installing after market temp gauge

i am trying to install a coolant temp gauge in my wagon. it has a ford 289 v8 with a two barrel. im just wondering where to tap into the intake (i think thats what i need to do). if not, where is the best place to install the thermometer itself?

 

I would get the temperature sending unit for the factory temperature gauge. All the Ford Windsor engines use the same sending units, so there are only 2 available, one for the idiot light and the other for the gauge that was standard in some models and available in others. It is located in the intake manifold, and goes into the water jacket. If memory serves, it is to the driver's side of the manifold, about 3 inches from the front. The stock factory wire can even be used if you so choose. Easy to install, and easy to service down the road if need be.

 

Anyone know what temp the water temp has to hit to turn on the factory "HOT" light? Wondering what Ford considered too hot.

What's the recommended temp operating range? I've just installed aftermarket gauges as well, and was wondering if the safe temp operating range is the same as a small block Chevy?

 

The factory temp gauge in my Thunderbirds didn't have numbers on it, just a 'normal' range. When everything was working right, all 4 of them cruised at the "O" in normal, so well below the half way mark. That was running a 190 degree thermostat all year round. The only time they ever ran hotter than that was when I was towing a 5,800 pound trailer with Daphne, the first 79. With the trailer, the temp gauge ran at the "R" in normal, so still under half and that was on a 90 degree day. Then again, I also ran a heavy duty, 3 core radiator.