Good Boost Gauge Opinions?

:
2003 MAZDASPEED Protege
I am getting ready to get my boost gauge finally, knowing that it is necessary for the most part as a mod, and I have looked at a few different boost gauges not really thinking that there was much of a difference, but after rethinking it, I haven't found any info. about good gauges people have that are cheap for the most part. I am stuck between getting the duel gauge pod for the door panel thing with a boost gauge and maybe an AFR gauge, or just getting a good boost gauge... should be pretty simple, something cheap but does the job well... just thought id get any suggestions and incite on this.
 
A/F gauge is useless without having a wideband O2 sensor. If you're not going to be modding your car, boost gauge is all you really need and you don't really need it at all if you're not modding. It is cool to see how much you are running though.

Here's the basic rules for quality, besides the usual "You get what you pay for".

Autometer and Stewart Warner make a middle of the road gauge as far as quality is concerned. You can get a nice boost/vac gauge for like $60 I think.

I would not recommend anything cheaper than what I said above, because they are cheap, hence will yield unreliable readings, might not be calibrated right, might break, etc.

I would not recommend anything more expensive because you don't need it. Are Defi gauges really cool looking ... Yes ... is it worth the premium price tag ... not unless you have a show car.
 
thanks for the input, I plan to get a few mods, such as the basic SMIC,CAI,hardpipes,Vibrant exhaust(maybe new spipe also), the SS AFR controller, andd.. well ya, not much more other than a few small ones to add but you get the point, I may plan on increasing the boost to about 8psi at the very end of everything but not sure yet, so far im thinking ill stick to a boost gauge.
-and thanks for the input, its always good to get some feedback before i figure it out the hard way on my own lol
 
where do you buy the defi gauges ? how do you know which ones match the stock look best? the ones like our stock clusters? the white/silver with the amber color at night.
 
hat does everyone think of the AEM boost guage/controller combo?

ya im kinda of thinking of something similar, i was going to get the MBC and then just get a gauge separate, but the more i think about it, i might just want to get the EBC/gauge combo for a little more money, too keep the guessing work out of adjusting it, and do it all at once, but having a little trouble figuring out which combo pack looks decent in the cabin and works well.. any info anyone?
 
i have the APR cf single pod and an autometer guage, it works, looks real good with the cf face on the guage too.
 
The Autometer gauge with the silver face (not sure of the exact model) almost perfectly matches the MSP dashboard gauges -- both day & night.

The Stewart Warner one with the silver face is also a close match from what I have heard. I have not seen one in person though.
 
The Autometer gauge with the silver face (not sure of the exact model) almost perfectly matches the MSP dashboard gauges -- both day & night.

The Stewart Warner one with the silver face is also a close match from what I have heard. I have not seen one in person though.

not that this is "in person," but here are pics of the stewart warner gauges. i think they match extremely well.

P1010107.jpg


P1010109.jpg
 
Last edited:
i have a dual pod for mounting gauges on the piller if you need it. it comes with three of four pins that hold it to the piller but new ones could be picked up at advance or autozone for next to nothing.
 
I am in the same boat and would like a boost gauge, but I hate having them on tha A pillar. What other options are there?
 
ok so if you go on *************** they have this single din gauge pod that is pretty sweet it holds two gauges and you should go with a aum tru boost gauge they really are the best
 
I am in the same boat and would like a boost gauge, but I hate having them on tha A pillar. What other options are there?

forcefed is offering steering column gauge pods

you can replace the pocket under the stereo with gauges

i believe forcefed may be offering the dual gauge cluster pods (but that may be over)

you can mount them to the dash (that looks like s*** in my opinion)

you can find pods that have suction cups for the windshield


plenty of options out there...




ok so if you go on *************** they have this single din gauge pod that is pretty sweet it holds two gauges and you should go with a aum tru boost gauge they really are the best


what makes the AEM tru boost gauge/controller the best?
 
this may be a little off topic, but how much do shops usually charge to install gauges? a boost gauge for example
 
forcefed is offering steering column gauge pods

you can replace the pocket under the stereo with gauges

i believe forcefed may be offering the dual gauge cluster pods (but that may be over)

you can mount them to the dash (that looks like s*** in my opinion)

you can find pods that have suction cups for the windshield


plenty of options out there...







what makes the AEM tru boost gauge/controller the best?
I havn't seen any of those pods around (the ones that fit in the little area below the stereo) is that more of a custom job or can you actually buy the pods that fit into there?
 
I havn't seen any of those pods around (the ones that fit in the little area below the stereo) is that more of a custom job or can you actually buy the pods that fit into there?

people go the custom route but i have seen companies make them.

i just looked on SU website and they offer it.

however, i would never give SU a dime, pos company.
 
this may be a little off topic, but how much do shops usually charge to install gauges? a boost gauge for example



Any body that charges you more than 30 to intall a boost guage is taking advantege!! But about other gauges like wideban and others i don't know. But the boost gauge should be a do it your self type of deal. like half an hour is more than enough time.
 

New Threads and Articles

Back