If you had to choose 3 gauges..

[Ishmael]

If you had to choose 3 gauges for a normally aspirated ls2/4l65 which would they be? I was thinking trans temp, oil pressure but then oil temp or water temp? Which one is a better indicator of the state of your engine or is it six of one and a half dozen of the other?

[ehummelman]

Are you limited to 3 because of the gauge cluster? If so, just get combo gauges and have all your parameters covered.

[Ishmael]

I'm using a triple gauge pod from The Shop that sits in the console. I'm not changing out anything in the dash if that's what you mean.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

All respect, but not sure it makes sense to not have all the detail you might need depending on how you will run the car. If tracking, water/oil temp and oil pressure are a must IMO. Amps/fuel could be skipped I guess? Not sure where trans temp fits in your thinking...

[SRD art]

I have gone over the same question. My car has a factory water temp, oil press, and volts. I have room for 3 gauges in the center of the dash so I debated between trans temp, oil temp, cyl head temp, and diff temp.

In your case an oil press is a definite yes. Trans temp is a good bet too. My thoughts finally came down to I suppose if oil temp was that important the factory would have it rather than water temp, and they're both relative anyway. If your water temp is too high, well the oil is too. If your oil is a bit high maybe it means your oil is breaking down and it's time for a change. If your water is too high, well there could be a bigger problem creeping up on you.

Diff temp is probably unnecessary unless you drive race car. Cyl head temp, well I'm still not sure how important that is to have on top of a standard water temp except for very specific cases.

In a nut shell with past experience of daily driving a serious street strip car I say oil pressure and water and trans temp should cover all the basics and keep you on the happy side.

[Ishmael]

ehummelman, I forgot my signature no longer has was I'm working on. Its a 68 firebird with an ls2. Unfortunately its not the gauge cluster that has 4 levels on the right hand side- its only fuel and idiot lights. I could probably hook up a temperature sensor to the original idiot light. Its also got a generator light as well. Not sure if I could hook those two up and whether it would be worth it.
Ben you are probably right about water temp. At this point though its easier for me to run oil temp so as long as its relative... thanks for pointing that out.
Ron, fuel is in the cluster though fuel pressure might be a good idea. Amps and fuel pressure could go in the glove box with the computers.

[ehummelman]

ehummelman, I forgot my signature no longer has was I'm working on. Its a 68 firebird with an ls2. Unfortunately its not the gauge cluster that has 4 levels on the right hand side- its only fuel and idiot lights. I could probably hook up a temperature sensor to the original idiot light. Its also got a generator light as well. Not sure if I could hook those two up and whether it would be worth it.
Ben you are probably right about water temp. At this point though its easier for me to run oil temp so as long as its relative... thanks for pointing that out.
Ron, fuel is in the cluster though fuel pressure might be a good idea. Amps and fuel pressure could go in the glove box with the computers.

http://www.autometer.com/media_newsa...0&mo=1&aid=109

[Ishmael]

I knew what you meant. I like the 1969 series from new vintage better but I already own a new wiring dash wiring harness and an abbot cable x box even though there are some guys over on lat-g or ls1tech that have the spedometer thing figured out way cheaper. Bad timing on my part but it is what it is. Thanks though.

[jbake]

Just my 2 cents here. If ur stuck with only 3 you should keep an eye on the big 3. Oil pressure, water temp, and volts. If you are running and auto trans with the trans cooler in the radiator like factory, then water temp keep an eye on trans temp and oil temp for ya. And 15-20 degrees to water temp and that's your oil temp. Oil pressure is vital wouldn't even think of driving with out one. Not only is it for pressure but helps with temp too. High oil temp means thin oil and less pressure. Low pressure n there goes the rods, crank, lifters, etc.... Volts is a must so you know your computer driven engine is getting all the power it needs. Volts drop to low and it wont run right. And if your running a manual water pump you know if you lose your belt. Like I said just my 2 cents.

[Ishmael]

Thanks jbake,
I'm running a seperate trans cooler. I've decided I'm running 5 gauges. Two will be in the glove box. I definitely see the purpose in running those three.