I've installed aftermarket gauges before, no mystery there, I just had two questions pertaining to installing the gauges on my FD I hope you guys could help me out with.

I am putting in an AEM Wideband (not hard), Boost, and Coolant temp. Basically, what is the easiest way to route the wires for the sensors to under the hood? I looked around under the dash doing a lot of investigating on how to run the wires. I did notice a harness that exits through the driver side foot well and comes out the fender area under the hood. Is this the easiest way to run wires? I'm assuming I would at least have to remove the wheel well plastic and/or the fender to access this, however. Any other ways to run wires?

I have searched and read the FAQ's on gauges installs, but most were pretty vague or out-dated with old threads that had broken links/pics....

Also, would it be acceptable for me to drill and tap my metal AST for the water temp probe? I figured this would be a good source for coolant temp since the AST does get coolant off the t-stat (and other cars I have worked on have factory coolant temp sensors in the AST). Or should I just stick the probe in the TB coolant hose?


Thanks

 

There is a grommet located above your pedals. IIRC, it is about 1" in daimeter, and that is where I ran my wiring through.

As for the temp sensor, there are a couple of threads about sensor placement. People will debate on where to put the sensor...

Good luck.

Charlie

 

Thanks! I will look for that grommet right now.

As far as the sensor, I know it can be a "heated" debate, almost like synthentic vs non-syn! I was just wondering if the AST was viable at all. I might just put in the TB coolant line....

 

You have to take off the driver side fenderliner and you can see the grommet plain as day

 

Alright I got the routing of the sensor wires done, would have been much easier of the fender liner plastic rivets weren't stripped and I had to drill around 4 out...

So what about the water temp sensor in the AST? I know this can be a hotly debated topic but mainly is it a good idea? OK idea? Stupid idea? Retarded?

Thanks

 

Here is my 2 pennys. The AST does not circulate water; if it does it will be at a very slow rate, too slow to obtain any reliable temperature. I prefer the water fill neck as this is the main water circulation path back to the radiator and would be the best representation of the actual engine coolant temperature.

 

When I added my water temp gauge, I put the sensor in line with the throttle body coolant hose. DaleClark made a post about it. The temp readings at the throttle body are more representative of engine coolant temps. Follow this link for Dale's advise: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...er+temp+sender

In the above thread you will also find the necessary parts for the TB install site. Good luck and let us know of your progress.

 

+1 tb coolant line

 

it's hard to argue sound advice from Dale!

 

Alright, thanks guys, I will be putting the sensor in the TB coolant hose.

Do I need to pull the TB itself to access this? I can clearly see the top hose but I have big hands so clearance is an issue haha

 

you may have to drain some coolant so you dont have a mess, but no you dont have to pull tb