My 1998 Riviera 3800SC is in and running fine. Question is, I'd like to install the 3 gauge pod like I have in my other car (where the volt/oil is in a GT, WILL the 3800 Temp sender "WORK" with the 2" "aftermarket Temp gauges" ??? Can I just run the wire from the Factory GT temp gauge to the aftermarket gauge and have it work ?
My 1998 Riviera 3800SC is in and running fine. Question is, I'd like to install the 3 gauge pod like I have in my other car (where the volt/oil is in a GT, WILL the 3800 Temp sender "WORK" with the 2" "aftermarket Temp gauges" ??? Can I just run the wire from the Factory GT temp gauge to the aftermarket gauge and have it work ?
I currently have a 3800 SC Series III engine in one of my cars and I used a VDO gauge for water temperature measurement. You need to be certain that the gauge and sender are matched appropriately and compatible. I also have another 3800 SC Series II vehicle that uses the stock gauges but the sender and receiver/gauge also are matched pairs.
so, if I leave the stock gauge alone, there is No WHERE to put a "second" sender , is there ?? Doesn't the Stock sender Have to remain for the ECM to use ? Does anyone KNOW that the" specs" are of the Stock 1998 Buick Riviera "Sender" is ? so I can see if it corresponds to the aftermarket gauge
Simple solution. Use the Fiero temp gauge along with the three pin AC Delco CTS that has the temperature feed connection to the PCM and the pin for the temperature gauge. Direct bolt in but a different connector. These sensors were used on a number of GM cars and some early 3800 series II engines as well. Might save you the cost of using an aftermarket gauge.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I'm going to have to Look at the engine to see if there is actually Room to get in there to "Drill and tap". I'm thinking there is no room. Dennis, now you have me Totally confused, "use a harness with an extra pigtail to run 2 gauges" ? diagram, picture ..?
He is thinking you have the two pin CTS in your engine. He doesn't realize that you already have the 3 pin combo CTS/Temp Gauge Sender alreay installed.
quote
Originally posted by Lou6t4gto:
I'm going to have to Look at the engine to see if there is actually Room to get in there to "Drill and tap". I'm thinking there is no room. Dennis, now you have me Totally confused, "use a harness with an extra pigtail to run 2 gauges" ? diagram, picture ..?
Yes, the three pin temp sensor will work with your fiero gauge and feed the computer the correct signal.
Having said that though, I still like using two water temp gauges, that is, a mechanical coolant temp gauge and the stock electric one to feed the dash gauge. The mechanical gauges are more accurate and provide better measurement. If you do a mechanical gauge, you will need a 10 foot capillary tube as opposed to the 8 foot ones. Nice to have two gauges to back you up.
Mechanical oil is also worthy in addition to your stock electric gauge.
so, if I leave the stock gauge alone, there is No WHERE to put a "second" sender , is there ?? Doesn't the Stock sender Have to remain for the ECM to use ? Does anyone KNOW that the" specs" are of the Stock 1998 Buick Riviera "Sender" is ? so I can see if it corresponds to the aftermarket gauge
Yes you must have the OEM CTS for the PCM to function correctly. The 3 pin stock temperature sensor might just drive the aftermarket gauge. Take a resistance measurement across the pins of the aftermarket sensor at ambient. Compare this to the specs of the GM sensor that are in the shop manual. If they match heat the tip of the aftermarket sensor in boiling water. Measure resistance again. Compare to the GM specs. If they match everything will be fine. If not then drill and tap as suggested earlier.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
IXSLR8, that is What I would "Like to do, that's what I have in the 4 cyl Fiero. I did use a 8ft capillary, ( Was a very tight and carefully "routed "installation.) Putting another (2nd) sensor in where the stock one is, is Not going to happen with the engine assembled, there's no way to get back there. (Should have thought of it before I put the engine in) I just thought of it, but haven't looked, IS there a place on TOP of the intake to install a sender ?
