[waydui]

As part of my SC install experience, I figured I may as well do some gauges while I was at it.

I decided to install an Oil Pressure and Oil Temperature Gauge setup. I chose DEFI gauges, Blue Racer models. My car is Mag Blue, so the color choice seemed appropriate.

The quality of the gauges is excellent, but what really impressed me was the caliber of the sensors and connecting wires. These are all OEM grade components, nothing DIY about it.

I did have to buy an oil filter sandwich plate, which I got from Maxspeed - Motorsports. Blue anodized aluminum, CNC-milled component with 3 1/8 NPT fitting positions. Shipped price was $46.99. Excellent quality and fits perfectly on the engine.

Install was pretty simple. Plate fit in place with no issues. I plumbed the 2 sensors (pressure and temp) easily. Tip: Put these on the sandwich plate BEFORE installing the plate itself onto the engine. Makes it easier to align everything.

I ran the sensor cables through the hand brake cable tunnel, into the cabin, between the seats and up the shifter console to the 3-hole aluminum piece under the dash.

The power cables come the other way, from the lighting switch panel (for ignition on power, dimmer/illumination lamps). I used several of the wire connections under the dash (+12 Volt Power, Ground) to finish the wiring. Sensor and Power wires snap into back of the gauges. Power is universal to the gauges, specific sensor wire is unique to each gauge type.

I picked up a BWR gauge pod holder/bracket from a fellow LTer and the gauges fit perfectly into the openings.

Cleaned up the rats nest of wires under the dash with some wire ties and cable loom. Everything works fine.

I thought the gauges might be a little low and out of my primary line of sight. However, they are so easy to read and even if you can't get the actual number reading, you know where you are on the scale, so it's quite helpful.

With an SC set-up, I feel better having the extra information about oil pressure and temperature.

A few pics included to show the set-up.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[waydui]

A Few more pics

Here are some more pics of the install.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[stinkyonion]

Wow. Looks good. Nice writeup. Surprised you didnt run through firewall. Might copy this handbrake method for Zeitronix sensors I just got in the mail (EGT, o2 sensor, gas pressure, boost). Will jack car up tomorrow and study it. Your pics looks so good maybe I will add oil t/p but dont think I can view those with the Dashdaq as mine is setup for the zeitronix only and I have maxed out the Zeitronix zt-2 sensor capability.

 

[waydui]

Wow. Looks good. Nice writeup. Surprised you didnt run through firewall. Might copy this handbrake method for Zeitronix sensors I just got in the mail.

I never really considered the firewall. Too many twists and turns, not to mention the grommets you have to go through. The hand brake tunnel is plenty wide and is a "straight-line" option. I ran my Shift-I system through there as well.

It's a clean approach, simple to do and easy to reverse.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[Elise8206]

Look nice

 

[JungleJim]

Nice touch with the matching blue TyWraps! Nice job. Thanks for the info & pics.

 

[fpitas]

Thanks for the write-up and excellent pictures. I got the Maxspeed - Motorsports sandwich plate, which as you said is a quality product. From looking at your pictures, it seems that a larger diameter oil filter (For example, a Mobil 1 M1-103 or K&N HP-3001) might fit using the new sandwich plate. I'm going to try that out when I install mine.

 

[waydui]

From looking at your pictures, it seems that a larger diameter oil filter (For example, a Mobil 1 M1-103 or K&N HP-3001) might fit using the new sandwich plate. I'm going to try that out when I install mine.

There is some extra surface that extends beyond my filter (Mobil 209). Looks like an 1/8", but certainly not a 1/4".

I was concerned that the extra depth of the filter assembly, with the new sandwich plate, might hit or rub against the undertray, but not to worry. There is lots of room between the filter and tray.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[fpitas]

There is some extra surface that extends beyond my filter (Mobil 209). Looks like an 1/8", but certainly not a 1/4".

I was concerned that the extra depth of the filter assembly, with the new sandwich plate, might hit or rub against the undertray, but not to worry. There is lots of room between the filter and tray.

Regards,
Wayne

Hi Wayne,

As I recall from previous cars that used the bigger filter, the o-ring diameter is about the same as the smaller filter, but the can extends outwards. In any event, I'll give it a try and report back.

Edit: I got a K&N HP-3001, and the o-ring is the same diameter as the smaller filter. It mates perfectly to the sandwich plate. This weekend I'll crawl under there and try installing it on the car.

 

[fpitas]

It fits! K&N HP-3001 FTW.

It is sort of close to the plastic duct in the belly pan, but it doesn't touch. I have the FF engine damper and Manly's motor mount fillers, so I doubt the closeness will be an issue. If you have stock motor mounts you might want to choose a filter that's a little shorter, or trim the duct a little.

 

[fred2602]

Nice upgrade waydui,

Is there any chance that you had already some measures for the oil temperature, some figures.. I have my gauges and I wonder why it doesn't go up the 75°C (except the fact that I am driving like a .... tx ).

