Sending unit help, factory gauges

[JNJchev77]

Hey guys, have a few simple questions/requests.

I'm swapping a 5.3 into my 77 and want to use factory gauges.

- I know I need and adapter for the oil s.u., preferably auto meter part 2268. But what sending unit are you guys using? Any pics of this set up? I'm setting this up at the rear of the block.

- And for the temp sending, what are you guys using? I know the location of this s.u., but can I use the original sending unit with an adapter?

As always, thanks in advance for the help!!

Justin

[JNJchev77]

Nobody?

My factory oil pressure gauge has a hard line female input (mechanical), no electrical. Do I need any electrical for warning lights? Or does the the pressure line screw directly in to the auto meter adapter?

Can I use this gauge, or do I need to switch to an elec gauge?

[6.0 1955]

I used the factory gauges in my 69 c10. For oil pressure just break off the top of the 5.3's oil sending unit. Once the black plastic filler of the sending is gone you will see a small hole in the aluminum body. Now drill out the hole and tap it to you desired size. For the water temp gauge we used the 5.3's front passenger side head hole. Removed the original 5.3 sending unit then drilled and tapped the head to accept the original 69 c10 sending unit. Gauges work great and dash looks original. I'm running a th350 trans so my speedometer is still cable driven. If you don't want to drill and tap contact street and performance as the sell adapters that fit these locations. But when on a tight budget my method works well.
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[ls1nova71]

I've been doing it the way 6.0 1955 said, for years, works great! Why spend money on a fitting, when you can make it for little bit of nothing? Oh, probably because I'm cheap.

[pwtr02ss]

I used the street and performance adapters. A bit pricey but it works

[lytemup454]

I planned on doing this mod, but what about the wiring/ plug and the computer? will it not run if it isn't getting a signal from the sensor?

[BR3W CITY]

it should run fine...iirc all low o.p. did was trigger an idiot light, not actually prevent anything mechanically.

[OneOffStroker]

Originally Posted by lytemup454

I planned on doing this mod, but what about the wiring/ plug and the computer? will it not run if it isn't getting a signal from the sensor?

The ECU sensor on the driver's side head should stay connected to the ECU. There is a plug on the rear of the passenger head that you can remove and install a sensor for temperature with the right metric-NPT adapter. (I used EQUUS adapters)

[mooseknuckles]

im running new autometer electric guages and the autometer metric adapters...I belive #2268 and #2277?

[JNJchev77]

I decided to use aftermarket Auto Meter gauges! No more cluster issues, mis-readings, etc.

[mooseknuckles]

yeah....just seemed easier to do..

[brad_man_72]

Mech oil pressuer gage - drill and tap the small plate above the oil filter, use factory line.
Engine temp gage - put aftermarket style metric sending unit in pass side head where there's a plug now.
Tach - whoever does your tune have them modify the tach signal for the factory tach.
Mech speedo - plenty of options, most cost about $200. Or you can modify eletronic speedo to look like factory gage by using factory face and needle.
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