Love my 71 Z28 - can't stand that it doesn't have an oil pressure gauge. I mean, who needs a clock?!
It has the original LT1 350. The oil pressure sender just has the wire clip on top to send to the idiot light. I'm buying an Autometer gauge to mount under the dash. Can I use mechanical gauge kit, or do I buy the electrical gauge? Can I use the original sender?

Thanks

 

Original sender for a light will not work for a gauge. My personal preference is a mechanical gauge. Mechanicals are not influenced by voltage fluctuation. Your other option would be to replace the entire dash with one with oil pressure. I'm not certain, but didn't Zs in 71 all have full gauge pack?

 

[&:] you can get a mechanical gauge but i prefer electric as it eliminated the possibility of dumping your oil on the ground or worse in the car. the mechanical ones use a small tube (usually plastic) sometimes copper or steel all the way to the gauge. if this breaks its bad news. the factories have been using electric almost exclusively since the 70's or so and they work well. as for voltage fluctuations they will have negligable effect on a good gauge and if they do youve got more problems than your oil pressure fluctuating a psi or two. no the factory sending unit will not work with aftermarket set ups. the electric kit is usually more expensive but well worth it. id also recommend spending a buck or two for a quality gauge (auto meter) and avoid the cheap sun and equus etc commonly found at the auto parts huts kurt

 

Thanks JRs72RS and t90jetpilot for the information.
The 71 Z does have a full set of dash gauges - fuel, amps, water temp, and a clock. I guessChevy thought it was more important to know what time it is, rather than the oil pressure so they opted for an idiot light - go figure!
Any idea whereI might find a mechanical or electrical sending unit to replace the idiot light sender so I can use an after market gauge?

 

I use Autometer on my car. I think they still include all needed parts when you buy the gauge. Like t90 said, they are worth the extra money.

 

[&:] the aftermarket gauges come with the necessary sending units

 

Thanks again guys