Im getting close to the end of my build and i want to install some new gauges on the car. What kind do i get like mechanical or i dont what the other one is called. Were do i install the sensors? 85 gslse im looking to get a water temp oil pressure and oil temp. Thanks alot peeps.

 

Do you want them to compliment the existing factory gauges? If so, get an RE-Speed oil pedistal and a water housing neck. This will allow you to keep the factory gauges and also run aftermarket. I went with Equus electrical. They are easier to install because you only need to run a few wires and install the sensors. I have oil presure, oil temp, water temp, and Amp.

 

I'll post up in my thread about the same topic how I did it. Just so you know, KCREPU is 100% right and I followed his advice, don't try anything fancy or stupid.

 

Yeah i want to keep it stupid simple i just want some accurate readings. ok i see how to get the oil pressure and temp but what about the water?

 

I drilled and tapped a hole on the back of the water pump housing (basically right next to the water temp sensor that the ECU uses) and put it there. I've also seen guys remove one of those allen head drain bolts on the front iron and put it there as well, I haven't done that method personally though

 

The one that REPU and I are talking about is the water outlet piece on the top of the water pump housing. It has 2 bolts to it, and it's what the top radiator hose attaches to. I recently had to take my housing and pump off, so I just took off the outlet piece by detaching the two bolts (the thermostat lies directly underneath this piece, for reference). I put it in a vice, drilled out a hole, and tapped it for my Autometer 1/8 NPT electrical water temp gauge. I'd warn most people though, I almost screwed it up and I would have been completely screwed until I got a new one. I'd recommend buying the RB one, since it's already done and tapped and looks better. But a DIY one is working fine for me so far, and it will give me the temp reading where I want it most - coming straight out of the motor.

 

Ohh i see your talking about the thermostat housing

 

So is yours aluminum or steel? Aluminum is obviously pretty easy to deal with and you can use the brass fitting most gauges come with these days. Steel would require welding and a steel fitting.

 

im going to guess steel because its stock

 

I used an old school aluminum thermostat neck that has a flat spot on the top. It looks like it was made for a sensor. All I had to do was drill and tap a hole.

 

Mine is stock, steel I'm pretty sure - it drilled out like steel. I used a 3/8NPT tap on the hole with some RTV and it hasn't leaked yet and is working out for me. I would have preferred an FC aluminum one, with housing of course (I believe that the elbow I'm talking about is aluminum on an FC, as the housing is...) but don't have the cash for it at the moment.