For those doing a Turbo themselves, installing gauges, or who just like knowing cool things about their car . . . smile.gif

The oil pressure switch and water temp sender (the one to the dash gauge, not the ecu) are 1/8" BSP (british standard pipe) thread, which corresponds to 28 threads per inch. I know this, because I just removed both of them in the cold and matched them up with my tap/die set. I always wondered why a metric set had those 1/8 BSP tools. Now I know.

So if you are going to use nice plumbing, tees, and an aftermarket sending unit, you'll need an adapter. I'm looking for one right now and will advise.

just FYI,
AC

 

Well, I can tell you this. Do not use the standard oil pressure sender hole. That is a "low pressure" location, and is really only designed to register ultra low oil pressure. Installed on there for Dj.com/dj.bottle. It rarely registers more than 25 PSI of oil pressure at full throttle.

Instead, remove the stock oil plug on the coil side of the head. It's a PITA to get out, but that location should show "true" oil pressure.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll look for this, but where exactly is it? Do you have an engine bay pic you could circle it on? I'll look in the shop manual tonight.

Also, what diameter / location are you using for the return line? You mentioned another "low pressure" plug on the block, but I haven't found it yet.

I just bought the fittings today (for the NPT stuff). I'm using 5/16" stainless steel braided line for the feed side. I have been trying to find 1/2" fittings for the return line, but the largest I can find is 3/8". Granted, I've only looked at Pep Boys and Trak Auto so far. I'm sure McMaster-Carr or Summit Racing will have more options.

Thanks for the advice,
ac

 

Ah, nevermind. I used the search feature and found some pictures from both Random and Skilspeed that show clearly where it is.

Now to figure out what tap that uses . . .

thanks,
ac

Random, since you're reading this anyway, is that the best place to plumb the water for turbo cooling? I am considering just running it off the TB heater pipes, although that is a lot of tubing, but they're unused anyway . . . just wondering?

 

for the coolant lines, I run mine of my upper and lower radiator hose. Just slap a "T" fitting inline.

 

Won't that only run when the thermostat is "open". Or is it okay for the turbo to not get water every once and a while?

I've been debating this, and honestly I can see it both ways.

I know the Alpine kit came with the fittings, but any idea where to find T fittings that big? I've been having trouble finding 1/2" for the oil drain line . . .

thanks,
ac

 

Well, I couldn't get that hex plug out without destroying it, but I used the calipers and it measures the same diameter exactly as the oil pressure and water temp, so I figure it's 1/8" BSP thread as well.

That thing was in there good. It would rather strip the socket than turn. I'm going to invest in some screw extractors and liquid wrench before tackling that for good.

Now if we could only get those gauge pods, I could start ordering gauges . . . wink.gif

ac