I have a 1992 Civic Si hatch and a 97 Civic EX. I've noticed that the 92 temperature gauge needle sits exactly in the middle of the scale while the needle on the 97 sits at about 1/4 scale. Since the z6 and y8 are almost identical engines I was curious about the difference. Are the scales on the two gauges calibrated the same? Will thermostats wear out over time and regulate a warmer temp? Just wondering what your guys average temp readings are and what is considered a normal.

 

on my y8 its about half way and its fine

 

i've noticed differences on where the needle sat even between my 96 and 98 civics...even when they both had the same type of motor in them. I think it just the guage cluster. As long as it has a place that it usually sits, and doesn't go WAY above that (overheating), I wouldn't give it too much thought.