Oil temp gauge install

[Mike_Yi]

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

I think I would generally agree with you but not for track driving.
There was a post earlier from Jake Raby where he indicated that he has seen engine oil temp on the track go as high as 250 degree and that's where the oil starts to fail. That's why I want to watch the oil temp.

I understand that the Boxster has already a sensor for oil temp, does anyone know how to tap into it (I don't mean the mechanical part but how to hook up a gauge so that it reads correctly).

Yeah. That's what I was thinking about too. However, both gauges would probably be best. That way you can watch for spikes in oil temperature and drops in pressure due to oil starvation.

[Jake Raby]

The Boxster does not have a dedicated oil temp sensor. The oil temp a calculated value based on the coolant temp. It is no where near accurate in my experience.

High temperature oil is more susceptible to G force issues than oil that is cooler, it also loses it's ability to maintain film strength at these elevated temperatures.

Oil temp in these engines does NOT closely follow coolant temp, especially in 5 chain engines where the friction is highest. Here are a few comparatives from one of our test cars on the street and on various tracks. The delta is much greater on the track, especially in high ambient temperatures.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

The Boxster does not have a dedicated oil temp sensor. The oil temp a calculated value based on the coolant temp. It is no where near accurate in my experience.

High temperature oil is more susceptible to G force issues than oil that is cooler, it also loses it's ability to maintain film strength at these elevated temperatures.

Oil temp in these engines does NOT closely follow coolant temp, especially in 5 chain engines where the friction is highest. Here are a few comparatives from one of our test cars on the street and on various tracks. The delta is much greater on the track, especially in high ambient temperatures.

That's great info Jake, I did not see this post before I did mine. Looks like oil temp runs about 36 degrees higher than coolant. I'm guessing this test car had 3rd radiator, S heat exchanger & low temp termostat as the only cooling improvements?