely for the mechanical gauge. as you feed the sending unit from inside the car to under the hood w/o punching a hole in your firewall. It was back behind the air cleaner. I have my oil pressure line thru that along with temp sensor. (if adding an oil pressure line, be sure to install a copper line (not the plastic that is usally included)) I removed the plug from under the hood. pushed a streightened wire coat hanger thru the opening toward the floor of the car and then taped the sending unit to it and carefully pulled it back thru.
The mechanical oil pressure kits usually come with that nylon tubing, and they will only give you 6 feet of it. Not enough to go from the sending unit above the filter to under the dash. Especially on a full size car.
Per - the temp gauge will come with all the necessary fittings you need. You don't need to buy any extra. The oil gauge will come with the nylon tubing. Buy the copper tubing kit from Jeg's or Summit to replace the nylon tubing.
I know you guys are into the mechanical type of oil pressure gauges which undoubtedly are the best, especially on high performance engines and for the track of course. Since Im not planning on any dramatic changes on my 455 cid engine apart from a dual Exhaust, re-curved distributor and a possibly also a carb job, I like to think, right or wrong, that electrical gauges (oil and temp) would be good enough for the purpose in my case. I have found a brand (EQUUS) that seems reasonable in price and yet hopefully a good product. Anyone heard about them before? http://www.equus-intl.com/553.htm I can get away with approx. 150 USD for a triple set with water, oil pressure and volt with sensors included. Thread dimension is 1/8 - 27 NPTF for these (oil, water) I was thinking also about the possibility order the gauges from JEGS since I plan to order ignition parts from then anyway and then dont have to worry about the dimension on the sensors (just as Adam pointed out), problem is only that I then get a Fahrenheit scale on the temp gauge which feels a bit odd for me. Would be as if you guys had a Celsius one. Thoughts..
Electrical gauges are fine, they are just harder to read - due to their limited sweep on the readings.
Great! Now I know the difference :TU: I guess an adapter can take care of the thread dimension issue as long as going downsize So for an EQUUS sensor I will need a 3/4-1/8- 27 NPTF adapter? Only remaining question then is where to hook up the electric oil pressure gauge sensor? Thanks
The gauges you buy should come with all necessary reducers to get to the size you need for the intake manifold. Oil pressure gauge will connect on the front passeber side of the block, just under the head. You will find an existing oil pressure sender (electrical) with a green/blue wire attached to it.
