question about gauges

[sandwichestime]

seeeing as how my boat is a 1988 renken with a 5.7 mercruiser GM crate motor and a (likely) original alpha one sterndrive, id really like to get some new gauges (speedo, rpm, gas, volt, trim, and temp) for aesthetic appeal as well as to assure functionality. <br /><br />my question is: will any gauge work with my setup? i.e. a newer faria gauge will bolt right in and be functional and calibrated? or do i need a certain type or model? any suggestions for a cheap web site to visit?<br /><br />any help is appreciated.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: question about gauges

I can say that Faria and VDO brand of gauges seam to be the same. I have interchanged them with good results. I have also used teleflex gauges on the temp and oil pressure, and seamed to work fine with the original senders. To be sure, you will need to go to the gauge manufacture's website and see what voltage or resistance they are rated at and compare that to the original gauge or senders rating to know for sure. The one that concerns me the most is the speedo, as that is not electronic, it is mechanical.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: question about gauges

The Faria, Stewart Warner and Teleflex standard gauges will work right out of the box, the VDO will not work unless you change the fuel, oil pressure and temperature senders. The Faria, SW and TLFX all operate on a 240-33 resistance from the sender, the VDO uses 10-180 ohm senders.