How's it going everyone!
Decided to start posting instead of waiting for a big install to put something here. I know a few of you have been waiting for awhile for me to post.
What you need to know about installing Oil Pressure and Water Temp Gauges
I feel that two of the most important engine vitals you need to keep an eye on is Oil Pressure and Water Temp. If you have low Oil Pressure, it could warn you of worn down piston rings, bad seals, failing oil pump etc. You need good oil pressure in order for your engine to operate safely at higher RPM. I choose Water Temp over Oil Temp for two reasons. When your oil is cold, your pressures are low, once the oil is to temperature, your oil pressure will be at nominal readings. I am also fairly certain that your water temp will overheat before your oil temp ever will.
I plan on running an Oil Pressure Gauge and a Water Temp Gauge on my S13 240sx (KA24DE). The Water Temp Gauge is easy because all you would need is a Radiator Hose Adapter to install the Temp Sending Unit. If you want to do a different route, I have seen thermostat housings drilled out and a bung welded for a cleaner looking install with the wires running along the engine harness. The Oil Pressure Gauge can be a little tricky though.
I am going to run a T-Fitting off of the block where the OEM Oil Pressure Sending Unit threads into so I can retain the OEM Pressure Sending Unit while having a place to mount the aftermarket pressure sending unit for the gauge.
You will need to use a 1/8" BPST FITTING! A 1/8" NPT Fitting has the same thread pitch, but the diameter is slightly different than the BPST Fitting.
Will Purchase Gauges and hopefully the fittings from Industrial Liquidators.
Brake Upgrade! (4-Luggers)
The following brake upgrade is for those 240sx owners that run small wheels (15") and want to remain 4-lug. You will not have to upgrade your Brake Mast Cylinder because the sizes of the pistons in the Front and Rear Calipers are the same and require the same amount of fluid to push them as would OEM brakes.
Fronts
1993~1997 Nissan Altima Front Calipers
1993~1997 Nissan Altima Front Rotors
1989~1999 Nissan Maxima Front Pads
Notes:
-11" Rotors.
-Everything will bolt up.
-Won't fit anything smaller than a 15" wheel. OEM Steelies WILL NOT clear the calipers.
-Need to trim or mod the Brake Dust Shield to accommodate for the larger rotor.
Rears
Z31 Nissan 300zx Rear Brake Brackets
2003 Nissan Altima Rear Rotor (would need to be re-drilled for 4x114.3)
S13/S14 Nissan 240sx Rear Brake Pads
Notes:
-11.5" Rotors.
-Setup utilizes your OEM 240sx Rear Calipers.
-Replace your 240sx rear brake brackets with the Z31 rear brake brackets. (the bracket that's between the spindle and the caliper).
Ordered Hawk HPS Pads.
Will order Rotors from Rotorpros.
Will get Z31 Rear Brake Brackets and front Altima Calipers from the Junkyard.
Will make my own steel braided lines from Industrial Liquidators.
Until Next Time,
Happy Wrenching!
-Mainichi Tuning
