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 ...

[VaccaRabite]

My thermocouple wire goes to the head via the stock CHT hole in the tins between cyl3 and cyl4. And like the others the wire runs up the tunnel following the rest of the main wire harness.

Note that you will need to put a small groove in the head to allow the TC to seat properly. It will be obvious when you try to install it. This means you need to take the shroud off that side of the motor. A PITA in the car, but it can be done (I have done it). 5 minutes with a dremel or a die grinder and you are set.

Zach