Z31 Aftermarket gauges

[4AM]

The digi dash in my Z31 was burn out since I bought it, So I've been installing after market gauges I've found most need in order for the new sensors to fit, I've had to tool out the hole or when I was lucky could find an adapter, but most aftermarket sensors are larger, so adapters aren't always going to work. So if anyone else is running alot of aftermarket gauges, what brand have you been using? Equus isn't much help. anyone with oppions on Autometer? Thanks.

[evildky]

I'm running automater tach and coolant temp in my Z31 (stock temp was intermitant and didn't waste the time trying to get the stock tach wot work with megasquirt), autometer is a very well known and popular company, can't go wrong with automater I drilled and tapped a hole on a blanck on the drivers side fo the intake manifold rather than overdrilling the stock location

[4AM]

Thanks. autometer seems to be the way to go. Did you just plug the other side of the manifold?.. I'm going to probably just open mine up. But I also read in service manual, that the manifold temp sensor sends reading to the ECCS to help regulate fuel/air mix. But I don't think its going to make much difference, mines been unplugged for weeks.

[evildky]

, the temp sender int he intake manifold serves only the gauge, I left my stock one in place as I intend to return to stock soon, the ecu recieves a temp signal form the chts to determine a/f for cold starts and such, the chts is located on the front of the drivers side ehad, at the base behind the timing cover backing plate, you can kinda get to it at an angle next to the thermostat housing

[Perrenial Badass]

I have a Sunpro temp gauge in my 87 since the stock one gave me a scare (almost boiled the motor and the gauge didn't show anything). I redid a section of the stock wire and put in a new sensor for the stock gauge, then tapped the plug like evildky did on the driver's side (it's where a second temp sensor goes for the injector cooling fan I believe). Built a pod out of one of my AC vents. I have the analog gauges though, so I haven't felt the need to upgrade anything else there yet.

I really like the Autometer gauges. I've read a few things about how they can become a bit inaccurate and read a tad off over time, but that is an easy fix. Melspace02 has most of their gauges if you want to search for interior pics of his car.

[4AM]

, the temp sender int he intake manifold serves only the gauge, I left my stock one in place as I intend to return to stock soon, the ecu recieves a temp signal form the chts to determine a/f for cold starts and such, the chts is located on the front of the drivers side ehad, at the base behind the timing cover backing plate, you can kinda get to it at an angle next to the thermostat housing

I see, thought two sensors were the same one. I've only had my Z for three months(its even my first Nissan) so I'm still learning.

[4AM]

I have a Sunpro temp gauge in my 87 since the stock one gave me a scare (almost boiled the motor and the gauge didn't show anything). I redid a section of the stock wire and put in a new sensor for the stock gauge, then tapped the plug like evildky did on the driver's side (it's where a second temp sensor goes for the injector cooling fan I believe). Built a pod out of one of my AC vents. I have the analog gauges though, so I haven't felt the need to upgrade anything else there yet.

I really like the Autometer gauges. I've read a few things about how they can become a bit inaccurate and read a tad off over time, but that is an easy fix. Melspace02 has most of their gauges if you want to search for interior pics of his car.

Thanks Badass, I'll check it out.

[4AM]

Is this second sensor location behind the Timing belt cover? Second, is the timing cover necessary, I don't go down gravel or dirt roads. Would the components behind it be safe and funtional?.. I've seen alot of VG30's without theirs. I need to change my timing belt anyways, I know its over due.
Modified by 4AM at 5:53 AM 3/22/2009

[evildky]

the timing cover isn't needed untill you get a stray rock in there and destroy the belt follwed by your engine, you might be fine and never have a problem, and you might not, how lucky do you feel?

the chts, is located behing the timing belt cover backing plate, but you can get to it from the front with the covers in place

[4AM]

I'm going to visually locate it today and then make my decision about the cover when I do the timing belt... still waiting on tie-rod ends, be here Tuesday.

[Perrenial Badass]

The one I was talking about is exactly where the stock temp sensor is. Only on the other side. You should see a sensor with two wires (I believe) in that location, or a bolt that plugs the hole. I can get a picture if that would help you.

And leave the timing belt cover alone. At most, modify it, but don't remove it completely.

[4AM]

Thanks. I'll manage without pics, I just like to clear up what-ifs when its a unfamiliar car, have her 4months next week!

[4AM]

The one I was talking about is exactly where the stock temp sensor is. Only on the other side. You should see a sensor with two wires (I believe) in that location, or a bolt that plugs the hole. I can get a picture if that would help you.

And leave the timing belt cover alone. At most, modify it, but don't remove it completely.

Can I still get that pic???

[AZ-ZBum]

Download factory service manual:http://www.xenonz31.com

Look at pretty diagrams.

[4AM]

Download factory service manual:http://www.xenonz31.com

Look at pretty diagrams.

I looked at the service manual, I downloaded the service manual a month ago. But Badass offered me a nice color pic of the exact location. might as well take advantage of the nice offer.