Hey guys

I was also after some advice. I recently planned on using the s13 instrument cluster in my datto. Had a plastic welder rework the original surround to fit the s13 cluster. Looks good too. However, I have since decided to go with the retro look and have picked up a SSS gauge cluster and will use aftermarket gauges. To get the best integration with the s13 box should I get a mech speedo or an electric one? I am thinking along the lines of autometer etc.

Any views would be great.

I am going to get the following gauges. If anyone thinks I have missed something or that I should add/subtract/change the list then pls tell me.

Tacho
Speedo
Oil pressure
water temp
Boost
Fuel

cheers

James

Oil temperature is a good one.

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
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#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun

My personal preference is to go for MECHANICAL gauges.
They read all the time and are independent of 12V supply issues.
If the drive mechanism for the SPEEDO. is in good order, it will last for years.
Use grease inside the cable NOT oil.
An electrical FUEL gauge is about the only one I would retain.
OIL TEMP. is nice to have but if you dimension your oil cooler correctly [and use an oil thermostat] it will always read the same number, ~80deg.C.
If you don't intend to fit an oil cooler, well, your choice.
An AMMETER is handy, especially if you have, or intend to fit, an after market sound system.
Once you learn to read it properly [not hard], it is more informative than a VOLTMETER.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Nice one Graeme.

I'm personally a fan of Electrical gauges, only if the senders are fitted correctly!
If a wire is crushed, the signal dies, and you get zip. It's easy to check the line with a multimeter on the side of the road. (check light )

With mechanical gauges, if you crush a tube, oil/water pisses out!
Electrical gauges are only as good as the power supplying them though (as you have said previously...)

Still I guess each to their own.

I've got:
Electronic Speedo,
Factory Tach,
Old 1600 water temp and fuel gauge (between tach and speedo)
Water temp
Oil Temp
Oil pressure.
Boost Gauge.

Because I don't have an oil cooler, just a big sump, i'm running the oil temp.

_________________
1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
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#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun

cheers guys

thanx for the reply.

looks like the 85mm and 2" gauages from auto meter might be the go. I gotta admit I do like the stock look of the VDO and particularly the speco gauges....

I am guessing much of a muchness in quality?

I have the bigger sump too so should will see about oil temp. I think pressure is the critical one in a turbo car. I might have a seperate three gauge stack in the centre part of the dash for a/r, oil temp and maybe one more like pyro or something cooky... any views? Jeez getting 9 gauges seems excessive......

cheers

James