Aftermarket gauge connections at engine

[Oldchevyguy]

Anyone use aftermarket oil pressure and water temperature gauges? It looks like the water temperature gauge sensor would be installed where there is a plug near the heater hose outlets? What thread is it?
Do you tee the fitting coming out of the oil filter housing, or is there a better way? Thanks!

 

[BAR-AIR]

Good Afternoon,
Actually if anyone has done a complete aftermarket gauge set up. I think a bunch of us would like to see how you accomplished it.
Bruce

 

[DCMoney]

Good Afternoon,
Actually if anyone has done a complete aftermarket gauge set up. I think a bunch of us would like to see how you accomplished it.
Bruce

JSATX is pretty close.

JS City Goblin - 2010 LS

I was just thinking about something similar today. But keeping the stock cluster. But an aluminum panel up the center for my Boost/ vac, afr, and a marine stereo controller.

dfkitcar.com

 

[JSATX]

Just waiting on the last few to arrive then will be all custom gauges no cobalt IC at all.

The only thing I’m giving up is the little LCD message display and tire pressures which don’t work anyway.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

The basic question is still unanswered at this time. I'm wondering about the basic plumbing on the engine.

 

[JSATX]

The most common way to pick up oil pressure is to tap into one of the many oil galley plugs.

the same adapter can be found on eBay with 1/8npt for gauge instead if you want that.

Ecotec Oil Feed Fitting

This fitting will replace the existing oil galley plug and adapt right over to -4AN. It makes it VERY easy to hook up an oil feed line for your turbo kit. This also threads into the factory Cobalt K04 oil feed port to adapt it to -4AN. Make sure to use thread sealant on the m12x1.75 NPT...

zzperformance.com

The OEM water temp sender is on the thermostat housing so thats where I’m going to add another.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

The most common way to pick up oil pressure is to tap into one of the many oil galley plugs.

the same adapter can be found on eBay with 1/8npt for gauge instead if you want that.

Ecotec Oil Feed Fitting

This fitting will replace the existing oil galley plug and adapt right over to -4AN. It makes it VERY easy to hook up an oil feed line for your turbo kit. This also threads into the factory Cobalt K04 oil feed port to adapt it to -4AN. Make sure to use thread sealant on the m12x1.75 NPT...

zzperformance.com

The OEM water temp sender is on the thermostat housing so thats where I’m going to add another.

Mine (05 LSJ) Is different. The wt sender is on the head. Up by the valve cover. There is a tapped hole with a plug in it on the thermostat housing.

 

[JSATX]

Great that’s even better. Leave the stock one alone and use the thermostat housing for another sender to gauge.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

Yes, I agree. Now I have to adapt the 14mm (I think) metric thread with a copper gasket to 1/8 n.p.t. . Does anyone know of an adapter. Alternatively, I could drill out the hole and tap to a larger n.p.t. and bush to 1/8.

 

[JSATX]

Yes, I agree. Now I have to adapt the 14mm (I think) metric thread with a copper gasket to 1/8 n.p.t. . Does anyone know of an adapter. Alternatively, I could drill out the hole and tap to a larger n.p.t. and bush to 1/8.

I do not know for sure what thread size that is, but once you figure that out there are lots of options.

Auto Meter 2267: Metric Adapter 1/8" NPT Female to 14mm x 1.5 Male - JEGS High Performance

Metric adapter for adapting oil pressure and temperature gauges to most import vehicles.

www.jegs.com

 

[Oldchevyguy]

I do not know for sure what thread size that is, but once you figure that out there are lots of options.

Auto Meter 2267: Metric Adapter 1/8" NPT Female to 14mm x 1.5 Male - JEGS High Performance

Metric adapter for adapting oil pressure and temperature gauges to most import vehicles.

www.jegs.com

That autometer 2267 fitting came a fit perfect in the thermostat housing.
Next I need to figure out how to plumb an electric oil pressure gauge send unit into the engine. Anyone have any ideas? Shown is a picture of my oil filter housing. There is a hex headed plug on the top. Could this be used?

 

[JSATX]

There are oil gally plugs on both sides of the engines you can use any of them.

Ecotec Oil Feed Fitting

This fitting will replace the existing oil galley plug and adapt right over to -4AN. It makes it VERY easy to hook up an oil feed line for your turbo kit. This also threads into the factory Cobalt K04 oil feed port to adapt it to -4AN. Make sure to use thread sealant on the m12x1.75 NPT...

zzperformance.com

 

[JSATX]

The galley plugs are Allen cap heads. I think 3 on each side. Circled in blue.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

The galley plugs are Allen cap heads. I think 3 on each side. Circled in

The galley plugs are Allen cap heads. I think 3 on each side. Circled in blue. View attachment 11026

I ordered the correct brass fitting. 12 x 1.75 to 1/8 npt. Should be here any day now. Gauges are ordered too. Not sure if I can install the send unit straight in, or have to use a 90 degree street elbow. Thanks
This should help other people.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

Here is how I plumbed the oil pressure send unit. See picture.

 

[George]

The brass will break from vibration of the 4 cylinder engine.
Brad

 

[JSATX]

I was thinking the same thing. But hey at least you’ll know since your gauge will go to zero!

 

[Lechlis]

It may be in one of your other threads, but what’s up with the crack where the engine bolts to the transmission?

 

[Oldchevyguy]

It may be in one of your other threads, but what’s up with the crack where the engine bolts to the transmission?

Just noticed the crack too. I think the previous owner incorrectly tightened the bellhousing bolts during a clutch repair. I am going to weld it tomorrow. I might build a bracket to support the OP sender too.

 

[Oldchevyguy]

The brass will break from vibration of the 4 cylinder engine.
Brad

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