Oil Pressure Gauge...

[mickey t]

Does anyone know where to find a good write up to install an oil pressure gauge? Where does the sender mount? Is it better to replace the stock on that activates the light on the dash or jus add another sender so that you still have the warning light?? Anhy help will be greatly appreciated..

[minichopper6hp]

depends if you want a mechanical or an electric gauge. i myself use a mechanical one, for accuracy. right next to the oil filter there is the stock pressure switch, unscrew and put new sender in, or the adapters with a line to the inside of the car, there is a rubber boot there directly behind it on the firewall with wires going into it already, you can run your line there.

[blueguy]

Holy crap I'd never run a Mech Oil Pressure gauge...good luck with that. I'd hate to see what would happen if your line burst. Get an electrical one and save yourself the trouble.

[Going Too Phast]

Here is a write up that I followed:
Oil Gauge Installation

There isn't anything wrong with a mechanical. People have used them for years. Like minichopper said they tend to be more accurate (although typical aftermarket automotive gauges are not exactly precision instruments) as well as react quicker and you avoid using frail electric pressure senders. But electric is much easier to install and there is less chance of oil leaks. All you probably want to do is track oil pressure trends so that you catch problems early and electric is fine for that.

I'd suggest you just get rid of the stock idiot light switch. It comes on at about 5 psi, so by that time you've probably already experienced engine damage anyway. I saw pics of someone using a T fitting to hook up a gauge sender and the stock switch but it was a tight fit and looked to be way too much hassle IMO.

[minichopper6hp]

Holy crap I'd never run a Mech Oil Pressure gauge...good luck with that. I'd hate to see what would happen if your line burst. Get an electrical one and save yourself the trouble.

if your a competent person you can install it with no leaks, people have used them since automobiles were invented. They are cheap, $17 bucks. They are more accurate, you cannot trust an electric gauge.

[blueguy]

if your a competent person you can install it with no leaks, people have used them since automobiles were invented. They are cheap, $17 bucks. They are more accurate, you cannot trust an electric gauge.

If you are a competent person and know how to run wiring then you won't have to worry about a oil line in your interior.

[minichopper6hp]

well if i had that problem, i could see your solution, however, the mechanical is the clear choice for serious high performance enthusiasts.

[blueguy]

the mechanical is the clear choice for serious high performance enthusiasts.

Yup, your right. Since I was never in a high performance car

It might have been more money but I'll be damned it was a lot more reliable and I wouldn't lose any sleep over wondering if oil was leaking in my interior or not.

[minichopper6hp]

never heard of that problem, like i said a proper installation. i have seen electric senders break and leak too!!

[Bio248]

i like my electical oil pressure gauge. hasnt failed me yet.

[minichopper6hp]

yea i have no problem with them either, just my mechanical was cheap and i know its accurate. bluegtp91 always has to disagree with me on everything. oh well.

[Bio248]

i dont like the idea of running an oil line into the interior of the car, but im sure i could make it work and not have to worry about leaks.

[blueguy]

bluegtp91 always has to disagree with me on everything. oh well.

Not really...it just seems all of our personal experiences are on opposite sides of the spectrum...Not to break it off in your ass but I just stand by my knowledge...not saying your wrong...just stating how I feel...don't let it bother you

[minichopper6hp]

oh dont worry, doesnt bother me a bit

[silvermistchick]

so why the hell does the big bonneville have them from the factory and gp's dont?

[blueguy]

so why the hell does the big bonneville have them from the factory and gp's dont?

More luxury based IMO. That is what you get with a top end model.

[speedemongtp]

Sorry for the rebirth but mini where did u get a mechanical oil pressure gauge for 17$?

[minichopper6hp]

advance auto parts, its a sunpro mechanical

[speedemongtp]

o ok thanks. i was like no way but now i can understand it. im not much of a sunpro fan. i go with what i knows good an spend the extra for autometer although im sure sunpro is prob just as good

[minichopper6hp]

Yea, believe it or not i like my sunpro boost gauge better than my autometer. I was dissapointed when the damn thing broke and would stay at 2 psi when i shut off the car. Just cause its cheaper doesnt mean its not as good, people tend to go to the brands that are higher priced for some reason.