I want to get a oil or coolant/water temp guage for my car, as my stock one is non existant or is broken. I want to by a light up needle gauge, so im thinking oil or coolant temp. But im not sure which one is a better representation of engine temp... or would they bouth be about the same?

 

I am not sure what you are doing to worry about oil temperature. Water temperature is the standard temperature and gives an indication of the cooling system for the engine. Oil is usually thought of in terms of pressure, and then for tracking, some check temperature and then add cooling if needed. I guess the manufacturers think water temperature of guage is important, as that is supplied, and then oil pressure for some cars, or least a light to let you know that pressure is failed.

 

well i figured the oil and water would be roughly the same temperature, since they are both in contact with the block, which should have a fairly even temperature distribution throughout

 

They may be about the same temperature, depending on where measured, but water temperature is about the cooling system. If it starts to rise then look at cooling system. Running hard like at the track, oil may get hotter and still show regular water temps. Hot oil will probably drop pressure as well. I guess that in road conditions they may be similar with some lag in time. So, when your oil temperature starts up, will you look at the cooling system, or oil system?

 

just get a water temp gauge

 

was this a serious question?