A/F Gauge and others

[storlied]

Would it be worth it to get an A/F gauge for my 5.0?
What about a tranny temp gauge?

From what I've seen of the A/F Gauge, they're super cheap.. they look cool.. and they tell ya how efficient your engine is being in real time.. and easy to install.. from what I've read.. power, ground, tap into O2 sensor wire .. and you're good to go..

I've read a tranny temp gauge is good for towing and wheeling. (I don't tow, but I go off-road and things get pretty aggressive sometimes.)

Anymore information? Insight? Anything? Opinions? Ideas?

 

[IZwack]

Tellin ya, take your parents out to dinner..

 

[storlied]

Parents are no longer a part of my life.

Anyways, anyone have any information about any of this?

 

[CobraSVT1184]

Only way you will get real time A/F is with a wideband o2 sensor not one of those. They are always delayed and never on target, they are mainly good for show...they look pretty but don't help any.

 

[aldive]

Would it be worth it to get an A/F gauge for my 5.0?

Only if you plan of doing your own tuning ( such as SCTs Racer Pro package -( http://www.sctflash.com/ ) or are using forced induction.

What about a tranny temp gauge?

I always recommend a tranny temp gauge. I personally like and use a digital one from Dakota Digital ( http://dakotadigital.com/ ).

From what I've seen of the A/F Gauge, they're super cheap.. they look cool.. and they tell ya how efficient your engine is being in real time.. and easy to install.. from what I've read.. power, ground, tap into O2 sensor wire .. and you're good to go..

Super cheap? You must have been watching a science fiction flick . Quality instruments are by no means cheap.

I use a LM-1 ( http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/lm1.php ) from Inovate Motorsports ( http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/ ).

I think your funds would better be used to obtain a good VOM, a battery charger, and some tools.
Good luck ....

 

[storlied]

Alright, I guess a Trans temp gauge would be more useful, is it easy to wire up?

 

[aldive]

Installation will vary with the instrument in question.

But, overall its rather easy.

 

[storlied]

Any drilling required or anything like that?

Is there a sensor already installed?

 

[aldive]

Any drilling required or anything like that?

Is there a sensor already installed?

You have to install the sensor.

I did not have to drill anything to install mine. Different models/mounts, however, might require drilling.

 

[Charlie]

Aldive, don't you have a write up on it in your registry?

 

[aldive]

Aldive, don't you have a write up on it in your registry?

Yes, Charlie. You can find it at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141191&highlight=oil+temperature

 

[storlied]

Looks like an awful lot of work to get a tranny temp gauge to work.

 

[aldive]

Looks like an awful lot of work to get a tranny temp gauge to work.

Why do you say that? Its actually a rather easy install.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I think your funds would better be used to obtain a good VOM, a battery charger, and some tools.

X2 Very sound advice. I'd add a Haynes manual to that list.

 

[chriswells78]

You could always get a multifunction gauge like the Aeroforce Interceptor, MSD Dash Dyno, Scan Gauge II or any of the other digital engine monitoring system.

I know the Aeroforce or the MSD have programable auxilary 0-5v ports to add a wide band O2 controller like an Innovate LC-1 or Sniper AF-5000. IIRC tranny temp is a funciton observed by OBD2 in the PCM. These gauges will display it for you and they are easy to install. Simply plug them into the OBD2 port. You would have to have a bung welded in your down pipe and do some minor wiring for the wide band but nothing major. I'm getting an Aeroforce gauge each for my X and my Mustang soon.

 

[storlied]

I have a Haynes manual. =) It sucks, I've just found someone I've been getting bits and pieces of the ford service manual though.. that's really helpful.

 

[aldive]

I have a Haynes manual. =) It sucks,

Huh? I find the Haynes manual very useful.

 

[chriswells78]

Huh? I find the Haynes manual very useful.

Agreed. I did my whole motor and tranny swap with one.

 

[storlied]

Really? For removing the engine, I find the Ford Service manual a lot more descriptive, better pictures and instructions. But that's just my opinion.

 

[chriswells78]

The only thing that I didn't find in there was the tranny swap plug splice that I had to do going from a 96 harness to a 98 tranny. Luckily Section525 had done it before and posted it on here

The Torque specs are kind of a PITA though in the Haynes manual. When you are reading the chapter on what to do, you have to go back and find the beginning of the chapter to get the spec. That is the only complaint I have about my Haynes Manual.