L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

msg · 10-20-2020, 09:20 AM

I have been told to check with A1971Blazer about turning down a temp sending unit so it will fit my engine so I have sent a pm to him on that. I wondered if others who have rewired with American Auto Wires kit 500560 needed anything else to make the connection needed to the harness?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/AWW-500560

Will the stock temp gauge in the cluster work right with this setup?

Also, is there a best temp sending unit brand to get?

**cwcarpenter98** · 10-20-2020, 03:25 PM

I purchased a sending unit from Letric Limited when I went from warning lights to a temp gauge. With a 180* Tstat, the needle is right about in the middle of the green. With a 195* Tstat, the needle will sit towards the H side of the gauge, but still in the green. I have not had any overheating issues with the truck.

On getting it to work with your engine, I'm not sure what needs to be done. For me, I had an intake manifold that did not have the correct size NPT threads. I took the intake to the machine shop that rebuilt the engine for my Dakota and had them drill and tap for the stock sender.

**Captainfab** · 10-20-2020, 10:48 PM

If you want to use the stock gauge, you must use the correct stock sending unit.

msg · 10-20-2020, 11:28 PM

Captain, from what Im reading in other posts this is the one then correct?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...98816&jsn=1892

And if so would placing it in the intake that is 1/2" NPT do the job? Or is the block the only way to get an accurate read?

**cwcarpenter98** · 10-21-2020, 09:53 AM

The intake is where GM put it, so that will be ok for you too. I have mine in my intake and it works great

msg · 10-21-2020, 10:15 AM

Thanks Christian, Ill order it and place it in the manifold.

10-20-2020, 09:20 AM	#1
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,315	L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions I have been told to check with A1971Blazer about turning down a temp sending unit so it will fit my engine so I have sent a pm to him on that. I wondered if others who have rewired with American Auto Wires kit 500560 needed anything else to make the connection needed to the harness? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/AWW-500560 Will the stock temp gauge in the cluster work right with this setup? Also, is there a best temp sending unit brand to get? __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

10-20-2020, 03:25 PM	#2
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,491	Re: L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions I purchased a sending unit from Letric Limited when I went from warning lights to a temp gauge. With a 180* Tstat, the needle is right about in the middle of the green. With a 195* Tstat, the needle will sit towards the H side of the gauge, but still in the green. I have not had any overheating issues with the truck. On getting it to work with your engine, I'm not sure what needs to be done. For me, I had an intake manifold that did not have the correct size NPT threads. I took the intake to the machine shop that rebuilt the engine for my Dakota and had them drill and tap for the stock sender. __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

10-20-2020, 10:48 PM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions If you want to use the stock gauge, you must use the correct stock sending unit. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-20-2020, 11:28 PM	#4
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,315	Re: L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions Captain, from what Im reading in other posts this is the one then correct? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...98816&jsn=1892 And if so would placing it in the intake that is 1/2" NPT do the job? Or is the block the only way to get an accurate read? __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

10-21-2020, 09:53 AM	#5
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,491	Re: L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions The intake is where GM put it, so that will be ok for you too. I have mine in my intake and it works great __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

10-21-2020, 10:15 AM	#6
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,315	Re: L31 Vortec in a 66 - temp sending unit questions Thanks Christian, Ill order it and place it in the manifold. __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

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