[SD455DJ]

I was fortunate to get a couple days in a row to work on the Formula...finally! I was able to install a small tachometer and trio of electric gauges (oil pressure, volts, water temp) from Auto Gage (the budget instrument line from Auto Meter) to augment the idiot lights...this Formula wasn't ordered with the optional tach and gauges. I didn't want a big intrusive tach or mechanical gauges, so I got the Auto Gage Mini Tach (2-1/2" dia.) and their 1-1/2" Electric Mini Gauges that could be covered easily. They are about 1/3rd the cost of lowest priced Auto Meter tach and electric gauges, so we'll see how well they hold up. I didn't want to drill any mounting holes so I attached the tach mounting bracket (non-adjustable btw) to the bottom side of the dash using the existing far left screw hole of the insert, so the tach reads up-side down...oh well. The trio gauges are loosely mounted in the front console box with the wiring combined and routed through the existing gaps. After a day of contortions and multiple abrasions, they actually do work and it is so nice to know what the engine is doing now. With the engine warmed up the gauges measured 60 psi @ 2000 rpm/20 psi @ idle (700 rpm) oil pressure; 14 volts all the time, no & full load; and 180 degrees after 15 minutes of idling with the nose tight to the garage door (minimal air movement through the radiator). If the numbers can be believed, I'm very pleased with them so far. The Formula gets a real road test tomorrow after the original PQ TH400 gets reinstalled, so we'll see if those numbers stay the same...they better.

Dennis

PS: I also removed the Pontiac crest on the dash insert and installed a correct 'bird'...fit perfectly. The crest was installed with double sided tape and is really nice quality...I wonder where it came from and what it was used on...hmm?