I'm looking to install a triple gauge pod, and therefore need the appropriate adapters. Oil temp/pressure seems to always fit underneath the oil filter, no matter the brand. I have a Greddy one sitting around that I am going to use to get oil temperature/pressure.

However, there seems to be more than one place you can get water temperature from depending upon who you buy from, and I would like to know which would be best.

Racing Beat Water Temp Sensor Adapter I like this one because it's in a more convenient location for install, and less wiring length needs to be done.

Mishimoto Water Temp Sensor Adapter This one seems to use a much larger hose. But maybe it's more accurate?

Does it matter? Am I over thinking this?

I appreciate any input.

 

both will do the same thing: get a reading from the coolant. I'd buy whichever is cheaper. the RB one looks neater though

 

the rb is easier to install but i used one similiar to the mishimoto one that replaces the coolant line coupler under the battery tray

 

The RB location gives very high readings in my experience compared to the ECT sensor. The Mishimoto location only flows when thermostat is open. A compromise either way. If I didn’t have the modified stock gauge, I would go with the Mish.

 

Very high readings? Like so high as to be erroneous? I wonder why...

What is this modified stock gauge you speak of?

 

Yes, it got to the point where it was unusable in my case. The temps I was seeing also made me very much more careful of the overall temp of the engine. That circuit was getting almost 260 degree water flowing out of it, with the ECT reading about 209, IIRC. The delta from the ECT readings also depended on engine load, which was totally confusing. So I changed the location and made a fitting near the ECT sensor in the same coolant chamber the ECT uses. Much better. Had to shield from alternator heat, but no big deal. The best option for me was the RX8 Accurate Gauge. I have not installed it yet, as the car it will go into is not running yet.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-int...er-kit-272973/

 

Gotcha, that's interesting. It really makes me wonder if it was just a bad probe or something, there seems to be lots of happy customers with that fitting. Did you reuse the same probe?

But yeah 260 degrees is insane, that's well past over heating and coolant boiling temperature.

I actually remember seeing that gauge modification before, pretty cool. I just think it would be hard to follow the stock gauge with it's tiny hash marks.

 

Its right below boiling with 50/50 mix and a 16lb cap.
I changed the sender, checked the gauge and the new sender for accuracy, called Racing Beat, insulated against engine and exhaust heat, etc. RB said it will read somewhat higher, but they have never heard it being that high. I say that it could be that hot, since that circuit sees the last portion of coolant that has just come through all the rotor housings before it is routed to the heater core and then the pump for a pass through the radiator. It was very dependent on power level also. I never thought to do so at the time (115+ degree days in AZ), but I bet I could have reduced the temp on the gauge by running the heater on high. Not the best sender location IMO.

 

If that is in fact the hottest the coolant is getting, wouldn't it be smart to record it from there? Maybe while keeping in mind that it's next stop is the radiator so it will likely cool down.

Hmm, that really makes me wonder because I'm also in AZ. Though I don't plan to drive the car much in the summer, it's just too hot for rotaries, hell even my daily has a hard time keeping things cool when it's 110, and you're driving up hill with the AC blasting.

I ordered both adapters, will try the RB one first since it's a 10 minute install, and if it doesn't work will try the mishimoto. I do have a remedy water pump, and a dual pass radiator, larger oil coolers, thermostat, etc. so hopefully that helps keep the temperatures under control. Also got some evans waterless coolant but who knows if that's actually worth the price tag. At least it won't boil.