5.3 in an '81

What are you guys doing for a temp sensor for an Autometer gauge.
Can you splice into the factory sensor?
Any ideas?

On the passenger side head there is a plug down at the level of the sparkplugs close to the transmission that can be removed and a temperature sensor could be installed. The plug is a hex or torque head. The PCM coolant temperature sensor is in the opposite head toward the front of the engine and has two wires.

You can also replace the stock sensor with a three wire temp sensor. I'll get the part number for you if needed.
It comes with an extra wire that can be used to send a signal to a guage. I know it works on the stock GM gauge, I'm sure the Autometer gauge accepts the same type of signal, I believe most are 0 - 5+ volts.

keep us updated on the progress!

allen

The three wire sensor is a 1998 only coolant temp sensor for the f-body, FWIW.

Thanks Allen
And thanks to Billy for posting for me.
The first place I went to install the temp sensor was the head.
But, the sensor auto meter sent w/ the gauge was just a hair to small and the wrong thread. An adaptar is out of the question, because of the size being so close.
If the opening was larger it would be no problem finding an adaptar fitting.

So a 98 ls1 temp sensor will work.
Will I have to buy a new connector and will the wire color be the same?

You will need a new connector to go with the new sensor. If you need, I will go look at my 98 harness and let you know the wire diagram on it. Two wires still go to the PCM and the third new one goes straight to the old analog or new autometer guage. I am not sure if it has the same resistance value though. What I have done before is to tap the correct thread into the water pump housing. The coolant will flush out the drill and tap chips. Be prepared to work quickly and use a cordless drill. A ratchet wrench with extension and 12 point socket works good to hold the tap. Just be sure to tap straight in and don't move the tap from side to side. If doing a tapered thread, start with about 7 revolutions and then check the fitting engagement.

Thanks.
I wish I would have tap it when it was all apart.
Im going to check on the price of the98 sensor and conector
to see which way I want to go.