Looking to put mechanical gauges into my 96 v6 rs camaro with a 3.8. Mechanic was gonna charge $50 to put them in so I figured it cant be TOO difficult. I have a decent amount of experience with cars for an 18 year old. (brakes, oil, tune ups, egr, etc.) The whole wiring idea is throwing me off with these gauges though. They are a triple set for voltage, oil psi, and temp. Any advice would be great.

 

why? Do the stock gauges not work? The 3.8L only uses one temp sender for the gauge and computer and if it is removed then you will not get your second fan to turn on, your main gauge on the panel will not work and the computer will not be able to go into closed loop mode. This can damage your cat, cause your engine to use more fuel, and not allow the engine to reach peak performance. As for the oil side there is only one oil port as well and the computer needs the sensor as well as the instrument panel. The oil senders can be put on a "T" so both the tube and the sensor can get the proper reading. The battery volts is the only one that you can add without adding too much trouble.

Massey

 

Originally I was only going to add the oil psi gauge because I wanted to get the correct reading, and it was suggested by a mechanic after I had the engine rebuilt at 130k.. now at 131k. I figured since I was going to be adding one mechanical gauge I might as well do the triple set, but if its more trouble than its worth i wont be doing it. I do, however, still want to put the oil psi gauge on. Any tips on just the oil psi gauge?

 

use a "T" fitting that will fit both the factory sensor and the little hose that comes out of the mechanical sensor and put them in the hole that the factory sensor usually goes.

Massey

 

Will do. Thanks for your help.

 

i know this is an old post.. but where could I find a T fitting?

 

ace hardware lowes homedepot most likely youll need to "build"a T because you wont find exactly what you need

 

I called around, and most places were telling me that they couldnt tell me the exact fitting id need. If building is the way to go what would you suggest?