Measuring engine temperature, No taco sender or gauge ... Options

[Chaznaster]

Hello all. With the weather getting warmer, I have started thinking about getting a handle on my engine temperature. I looked at quite a few discussions on here and most were about interpreting/ calibrating the stock(ish) gauges.

I have no sender at the taco plate and no gauge.

I happened on the approach to measure with a dipstick thermometer but it appears those are all NLA.

I have a 123 dizzy that transmits temperature but am pretty sure the base of that is far away from the sump and probably not an accurate reading.

A few questions:
* Is the 123 temperature value good for anything? Maybe there is a conversion? Although I expect it will warm slower and cool faster than the sump in the best case.
* What is the most straightforward way (I am OK with some spend and even running wires to the dash) to get a reliable reading? Gauge (VDO or other), thermal camera pointed at the oil pan? Other?

I appreciate your guidance ...

[emerygt350]

I had a hard time finding the info link, so here is the direct link.
http://914world.com/specs/JakeRabyHeadTemps.php

Jake, cruising around town mine stays below 300, sometimes as low as 220 to 230. I assume that is normal. At 75 on the highway in 5th it's around 340 to 350, up to 375 climbing. That seems like "normal" in your article but I haven't had it out in high heat yet. What ambient temps were are you normally driving around in or does it not matter so much?

[Jake Raby]

I had a hard time finding the info link, so here is the direct link.
http://914world.com/specs/JakeRabyHeadTemps.php

Jake, cruising around town mine stays below 300, sometimes as low as 220 to 230. I assume that is normal. At 75 on the highway in 5th it's around 340 to 350, up to 375 climbing. That seems like "normal" in your article but I haven't had it out in high heat yet. What ambient temps were are you normally driving around in or does it not matter so much?

Ambient temps sadly effect CHT, but greatly impact oil temp.
Some oils like running higher oil temps, and perform better at those temps.

You CHT seems fine, especially on today's fuel that create higher running temps than I've ever experienced before.