A pod is not hard to install.
For gauges, you will get many opinions. I personally think that for a pillar and a first install, electric OP gauges are easier to install. If you do a mechanical gauge (which has a bigger sweep than an electric gauge), you would want to use a hard line (copper or braided).
For temp, there is no coolant running through the capillary tube on the gauge, so the limiting factor is the line itself (most are 6' long) and getting the probe through the firewall (it's bulbous).
FWIW, I generally run electric OP gauges and mech temp gauges in pillar pods. The gauge sweep doesnt match this way but personally I dont care. A lot of guys do though.
Good luck.