gauge panel advice

[86Regal_Pearl]

I'm looking to have more info while I'm driving. My fuel level isnt accurate, as the car sat for some time and since getting it running and installing new gas tank and sending unit, it still is 'off' a little. Its only off about 1/8 ~ 1/4 tank. I also want to know water temp and RPM's. And for some reason my "volts" idiot light is dimly lit at all times. I like stock look and I've seen the posts about Tom @ www.gnxdash.com but he is HIGH AS A HEROINE ADDICT. $925 base price????!?!!!! Cyberdyne digital dash panels only cost $459 @ summitracing!
Anyway, I have thrown out those options and I just got my lo-tek a-pillar 3 gauge pod in the mail and I'm thinking about a new engine wiring harness because mine has been thru some changes/ cut outs/ splices. I want a stock harness that will make all that doesn't work now operable, and will work with the gauges I install in the a-pillar gauge pod. I've already been to the painless site and I'm scratching my head as to buying their 10101 12 Circuit Universal harness because of my car having alot of accessories (i.e. power seats, p. trunk, p. antenna, delay wipers, A/C, etc.) and I don't wanna buy the 12 circuit harness AND the 18 circuit harness cuz I'm poor. Please give a young guy some advice on which direction to take and how much I can expect to spend?

e.p.

[323GTX]

1. I would try to use the factory wiring harness that is already in the car. I don't know how bad it is, but most likely it can be repaired back to normal.

2. Or... if it's really bad, get a un-hacked wiring harness from another Regal.

3. Install your gauges with your own wiring. You can buy automotive wire at the parts store. Use red for ignition, black for ground, brown for illumination, green or blue for the sending units, and so on.

That would be the cheapest way, and still be done right.

[86Regal_Pearl]

You are right, its not that bad but I'd like to cover all bases by getting a new or replacement harness. Uhm...its kinda like killing the fly with the sledgehammer, but it gives me added security knowing that I have new stuff and it helps me diagnose problems as well, ya know.
Won't the gauges I buy, to go in the a-pillar gauge pod, have the wiring I need ??? I just had my car overheat on my way home and my idiot light came on for "WATER TEMP", I put too much antifreeze in last week after replacing a busted lower radiator hose ( didn't know that too much antifreeze and not enuf water will make it run hotter), I just put a gallon and a half of water in, all set. But I want to be able to keep an eye on my temp gauge so I know exactly where its at, as well as rpm's, and haven't decided on the third gauge for the pod. Maybe a Speedo that goes higher than 80 MPH, a volts gauge, oil pressure, or oil temp. Which of the last four would be the most practical for my third gauge in my a-pillar pod for my setup? And which gauges are the best selection? I've heard some things about VDO and AutoMeter, but whats the difference?
Thanx in advance
E.P.

[wildriv430]

the most logical three gauges to install would be water temp, oil pressure, and a tach. after all they monitor the 3 things most likely to prematurely destroy your engine: heat, lack of lubrication, and exessive rpms.

VDO and Autometer are both quality gauges, and are comparible in price as well. your choice should be based on the styling you like. I would also recommend you use electric gauges, not mechanical.

Also, where did you find a triple gauge pod for the g-bodys? Ive only been able to find a double.

[86Regal_Pearl]

Lo-Tek Engineering, www.gaugepods.com
I've read that they don't fit right and that some modifying is necessary even if installed over the existing A-pillar. I haven't tried to install mine yet, its still in the plastic and in the box, I been dealing with other problems lately. I blew a head gasket.

E.P.