Thread: General Question about aftermarket gauges

Hi All,

I am building kind of a restromod 68 Datsun Fairlady Roadster. I installed a 1996 SR20DET out of a Japanese Silvia. I did get the complete wiring harness and ECU with my JDM purchase, but not much else.
The 68 had mechanical gauges that are rusty, ugly, and not what I want to use since I am not even going to use the stock dashboard, but one from a 66 that is flat with round openings. I have been eyeballing the Stewart warner Gauge kits and I know that I will have to use an electric speedometer, but that is about all I know for sure.
I have a lead from my ECU for a tach, I don't imagine the tach is anything special, right? so that should not be an issue.
So as far as temp and oil pressure gauges, can I use the stock senders? or do you recommend mechanical over electric?
I am new to the SR world, so if these are simple basic questions, please don't flame me, I just don't want to screw things up. I am not really sure where the existing senders are located at this time (Still learning a lot)
So anybody feels like sharing their experiences with aftermarket gauges and the best way to go, please jump in and educate me.
The engine seems to be running fine, but I would sure like to know if it is running hot, or if my oil pressure is correct before I put any miles on this.

Thanks in advance
Mick

besgt bet is to buy new gagues as they all typically come with senders that they are calibrated for. this way you wont have any issues.

Coolant temp - youll have to tap something, either the water neck, or get a adapter that goes inbetween the hose
oil temp / pressure - youll either have to get a nisport or similar adapter for the rear of the block/side in your case & youll hook in the OEM pressure switch & the after market. Or you could get a converter & throw away the stock pressure sensor & hook the aftermarket into it.

Fuel might be a bit tricky. but you should be able to get a reading from the float & then calibrate yourself (assuming you have a capable gauge)

Thanks, that is good information

I prefer electrical over mechanical gauges. That way you wont have any lines running into the car say for your oil pressure. I would not want to deal with that line failing inside the cabin.