I have a '73 with the stock 250 degree temp. guage. I'm running Trick Flow Twisted Wedge aluminum heads and the port where the temp. sender screws into the head is 1 size smaller than the '73 production head port. There is no good way to use fittings to adapt the correct sender to the smaller hole. The '81-'82 temp. sender has the correct size threads for the Trick Flow head. Even though the '81-'82 guage is a 260 degree unit, I'm worried that the calibration will be way off. My saving grace in this theory is that GM varied the guages with not always changing the sender unit during the C3's. Either there is a common calibration between these senders/guages or GM didn't care that much about the calibration. Does anyone have any knowledge on this? Also, if I use this set-up and it is off, is there a way I can correct/re-calibrate it?
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Re: Temp guage calibration
James----
I seriously doubt that the 81-82 temp sender will be compatible with your 73 gauge with respect to calibration. As a matter of fact, the current day replacement(GM# 12334869) for your original sender is not even all that great in this respect. However, I believe that you can calibrate the temp sender to the gauge. Fred Oliva, who often posts to this board, has, I believe, posted a calibration procedure and methodology. You might want to check the archives or contact Fred directly by e-mail.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Temp guage calibration
James----
I seriously doubt that the 81-82 temp sender will be compatible with your 73 gauge with respect to calibration. As a matter of fact, the current day replacement(GM# 12334869) for your original sender is not even all that great in this respect. However, I believe that you can calibrate the temp sender to the gauge. Fred Oliva, who often posts to this board, has, I believe, posted a calibration procedure and methodology. You might want to check the archives or contact Fred directly by e-mail.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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A thought
Consider replacing your water outlet housing with a '78-82 era unit. This had a pair of cast/threaded holes for thermo-vac switch insertion. Seems the original engine's senders could be re-located from the cylinder head to the water outlet.
Housing is listed in Paragon catalog at $35 and I'm sure you can find one in a scrap yard for much less off a later MY Chevy engine. Won't look factory stock and you'll probably have to 'stretch' wires to hook up, but doesn't sound like you're into factory concours at this point anyway.Comment
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A thought
Consider replacing your water outlet housing with a '78-82 era unit. This had a pair of cast/threaded holes for thermo-vac switch insertion. Seems the original engine's senders could be re-located from the cylinder head to the water outlet.
Housing is listed in Paragon catalog at $35 and I'm sure you can find one in a scrap yard for much less off a later MY Chevy engine. Won't look factory stock and you'll probably have to 'stretch' wires to hook up, but doesn't sound like you're into factory concours at this point anyway.Comment
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Re: A thought
Jack----
Yes, what you suggest would be another good option for James. There are two different size NPT fittings in these outlets and, I believe, that one is the proper size for the original 73 sender thread size. The 74-81 outlet is GM #14088753 and GM lists for $17.50.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: A thought
Jack----
Yes, what you suggest would be another good option for James. There are two different size NPT fittings in these outlets and, I believe, that one is the proper size for the original 73 sender thread size. The 74-81 outlet is GM #14088753 and GM lists for $17.50.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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