Intake temp gauge

polizei · 07-20-2008, 05:24 AM

Which gauges/sensors are you guys running to monitor your intake temperature? I know that it's typically installed between the throttle body and the intercooler, but I haven't seen any threads with specifics. Do you just drill into the plumbing and install a fitting? Thanks!

Jim2 · Jim2's Garage

Andy, I use some gauges which look like a multimeter, not something which you would permanently mount inside the car. Once you see the inlet charge temp it never really changes much except for ambient temp, no real need for continual monitoring. These generic meters are handy for lots of other temp measurments. I have a couple of them and this Omega model cost about $130, look them up on the web.

I recall the meter came with a few of these small beaded thermocouples (k type) .006" wire size which have virtually no lag reading inlet charge temps. I drilled a 1/16" hole in my intercooler/ throttle body neck and used a hose clamp over a rubber strip to hold the thermocouple in and seal it, inserted the thermocouple about 1/4". Once removed I put a small short screw into the hole.

You will also need "K" type extension leads about 10-15' long.

These meters are handy if you do any diagnostics. You can get a variety of "K" probes . I've accumulated a box full: EGT, tire temp needle probe, cylinder head temp, optical for on-board rolling tire temps, oil reservoir, mostly racing related. There are dash mount gauges available from the likes of Autometer but I suspect the probes will be larger and not as responsive, more difficult to mount too.

Craig 930 RS · 07-20-2008, 08:11 PM

I use the Andial gauge, has 2 sensors:

I hooked up one to the inlet to the intercooler.......worthless location because it does a great job of measuring the aluminum inlet pipe itelf

The other is hooked up post-IC, and measures the intercooled temperature.

I like it because it fits neatly into the dash where the seatbelt buzzer dealie was

NathanUK · NathanUK's Garage

The Andial is actually a Davtron, used by the aircraft industry. It should be a good device.

patkeefe · 02:54 AM

Call Pete at Westech in CA. He has a variety of aircraft gauges. I use his air temp gauge and sender. I beleive it's Westberg Manufacturing. BTW, I have two...one is pre-air filter, and the other is in the airbox, past the intercooling device. That way, I can measure the intercooling effect. I have an SC airbox, so yours may be a different install.
Pat