I have an 87 z28 that [B]had[B] a quadrajet in it now i've got a Edelbrock in her, and of course there is still an ecm in there, leading to my question can i run a signal wire straight from the ECT to the Temp gauge and it work going around the ecm or would i have to go aftermarket? and could this work for some of my other guages.

 

I'd figure there are separate sensors for the ECM and the gauges. The gauges doesn't go via the ECM afaik.
Have you replaced the distributor as well as the carburetor, and made a converter lockup circuit?

 

ya i have a msd pro billet with blaster 2 coil and 6al and the converter lock up kit too.

 

Ok, good!
Just run a wire from one of the sensors to the gauge if the wiring harness isn't original anymore. I think the ECM and the gauge sensors are quite similar, but there's no reason the gauges shouldn't work without the ECM.

 

cause i'm thinking about getting a uninversal temp sensor from jegs and slapping her and either wiring that to the old gauge or getting a new. we'll see. I just want something to tell me my temp damnit.

 

nvm i figured it out, the temp guage/light on our cars does not read off the ect it reads off the Coolant Temperature Switch on the side of the head mine was kinda melted and not plugged in. Have a new installed just gonna get a new wire going with some heat protection and go from there.

I love Factory Manuals