EGT Installation Tips

One of the best and cheapest tuning tools you can use for tuning is an EGT Gage. I have a Westach 2 1/16" EGT in my Turbo Trans Am and it's fine for use in a car that doesn't get much track use. Since I raced my GN more often (and tune it for the maximum horsepower) I use a peak hold digital meter in it. I chose an Omega HH12 though the HH11 is $10 cheaper. The HH12 is capable of reading 2 temperature inputs and I keep thinking i'll get around to adding another probe one of these days. Maybe for the aircharge or ?

I've been using EGTs for tuning in 1996 and began with a peak hold multi-meter and an Omega Analog converter but later when Omega brought out the inexpensive HH series meters, I purchased one of them. After 3 years of use, I've had no problems with it. If you're interested in a more economical EGT, I suggest a Westach gage, the parts you'll need are; 2C2 (2" gage700*-1700*), 712-2DWK (type K thermocouple w/1.624"-2.5" band clamp with 4 ft lead), 186-12A2C (12 volt light kit). I'd also suggest purchasing a 2 foot extension cable as the westach probe lead is only 4 ft long.

The first picture is of the probe installed in a factory GN header and the the bottom 2 pictures are of the probe installed in a Postons header. In neither case, was it necessary to remove the header to install the t-couple and I just made the photos during an occasion when I had both headers on the bench.

IMPORTANT With the type of thermocouple shown in the pictures, it's important to be careful in choosing the location for the probe. The clamp tightening screw can interfere with the turbo to manifold mounting stud. Adding to that problem is that the probe can't be separated from the clamp itself. I got around this problem by using an extra clamp to lay out the correct hole location. What I did was measure the distance from the clamp screw to the probe hole and drill the extra clamp at the same distance. I then installed the test clamp on the header in a position that didn't interfere with the studs and used the hole in it as a guide for the drill bit. (3/16" dia in my case).