Has anyone here on this board attempted this mod yet?

I have a base LS and am tired of scanning the DIC for the engine temp. I was thinking that I could buy the A pillar trim piece that is on the SS model and add an Auto Meter gauge to it.

What is the part number for the SS trim piece?
Any recommendations for the gauge (part number, manufacturer)

Would this be an easy install and could it be done so that the gauge is back lit at night?

 

If you mostly just look at engine temp, just leave the DIC on that info and it'll stay there.

I'm sure you could use the SS trim piece, though I don't know what the part number it is. I would guess you could back light it, since the boost gauge is back lit on the SS.

 

I want an analog gauge that I can monitor while leaving the digital info that the DIC offers to things like the odometer and mileage, etc. Lack of a temp gauge was one of the first things that I noticed when I drove the car for the first time.

Also, I do not have the SS car, it is the LS, and I do not know if the wire harness is already there or if I need to plan on running my own wiring.

 

I don't know why you would want to stare at that all the time. If the coolant temp gets too high the DIC will warn you anyway. If you are set in stone on doing it mounting the gage with the SS/SC A pillar part should be easy. Getting the data could be a challenge. Don't know exactly how they did it way back when but the reading you can see on your DIC display is not a discrete signal, it comes over a data bus along with the rest of the IC info.

 

I'm sure that someone has figured out how to interface the gauge to the engine, I see many Cobalt project cars with multiple analog gauges (in the A-pillars!)

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would rather have an analog gauge rather than the DIC disply.

 

I am going to add a temp gauge to my car as well. All you need to do is find the temp sensor on the block and ether tap in to the leads for it if you are going to use an electric gauge or remove it and add a T fiting if you are going to go with a macanical gauge. As for the trim peac that would work but I dont know the part # for you sorry.

Later

 

you could call the dealership for the part #...or even order it through them. when i bought my car they gave me a coupon for 10% off GM parts through them, so if you got one of those...use it.

as for having it light up at night...on my talon, i tapped it into the cig lighter because it had a light around it that went on with the interior lights. can't remember right now if the cobalt has that. but that's the general idea. and yea...you're running your own wiring...be careful.

 

Badmunky, post up after you have installed your gauge. I'd be interested to know the details. Where in the car will you put the gauge? A-pillar, dash, or ?

 

I checked into getting the A pillar trim for a SS/SC. It comes with the boost gauge. I don't remember the price ,but it was like $200 with my GM employee discount.
I am working on a universal 2 pod panel I bought from E- Bay for $20. LOTS of heating, forming, and cutting to get a nice fit on the stock A pillar. I will be using a oil preasure gauge and a volt meter. The biggest problem is getting a Tee fitting so the new and old sending units can both be used. I think you will need to keep the stock temp sensor along with the one that comes with your new gauge. The threads in the engine are metric and the sending units are usually 1/8 NPT. I can't find a adaprter to go from metric to american and back to metric for the stock sender. I think you will have the same problem with a temp sensor. I am going to the hardware store soon to see what I can cobble together. If I figure it out, I will post my findings. Dennis

 

denniss,

Thanks for the info. I'm interested to know how your project progresses. I'm in Illinois as well (west of Chicago by about 30 miles).

As far as fittings and adapters, You might also consider Grainger or McMaster Carr. They are both industrial supply warehouses. I seem to be able to source the "weird stuff" from them.