I would love to use my original factory temperature gauge hooked up to my 1979 HEI Chevy 350. Does anyone know how to find an adapter to install the Temp sensor into the intake of the 350?
that is the hard part. I have measured the threads with a caliper and came up with 0.62" for the threads. I have also taken out the fitting from the intake where I would like to put the sensor in. That fitting measures .66" I have looked at NPT charts and can't seem to see anything that jives with my parts. I find it odd that no one seems to use the factory temperature gauge. I have heated the sensor up and the gauge works, so i would love to use it rather than adding an aftermarket one. I have a standard iron chevy 350 intake and the place that I would like to add the sensor is a spot right beside the thermostat housing. It had a vacuum fitting on it which I would have had to cap off, so I would rather use that spot and get the factory gauge working.
I do not know if metric-mania has bled into late model SBC motors, but I am using my original 1956 Canadian Pontiac temp gauge in old-school BBC intake manifold, using an adaptor that was part of a (not inexpensive) kit of several different sized adaptors I got at a local auto parts store (NOT one of the big name brand stores, more like a mom-and-pop store) - took me a lot of looking to find it, sorry I do not remember the brand or part number.
Keep searching! It's out there somewhere!
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Thanks Dave. I was getting unsettled thinking it was a part that didn't exist. I sure hope to find it. I hope to drive this heap soon. I want to catch the rest of the driving season before winter settles in.
Has your 350 got a place on the left side head[drivers side] near # 1 s/plug ??? thats where the switch for electric gage is usually screwed in. As Dave said you get many adapters in a guage kit, & the ones I've bought have fit the spot on the cyl. head no problem, you may have to go to that location!!!!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Well Dave did it again for me. I had an old school triple gauge set kicking around and sure enough inside was the right adapter. Thanks Dave! Now just a few electrical things to tackle and I will have it running. I hope to have it running this week. Thanks everyone for the replies. Once again this site has helped make strides in keeping another Pontiac on the road.
1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Another reason to never throw out your old car stuff!