What do some of you suggest for warnings lights on oil and water temps and psi?

I see that autometer makes a pretty stout gauge with it built in "competition series" but the gauges are about 190 each and thats a bit high. Long Acre has a setup with all 3 gauges with warning lights but I would be interested to see how some of you have wired or configured your warnings.

This could have saved me an engine if I had of caught it in time so I need to do something.

 

It depends on if you feel like you need them. You will most likely be fine with the guages if you clock them at their normal operating range. my car has charge warning for alternator, CEL, and may get a temp warning for the water but thats most likely it. If you loose oil pressure you are pretty much already in trouble by the time you see any visual warning.

 

My Civic throws a CEL if the water temp gets too high, The only one I really worry about is Oil pressure and for simplicities sake I just bought one of the Autometer gauges you referenced, a Sport Comp II Pro Control to be specific.

I think it was $210 or so from Summit. Im sure there are cheaper ways to do it but I didnt feel like going through any hassle.

If im not mistaken autometer as well as others make a warning light only, no gauge. You can purchase a pressure switch that operates at a given psi. This can probably done for $50 or less.

 

I have seen the typical warning lights for sale but wanted to see if anyone had setup anything unique with led's or something custom.

Those gauges are really nice and I might order one for oil psi and just use my ultralite water temp and get a new oil temp ultralite.

 

I prioritize my indicators by what's most likely to blow up a motor.

1)oil pressure: I usually don't bother with anything but a light. If I'm setting up a car which might oil starve in corners I rig an ignition cut off to trigger with the light. If its a problem the car gets an accusump

2)water pressure: warns you immediately of major coolant loss. plenty of time to shut down before melt down.

3)oil temp: best indicator of how hard you are working the motor and if you have enough cooling capacity. The only gauge where I spring for the expensive warning/peak hold. I'm bad about not looking at gauges when things get exciting, and these are the easy way to get a oil temp light.

4)water temp: eh, I can take it or leave it if I have the first 3.

 

Thanks Scott,

I lost my motor for the exact reason you listed. I was too into what I was doing and forgot to check gauges on the straight aways.....ended with oil temps above 300 and a spun bearing. This is why Im trying to prevent this going forward.

If I just get an oil psi light what psi do you guys have your warnings set to?

I like that setup with the oil psi you did.

 

pegassus auto sells an adjustable pressure switch for the oil. I cant offer any experience as far as what psi to set but they also have a fuel cut if you loose oil pressure as well that will help keep you from trashing the engine.

 

I never had any problems with a stock oil pressure sender. Don't forget a bypass for your ignition kill so you can start the car