Custom water temp idea

[etxxz]

Since my s52 swap my water temp won't work and since i track my car, this is a very important thing to have. Also, since i run obdii the sensor in the head is being used so i have to come up with a different way to measure my temp.

I had this in mind:

Taking out the original temp gauge From the Cluster and replace it with an aftermarket, stockish looking gauge who'se sending unit goes in an adapter like thisone in the top radiator hose.
38mm adapter with thread for sensor.

What are your thoughts? i can make the wiring and job real clean i just don't know of another solution other that drillin/tapping the head or chopping up my cluster....edit* i guess i could just Tee a hose from the head and clamp the m20 sensor to it and have the stock gauge work.

Comments appreciated.

-etxx

[Addissimo]

There are alot of solutions if you just search a bit.

the first thing I would think of using your current idea though, would be the exact same adapter you have a picture of, but drill it and tap it for the stock sensor instead of an aftermarket guage!!!1!!...


edit:

I didn't read your whole post. Just use your final idea.

[etxxz]

that would be a cobination of both solutions, good idea man!

The reason i'm considering aftermarket is that it can tell me with presicion/numbers what the temp is. i would greatly benefit from this. drilling and tappin is well within my capabilities. On the other hand, i wouldn't want a gauge to really stand out at night in my cluster you know...tough cookie

[328ijunkie]

Delete the TB coolant lines and pull the line outta the head. Use the M12 Port for a temp sensor :D

[Addissimo]

that would be a cobination of both solutions, good idea man!

The reason i'm considering aftermarket is that it can tell me with presicion/numbers what the temp is. i would greatly benefit from this. drilling and tappin is well within my capabilities. On the other hand, i wouldn't want a gauge to really stand out at night in my cluster you know...tough cookie

You could measure the water temp at different needle positions, and make a guage face with those values on it. That'd be simple. The e30 doesn't have a normalizing temp gauge so it would be pretty accurate.

-Addis

[etxxz]

That is not a bad idea, i have a laser thermometer i could just memorize what temps are where and not have to touch my cluster or get new gaguges

Delete the TB coolant lines and pull the line outta the head. Use the M12 Port for a temp sensor :D

My concern is that i'm running obdII and that M12 port is being used. Everything is locked and the plan of attack super simplified: stock M20 sensor in a drill/tapped sleeve on the top radiator hose ;)

thanks all of you!