So I finally got my gauges installed. It's been quite a long drawn process mainly because there isn't much info online about installing gauges on the Z, and also because I couldn't decide where to mount it. That spot under the centre console works well for me since I don't need to access the panel to activate the convertible top. I'm probably the only one who has installed the Apexi Din3 so far... another option for you guys out there who are looking to add some instrumentation to your Z.
Left: Water temperature, sensor tapped to coolant drain port.
Middle: Oil temperature, sensor tapped to spare port on oil filter housing.
Right: Oil pressure, sensor tapped to factory oil pressure switch using a t-adapter.
Some observations about oil temperature... it has been often emphasised that the S54 must be properly warmed up before any hard driving, and the common consensus is that this is indicated by the oil temp gauge on the dash stabilising close to the middle mark, which indicates 100. However I've found that from the 75 mark onwards, the oil temp reading on my Apexi gauge does not vary much (85 +/- 4), so there's really no need to wait till it reaches the middle mark. I know some will argue that the temperature is being taken from different places (oil filter housing vs oil sump), but I'm quite convinced that the 75 mark is good enough indication to let it rip
Left: Water temperature, sensor tapped to coolant drain port.
Middle: Oil temperature, sensor tapped to spare port on oil filter housing.
Right: Oil pressure, sensor tapped to factory oil pressure switch using a t-adapter.
Some observations about oil temperature... it has been often emphasised that the S54 must be properly warmed up before any hard driving, and the common consensus is that this is indicated by the oil temp gauge on the dash stabilising close to the middle mark, which indicates 100. However I've found that from the 75 mark onwards, the oil temp reading on my Apexi gauge does not vary much (85 +/- 4), so there's really no need to wait till it reaches the middle mark. I know some will argue that the temperature is being taken from different places (oil filter housing vs oil sump), but I'm quite convinced that the 75 mark is good enough indication to let it rip
