If I had done the job start to finish at one time knowing exactly how it was going to end up, I probably would have spent 6 hours. That said, I don’t get in a hurry when I’m doing these kind of jobs. In other words, I’m slow. Someone who works fast could probably get it done in half the time. I have bus bars installed above my fuse box for adding electrical components, and I was doing some other wiring at the same time. The vent gauge requires removing the display on the dash, which isn’t nearly as bad as trying to put it back in. Getting the screws back in without dropping them down the dash takes some work.
I’m using the AEM X-Series temperature gauge. I have no idea the accuracy of the gauge, but there was no reference to being able to calibrate it so I’m not sure that is even an option. I expect it is within a few percentage points of actual.
Agreed. For the "average Joe" car/boat operator it's not going to make a difference if the oil or other temps are off by say 3%. 216 degrees versus 210 degrees doesn't matter. When you get into the arena of pushing the limits of a motor and you are at peak thresholds, that 3% becomes much more important. I suspect for a full on professional or high level amateur race team having a calibrated reading would be worth the time, cost and effort, but for someone who is just playing around with a car for track days, like me, having it close is adequate. What I have found with most all gauges and readings is I learn what is normal for my machine, and those gauges become more of a warning when the numbers are outside of what I expect. That is the indicator we may have a problem and need to investigate.
