I've done my due diligence and read the various oil-gauge-is-a-fake threads.

What I've found is that the gauge is given information by the CAN bus. The ECU basically tells the gauge to sit pretty at a little over half.

If this is the case, why not make a device to tell the gauge via CAN bus to read something else? It doesn't seem to me that a PIC or similar setup to intercept the CAN signals, repeat those not relevant, and replace the OP signal with it's own, derived from a simple pressure sender (most of which are resistive).

Am I missing something? Does this already exist?

A device like this would also possibly make the water temp gauge a real one too.

Yeah, I've been wondering about this too. It would be cool to make the oil pressure gauge full functioning. I believe the water temp gauge already is. I can't see why this couldn't be done?

Too bad there are no specific readings on it and honestly looking at the pressure sensor it appears to me that it's and on/off switch. There is either pressure or not. For $100.00 you could have a real nice accurate gauge.

Too bad there are no specific readings on it and honestly looking at the pressure sensor it appears to me that it's and on/off switch. There is either pressure or not. For $100.00 you could have a real nice accurate gauge.

True, but the RX8 interior does not lend itself to gauge mounting. The RB piece is WAY out of the line of sight, and bloody expensive for a piece of plastic. No pillar mounts because of the airbag. I've not seen a hood for the radio area that looks remotely stock. I could just screw some gauge cups to that piece, but same problem. I've tried finding a navi-equipped hood without the navi stuff installed, but no dice.

I'd be happy with a left-is-zero, right-is-100psi sort of gauge. I don't really need numerical accuracy - I want to see it if it's notably low or drops suddenly (if, say, a rock gets through the mesh and oil cooler).

The water temp, OTOH, I'd like to be somewhat accurate. The ones in my 88 RX7 and my Jeep are good enough to see when the thermostat opens.

No one on the forums has any experience with CAN bus?

the water gauge has a "window" not sure of the number but it it's between certian temps it's in the normal spot...above or below that window it move either way...

I've seen pleny of ppl with apillar gauges and y not try the ashtray pod? possibly the AP( I'm not sure if it reads Oil Press. but someone with the AP will have to chime in and see)

Because he wants to make the stock oil press gauge work. Doesn't matter his reason. What we want to know is if it is possible and if so, how? Anyone care to add?

No pillar mounts because of the airbag.


The airbag is located above the window...there is nothing behind the a-pillar. There are a few companies that make a-pillar pods for the 8 in 2 or 3 pod styles.

Check this out!! :ylsuper:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=186061

You could always do this, coupled with the RB oil pressure/oil temp adapter.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=163434


And....................... if you go just want to go with the vent pod and RB adapter but not the rest, I have a gauge that will drop right in it.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=2797989#post2797989