Engine Oil Temperature

[Freddie]

I understand that putting strain on a cold engine can be really reduce the life-sapn of your lump, or is this an old-wifes tail? Do modern synthetic oils reduce the chance of damage occuring in cold engines?

The problem I face is.. I don't have an oil temp gauge on my car, as it was only fitted as standard in Saxo VTS'. Is there any way I can tell when my engine is warm enough for a bit of a thrashing?

I've thought about going by the warmth coming through the air heaters, or the water temp gauge, but don't really know if this a bad way of doing it? Is there any other way of telling?

Is it possible/difficult to fit an aftermarket oil temp sensor?

[faze_932]

I was thinking aloud to myself, put on the blowers! thats your best bet, your water gauge is just as good! never rev the dogs off it until water temp is over your min water temp line, rember your pistons will be expanding to the profile set for normal driving conditions (ie warm engine) possibly when you rev the "dogs" off it when cold, you could get fuel/oil fireing up the side up the piston heads and blowing between the piston head and engine wall, causing cracks and slight dents which will put the piston head off course at worse or shave the head unevenly, i could ofcouse be talking out my arse but thats how i see it.