Gauges (again)

[V10gunner]

I am thinking about installing an A-pillar set of gauges and after researching all of the archives (thanks guys, the information was outstanding [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] ) have settled on the following:

All gauges will be Autometer Z-series, they seem to match the factory instruments the best and I recall a post indicating that the Isspro gauges were a little too bright.

I will install three gauges:

Oil Pressure, 0-100 PSI
Transmission Temperature, 100-250 degrees

For the third gauge, the options I am considering are:

Oil temperature 100-250 degrees
Oil temperature 140-300 degrees
Water temperature 100-250 degrees

Since the truck already has a water temp "gauge" (I know- it's a glorified idiot light, just like the oil pressure [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] ), I felt that monitoring oil temp in addition would be kind of a "belt and suspenders" approach. I also am leaning towards the 100-250 degree range gauge, since I'd be kinda screwed if I got above 250 degrees anyway [img]graemlins/depressed.gif[/img] , and the range matches the Tranny temp gauge.

Here are my questions:

Any reason why I should monitor the water temperature (a second time) rather than the oil temp?

Which oil temp range gauge would you go with and why?

What order would you install the gauges (top to bottom of pillar)?

[wldwilliam]

I would still go with the real water temp gauge. You can monitor small changes and know where it should always be. By the time the factory POS moves, it might be too late. I don't have an A-pillar set-up yet but I would put the Water Temp gauge wherever your eyes naturally go to first.

[Mulepick]

I agree. Go with a water gauge and put at the top of the pod. I guarantee you'll look at it more than any other. It's your first sign that things are changing, trans temp follows well after and is largely independant of water temp. I put my water sensor in the rear of the engine so I think I have a pretty good feel for oil temp too.

BTW I went with 100-250 on both my temp gauges.

[Macgyver]

Go for the engine temp guage! I just replaced the stock sender with the one for my Autometer guage. Now I know the temp of my engine for real! Since on my 460 I replaced the stock sender, my dash temp gauge isn't used now, it just lies there like an idiot light(guage) should..... my guage goes from 100 to 250 BTW. My truck never runs above 210, so if it goes up towards 250, I'm pulling over fast!

[SDV10]

I would go with the oil, your water is already being monitered by a POS gauge. If you start loosing coolant you will see the oil temp will rise. If you would start losing or using oil and it gets low the oil temp I think would reflect that better than a water gauge

[JVencius]

How about getting a Mag-Hytec rear diff cover and using the port already in the cover for a rear diff temp sender?

[Stan Wright]

http://www.eurekaboy.com/apillar.htm

I'd also recommend a water temperature gauge. I know when the guage starts to move that my heater will blow warm air.