Additional Gauge Questions

Okay, I'm a real noob when it comes to gauges so these will probably be really stupid questions so just bare with me. I'd like to get some gauges so I know exactly what's going on under the hood, cause well I'm babying my new Ecotec :)

So basicly first of all how difficult is it to install gauges? Do I need any of these sender units I'm seeing? (more specificly I'm looking into an Oil PSI gauge, Air/fuel ratio gauge and/or transmission temperature gauge).

Also, is there any place I can find a gauge pod specifically for the Cavalier A pillar or is there a universal one that will adjust enough to fit snug?

Thanks for any info and baring with my noobishness, I just wanted to be sure of this stuff before I ordered something and not know what Im doing though I think I have a pretty good idea.

Its not hard to hook up gauges at all. Mechanical are the easiest by far i think.

There are several oil pressure plugs on the block you can hook up into for an oil pressure gauge. There is 2 on the rear of the long block, 3 under neath the intake manifold. If you use the ones above the EGR port, lemme know, one of them is a coolant plug.

On the 4t40e transmission there is a plug right near where the coolant lines come out, there is your temp port for that.

Don't waste your money on a narrow band a/f gauge. Its really just a blinking light show that only works when the car is at WOT and in an open loop. Its going to be pinned in the green and thats all it really tells you. Get a wide band if you really want to know what your car is doing.

If you have any specific questions, lemme know.

Edit:

Post 4,500... wow...

Oh, I thought an electric gauge would be easier, goes to show how much I know. Knowing that I can just pick some up from a local shop rather ordering some, which I can do tomorrow. Cody, In your opinion which is the easiest spot to hook the oil PSI gauge into? And know of a quality gauge pod? (perferablly dual)

I was shoppig around, are Sunpro gauges junk? They seem very cheap compared to other gauges, Id just like to know before I order.

Well electronic gauges have their benefits, but they require more wiring and the pressure sensors are quite large. Mechanical gauges you have a hard line running into the cabin which will be flowing oil in. Pick the one closest to the rear of the motor above the egr port. See steel line fitting below.

As for a gauge pod, get one that is car specific. Doesn't matter which company, autometer, street glow, lotek, etc.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/531000-531999/531077_214_full.jpg

Make sure your gauge can read like 120psi at least, the eco motor puts out a normal 100psi from this port.

So if I was to go with electric, I assume the sending unit would hook up to the same place, just instead of a hard line running back, it would just be a wire?

Because of all my free time I don't mind wiring, I mean the other day I set up my DRL wires with plugs so I could switch from no DRL to DRL by unplugging and plugging into a different wire. Just because I had nothing else to do :)

So if I was to go with electric, I assume the sending unit would hook up to the same place, just instead of a hard line running back, it would just be a wire?

wires only, correct. Just a matter of hooking it all up to a switched 12v source.

Thanks for all your help Cody, I'll probably tackle them after I get my intake, One more thing, you wouldn't happen to have a picture of the plug for the transmission temperature gauge would you? I mean I'm sure I can easily find it myself, Just be good for reference. Thanks again.

Pretty much have a pic for everything.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/406000-406999/406302_75_full.jpg

This is an electric gauge, thus the wires coming out of the brass sensor.

Awesome, thanks. Well, I just ordered my intake, so these will be coming soon. Thanks again.