Thread: Want to install Mechanic Temp Gauge on 350. Can install intake for the heater hose?

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Hi guys. Here is some background on what I am trying to accomplish. I have a 80s Jaguar 350 conversion (small block engine with 2bbl carb) and it still has the Jaguar coolant temp gauge but it reads off of a chevy coolant sending unit so it isn't reading accurately.
The car has M shaped headers and my only coolant temp sending unit is on the drivers side head. It is almost impossible to get to with the headers and with the new brake booster etc. in the way.

I bought a Sunpro Mechanical temp gauge so I can see what temp my car really runs at. I really can't get the mechanical gauge in the place the sending unit is.

Can I remove my heater hose off of my intake manifold on the pass. side and remove the fitting that connects to the hose and plumb my mechanical gauge in there?

If so my temp reading probably wouldn't be as accurate as reading it from the head so how many degrees less would it read compared to the temp at the head location?

With summer coming I want to make sure my car doesn't run hot or overheat.

If you guys have any other tips please let me know. I thought about sending my gauge to be recalibrated but I don't want to do that right now. Thanks.

Usually, there is a plug in each head...Have you looked at the other one?....The 4bbl intakes also have a spot by the thermostat.......not sure about the 2bbl.....

The hottest spot in the block should be the rear on the passenger side & that's where I normally run my mech temp gauge stuff at all possible...joe

Thanks guys. There isn't a port on the intake just a few for vacuum and the t-stat. That is it.
I haven't checked the passengers side head. I will check it shortly. Will it be in the same location at the one on the drivers side head?

Yes...the heads are identical....That means if it was between 1 and 3 on the drivers side, it will be between 6 and 8 on the passengers side

You might be able to use one of these.
Doug

They make an intake radiator hose connector (goose neck) that has a threaded bung in it that is GM made. Possibly aftermarket also. Normally a temp. activated vacuum valve was installed there.

Thanks guys. That looks great. I will look to see what the t-stat housing one looks like too.

Which is the best location to install my mechanical gauge (sunpro retro)? Is the head the best or is the t-stat housing the best? Since the temps will be different what is normal for the head vs. the t-stat housing? Is 210 the hottest I want to see on the head? Thanks Again.