Coolant temp gauge 850t.

Post by **rguzz** » 19 Jan 2017, 09:20

Thinking about installing a real engine temp gauge in my car but can't find much that details how-why that might be useful. Just had the head done (burnt valve and bad seals) and am paranoid about over heating this car. Ideas?

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » 19 Jan 2017, 10:12

I can tell you that after having a ScanGauge in my '96 to give me the temp straight from the coolant sensor: the factory temperature gauge stays right in the middle at any "normal" temperature. I forget the exact range for 'middle', but it's something like 130*F-220*F. Not exactly usable in my opinion.

I was playing with the idea of installing boost, oil pressure and engine temperature gauges, too. My gripe was that I couldn't find any 850-specific gauge pods that would integrate nicely with the dash. I got the ScanGauge for the time being and used velcro on the ash tray lid to provide coolant temp information. Wish I could figure out a way for it to display boost.

Post by **Clemens** » 19 Jan 2017, 11:01

A nice place to install gauges in any car are the glove box or the a pillar (if you have a spare a pillar panel and like to work with styrene) you can make that look really nice and as if it was supposed to be there.
I think someone on here fabricated a fantastic boost gauge in the a pillar.

Post by **rguzz** » 19 Jan 2017, 15:31

What are the mechanics involved in installing a temp gauge? It does appear the Scan Gauge essentially requires no installation other than a place to plant it. Does it provide accurate engine temps? I know there is a video (RSPI) around with some details.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 19 Jan 2017, 15:46

Oil temp, Boost, Wideband are the three I use in the triple pod. thought about omitting the wideband in favor for a coolant temp.

Post by **tryingbe** » 19 Jan 2017, 17:24

Post by **rguzz** » 19 Jan 2017, 18:05

How did you hook up the temp gauge?

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » 19 Jan 2017, 18:21

Aftermarket temp gauges usually need a few connections: dash illumination, temperature sender/sensor, and ignition power/ground. Some mechanical gauges utilize a sealed tube that will need to run into the engine compartment and tap into the water jacket (same spot you'd install a temp sensor for electronic gauges).

Mechanical gauges require less electrical connections (usually just dash illumination and ground).

Post by **rguzz** » 19 Jan 2017, 19:01

BTW, does you ScanGauge not display boost?

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » 19 Jan 2017, 20:19

I have not been able to figure out how to get boost readings from my '96 with the Scan Gauge.