is it normal for the Gauge to read 220* ECM to read 190*? the ECM gets its reading from the intake and the Gauge gets its reading from the Head. I have used a temp gun to measure the temps around the sensors and they are both within 5* of what the readouts say. watching the ECM readout as to what temp it turns on the fan it does so right at 220* but the gauge says 260*-270*. so am i safe just letting the ECU control the fan or do i need a fan switch? as of now i use a toggle but i do have a switch to install but its gonna be a B**** to get in.

 

Both the ecm and your guage get their readings from the manifold, right next to the thermostat. Normal operating temp is 190-210 so you're fine, unless you want it lower. Can't say why your guage is so far off but no it's not normal. Replace it and see if it's still off.

 

I've done a gauge swap on mine and replaced the temp sender for the gauge. It's on the driver's side head, by #1 cylinder, behind the AC compressor. The one by the thermostat is for the ECM, when it goes bad, the motor runs like crap, I experienced that first hand.

 

Would that be the digital cluster I see in your sig? How hard was it to replace?

 

Required some splicing into the original harness behind the gauges (the entire harness is still there) and running wires to the microprocessor for the cluster. Uses all stock locations for the senders, so the original wires can be used.

 

Cool, I've been looking into switching to a digital cluster so I can read above 140. Just don't want to loose the musclecar look. So there's a separate microprocessor for the guages I'd have to grab too, is it with the guagepod or hidden somewhere? I'd have to switch from a mechanical speedo I assume.

 

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd168.htm

This comes with everything you need, even the senders, VSS converter for the speedo cable, and microprocessor. I had to special order mine because they don't stock for the 90-92 cluster.


Back to original topic. Your ECU is probably correct, the stock gauges on these cars are notoriously wrong. But to read up that high is uncommon, 260-270 pegs the gauge. You could replace the sender or the gauge, or both, they're easy to do. You can even replace the gauge from the front of the cluster.

 

aftermarket gauge, car came with idiot light.