 

[waydui]

Oil Temp

Nice upgrade waydui,

Is there any chance that you had already some measures for the oil temperature, some figures.. I have my gauges and I wonder why it doesn't go up the 75°C (except the fact that I am driving like a .... tx ).

Hi Frederic,

My oil temperature, fully warm, runs at 170-180 degrees F, which is 76-82 degrees Celsius. This is at all driving speeds.

It is Summer here and outdoor temperature is 75-85 degrees F, 23-29 C. I also have a supercharger which makes the engine run a little hotter (maybe 2-3 degrees).

Regards,
Wayne

 

[fred2602]

Thanks, I believe I have an issue with mine as I never pass the 75°C.
Anyway, thanks and congratulations for the installation.

 

[Conan]

i'm looking to do the same thing, but I would like to go with the moroso sandwich plate. However, there are a few sizes and I'm not sure which to get:

1. 3/4 x 16 Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
2. 13/16 x 16 Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
3. 18 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
4. 20 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
5. 22 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring

My guess is #3 is the one I need but I'm not sure. Anyone know?

 

[RoadDad]

i'm looking to do the same thing, but I would like to go with the moroso sandwich plate. However, there are a few sizes and I'm not sure which to get:

1. 3/4 x 16 Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
2. 13/16 x 16 Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
3. 18 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
4. 20 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring
5. 22 x 1.5mm Billet Aluminum Sandwich Plate, 2.62" O-ring

My guess is #3 is the one I need but I'm not sure. Anyone know?

The threads are 3/4-16.

Application Guide Results

Part Detail Popup

 

[stinkyonion]

Been following this thread closely. Think I will bypass the oil temp monitoring and just add oil pressure. Then I wont need sandwich plate as there is a unused tap already (wish I new what size it is, will just guess 1/8npt) for pressure sensor. The oil temperature seems to be too constant for it to be worth the multiple risks of buying pressure plate, lowering oil filter, and adding extra risk to losing oil from trauma or the extra gasket. I know of two elises that lost all their oil from blow to bottom of car. Instead going to put batter voltage meter in gauge pod since Im always killing the battery.

 

[waydui]

Been following this thread closely. Think I will bypass the oil temp monitoring and just add oil pressure. Then I wont need sandwich plate as there is a unused tap already (wish I new what size it is, will just guess 1/8npt) for pressure sensor. The oil temperature seems to be too constant for it to be worth the multiple risks of buying pressure plate, lowering oil filter, and adding extra risk to losing oil from trauma or the extra gasket. I know of two elises that lost all their oil from blow to bottom of car. Instead going to put batter voltage meter in gauge pod since Im always killing the battery.

If I had to choose only one parameter to monitor, it would definitely be the oil pressure. You're right in that the oil temp doesn't fluctuate much, at least on my car.

Where is the "unused tap" that you mention? I looked all around for other access points for the sensors before going the sandwich plate route. Maybe I missed something...:shrug:

Regards,
Wayne

 

[xziteme]

Where is the "unused tap" that you mention? I looked all around for other access points for the sensors before going the sandwich plate route. Maybe I missed something...:shrug:

Regards,
Wayne

+1

I have oil temp connected to an existing bung in my Moroso oil pan. I'd like to have oil pressure w/o having to deal w/ a sandwich plate if possible.

 

[stinkyonion]

On the first post of this thread, third picture, on the stock sandwich plate there is two oil lines and there is a black hex head (top left of photo). Im pretty sure that is a plug for unused port. Havent had car lifted yet, but on parts list that is the stock oiler cooler/thermostat sandwich plate. If that hole doesnt have full pressure or not enough room or whatever then would add a "T" to one of the other two holes, perhaps with this part:
Amazon.com: 1/8 NPT T Fitting Adapter: Automotive
Or move oil line in middle hole to third hole and sensor in middle hole? Will discuss with TJ at FVMC next week what is best and works.

 

[fpitas]

On the first post of this thread, third picture, on the stock sandwich plate there is two oil lines and there is a black hex head (top left of photo). Im pretty sure that is a plug for unused port. Havent had car lifted yet, but on parts list that is the stock oiler cooler/thermostat sandwich plate. If that hole doesnt have full pressure or not enough room or whatever then would add a "T" to one of the other two holes, perhaps with this part:
Amazon.com: 1/8 NPT T Fitting Adapter: Automotive
Or move oil line in middle hole to third hole and sensor in middle hole? Will discuss with TJ at FVMC next week what is best and works.

I'm not sure, but I think that black hex piece on the stock sandwich adapter is the oil thermostat.

Edit: Yep, it's in this picture: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/657893-post24.html

Also, if you're contemplating adding a t-fitting to the side of the block at the existing idiot-light sensor tap off, be aware that others here who tried that had the brass adapter crack eventually from vibration.