Is basic, simple coolant temp gauge (real one) worth it?
 

Any help is appreciated.

I'll be keeping the 8 for at least 2 or 3 more years and was wondering if anyone thinks getting a real analogue or digital coolant gauge is a good idea/worthwhile?

If so, is there a brand that's reliable in reporting temps and durable, with an ez mount option, that is a recommended one?

Thanks all.

You can get it VIA OBD. The factory coolant gauge doesn't move until 235-240F and that can be deadly if the engine sees those temps for too long. You could just get a single vent pod and a decent 52mm coolant temp gauge.

I'm illiterate regarding this, 9k.

Do you mean there's single gauge measuring coolant temp in real time that can be mounted easily?

Also, analogue is typically more reliable than digital, no?

Thanks.

analog is only as accurate as its stepper motor resolution, while a digital is only as accurate as its analog-to-digital converter resolution ... in the end they will all be limited by the temperature sender's resolution. (confused yet?).

Check out something simple like the Prosport 52mm analog gauge, and pair with the racing beat coolant sender adapter to get temps before they enter the engine (using the alternative method of tapping into the upper radiator hose will give you temps after they pass through teh engine)

IMHO, something like the ultragauge is more than enough. It plugs into the diagnostic port (ODB II) under the wheel and gives you a ton of information that the car has, but is not readily displayed. It also give you things like MPG (instant, average, since start), oil change timers, fuel trim... I run with instant and average MPG (good to check engine health), Long Term Fuel Trim (I am curious), water temp, distance to empty and voltage.

They are like $60. I have one for 3 of our 4 vehicles.