Factory Gauge

[BigCars4Ever]

I took my factory oil pressure guage apart for my 04. It is custom and can not be modified to be used as a guage. There is no balast resistor, the movement has been custom wound to point at only ~60 and 0. I had hopes of finding a balast resistor that could be removed. Looks like I'll be joining the real autometer guage club cause I'm tired of not knowing what my true oil pressure is.

[martyo]

Welcome to two years ago. :D

[Dragcity]

This is rinky-dink! Is there a perfect match replacement out there. I have heard about a lot of others replacing theirs, but have to see if it an exact match to our dummy guage. I am glad you went to the trouble to see if ours couold be modded to work.

I would appreciate some pics, and for those who have replaced theirs to offer insight, prices and the like...

[RF Overlord]

Dragcity, the only way to get a PERFECT match is to buy the AutoMeter replacement (p/n 4327), then switch the faceplate with the OEM. It's kinda fiddly work, but it can (and has) been done. Do a search...I believe someone wrote a nice post with pix on doing just that a couple of years ago.

The replacement gauge is almost identical to the OEM. The only real difference is at night; the OEM has green back-lit numbers, while the aftermarket unit uses perimeter lighting. During the day they look the same.

[fastblackmerc]

Do the Autometer replacements, you won't be unhappy with the results.

[Dragcity]

Fastblack...

Please elaborate. Do you have pics, links???

I am hot on theis now because I am just tired of seeing the same damn oil pres. all the time. As I approach 30K, I would like to know how things are really going. I fear that at 36k (past warranty) I find I have a spun bearing or plugged pickup and have had no warning.

How cheesey was it to put in a dummy guage?

Thanks for the help guys. I think the changing of face plates is a good idea, but with my sausage fingers, I know I'll booger something up....

[Ozz]

I just ordered both the oil pressure gauge and the voltage gauge from Summit Racing because I do not want to do 'gauge surgery' either and I want those two gauges to match.
From what I have read (and yes there are a ton of posts on this - there is an article on changing out the OP gauge in the Gallery as well), changing the gauges is a matter of cutting the stock harnesses, putting on ring connectors, and installing a new pressure sending unit.

I will let you know after this weekend when I do the swap if it is really that simple.

[Ozz]

I got both new gauges FedEx yesterday... It took me under one hour to collect the tools, remove the trim panel, attach new connectors (crimp and solder), determine what color 'bulb condom' to use, install the gauges into the trim panel, and reinstall the trim panel. It's super easy.

I will change the oil sender while I am under there this weekend to change the oil. Another 15 minute job I hope... one wire to rework.

[fastblackmerc]

Fastblack...

Please elaborate. Do you have pics, links???

I am hot on theis now because I am just tired of seeing the same damn oil pres. all the time. As I approach 30K, I would like to know how things are really going. I fear that at 36k (past warranty) I find I have a spun bearing or plugged pickup and have had no warning.

How cheesey was it to put in a dummy guage?

Thanks for the help guys. I think the changing of face plates is a good idea, but with my sausage fingers, I know I'll booger something up....
If you do a search on "autometer" you'll find 11 pages of threads on replacing / adding gauges. I found this pic with the replacement gauges and an additional gauge installed in place of the cig lighter thanks to jdando...

PM me if you have any questions. I can also walk you thru the installation if needed.

[Dragcity]

Nice, real nice. I like the third gauge in place of the lighter. Maybe an oil temp?

I did some reading in the archives last night. Gobs of good info. I am considering the old B&W S&W gauges. My old Oil Pressure gauge still works flawlessly, 20 years later. I'll have to see if it fits and how it looks.

Thanks for the help.

[natedog1284]

Welcome to two years ago. :D
Hey now, I didn't even think about replacing the factory gauge until only a few days ago, so don't make fun :nono: :P

I ordered mine the same day and I'm planning on installing them this weekend, along with my new badges!

[natedog1284]

I would appreciate some pics, and for those who have replaced theirs to offer insight, prices and the like...

Joe, I ordered mine from Jegs, along with a new voltmeter to match, for $98 shipped.

[wchain]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/25/sort/2/cat/12/page/1