Was just looking for recommendations on aftermarket water temp gauges and sensors and how annoying its gonna be to install

 

I've been using an Auto Meter Ultra lite electrical gauge. AutoMeter Ultra-Lite Analog Gauges - Water temperature Gauge Type - Free Shipping on Orders Over $109 at Summit Racing
To install it properly IMO the sensor needs to go in the water pump housing, under the thermostat. Drilling and tapping the housing is probably the hardest part and even that isn't too bad. Of course there are other brands and styles. a Summit search yields 712 results so you can find a brand/ style you like.Gauges: Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Pressure Gauges & More | Summit Racing

 

Checkout speedhut gauges. You can get them done in custom designs even and they have a color choice close to the FC orange to match the factory look if that's your thing.. Apart from the expensive Japanese aftermarket gauges these have a quality oem look. I find many gauge offerings can have a cheaper cheesy look (that's just my opinion).
Gauges: Universal-Fit, Custom and High-Performance | SPEEDHUT®

 

i'm using a Greddy adaptor that goes in the radiator hose, https://www.rhdjapan.com/trust-gredd...ment-38mm.html
actually the gauge too, so it was really easy to get working.

gauge doesn't register until the thermostat opens, its more of a "problem" than anything to worry about, imo.

 

I went with the below thermostat housing from Atkins as it was already tapped for a fitting, currently they are $60

https://www.atkinsrotary.com/74-85-R...7-15-172A.html