Good to know.. the closer to zero, the higher the temp.

 

Yep - the "gauge" (or digital bars) is a highly damped voltmeter - the less resistance in the circuit, the higher the voltage, the higher the "temp".

EDIT - Here's a quick Google search -

Google Search

 

Submariner,
That chart is for the sensor on the water pump. Its data is used by the PCM.
The sensor for the dashboard gauge you have mentioned is on the engine block and it is called "sender". The chart for that one may be different, may be not.

4th Gen LT1 F-body Tech Articles

By the way, measuring the resistance of the sensor is very tricky.

 

No matter where the ECT sensor/sender is the signal (voltage) is used by the PCM or gauge itself to indicate temps. The ONLY reason our later vehicles use the PCM in the equation is due to emissions controls and engine safety controls being commanded/monitored by the PCM. For instance, emissions loop change occurs at about 160 degrees ECT, depending on ambient temps - while some fan functions depend on ECT, and that's a PCM function.

All Northstar engine installs use the same ECT sender, located in the rear of the right cylinder head. My '65 Chevelle 327 used a sender in the top crossover of the intake manifold, no PCM involved. My Olds 455 marine engines have the sender in the top center of the intake manifold, right at the radiator upper hose outlet. (thermostat housing), no PCM involved.

We used to test temp senders in a saucepan on the stove, electrical leads connected to a battery and VOM, candy thermometer in the water, watching resistance change as the water heated. Yes, resistance range depends on the car, make, model, year, engine, gauge, whatever. Look up the specs for the Stewart Warner line of electrical temp gauges and their respective sender ranges - all the same.