question about gauges

[jfuller]

Ok, I haven't done any mods to my car yet but I am itching to start. I want to start with guages since I hear that I'll need them anyway. I want to do the 3 pod pillar, I just need to know what 3 gauges are necessary and what my cost is going to be with install. Can anyone help me out?

 

[changedman]

get this: http://42draftdesigns.com/mk4tgp.htm

replace your pocket. looks a lot better than a pillar IMO!

install them yourself.
what gauges you looking at?

 

[AJsMSP]

Boost gauge is a must if you plan on increasing boost. I have an oil pressure gauge, and for a third not sure. Some would say an A/F gauge but I think you only get accurate readings with a wide band anyway. You could go for water temp, oil temp...whatever makes you happy.

 

[changedman]

fuel pressure is good with boosted engines.

 

[jfuller]

get this: http://42draftdesigns.com/mk4tgp.htm

replace your pocket. looks a lot better than a pillar IMO!

install them yourself.
what gauges you looking at?

Will that fit in our car? It looks frikn awesome

 

[DZnutz]

boost, water temp, and oil pressure. these are the only 3 youll ever need, what really matters though is which brand you get... a good hint is to stay away from autometer like the plague and aim for Defi

 

[jfuller]

I was looking at the autometer ultralites, but if you guys have any other suggestions feel free

 

[PaulMP3]

on a msp fuel pressure wont be as important. They arent increasing the pressure with an FMU.

i would get Boost, EGT

wideband 02 if doing serious modding.

 

[Albert]

Will that fit in our car? It looks frikn awesome

a'yup!

 

[tiwing]

I agree on doing the pocket instead of the A pillar. My brushed alum just arrived today and I'm itching to get it in. I'd absolutely get boost/vac. A/F is sketchy unless you get wideband. AEM has a really nice quasi-wideband out now. Personally, I went with fuel pressure and Exhaust Gas Temp to complement my boost. the reasons: Fuel pressure you want to see if you add an FPR, and EGT gives you an indication if you're getting nasty heat soak. I would also consider doing an intake manifold temp probe instead to measure heat soak instead of EGT... Other nice to have: oil pressure and oil temp.

If you're running big stereo stuff, maybe voltage and/or amperage?

Stewart Warner gauges match the stock gauges perfectly

 

[mazdaowner123]

Boost gauge for sure, oil pressure gauge for a second, for my third I'm going to get a WB02 eventually. I'm going with the steering pod gauge for boost, and then I'll probably get the dual gauge pillar, or get the pocket one if I can get it for only 2 gauges, or maybe I'll pick another gauge.

~brian

 

[Matthew]

boost, water temp, and oil pressure. these are the only 3 youll ever need, what really matters though is which brand you get... a good hint is to stay away from autometer like the plague and aim for Defi

i disagree...although i would suggest more than three gauges lol, these would be the three:

1) boost
2) a/f (wideband)
3) fuel pressure

and if you cant afford wideband i wouldnt even bother, i would get EGT gauge. my narrowband is worthless - fortunately i have the fuel pressure gauge so i can do math and tell if im lean or rich...problem is its not electric - and im sick of having it stuck under my wiper. i need to get an elec one.

 

[changedman]

j fuller- here is a pic of that DIN sized gauge panel INSTALLED.

 

[jfuller]

a'yup!

looks great man, is there any way to get a tighter fit?

 

[changedman]

elec worth it matt? its gonna be expensive! lol $200 or more...

 

[tiwing]

elec worth it matt? its gonna be expensive! lol $200 or more...

Stewart Warner electric fuel pressure: around $120 Canadian. www.jrponline.com

 

[Albert]

looks great man, is there any way to get a tighter fit?

I've adjusted it a little. That was just after getting it in there securely. Plus when you look from above (sitting in the car) it looks better.

 

[Matthew]

nah ebay got autometer phantom for like 140-180...tyhat gauge has proven invaluable these last few days. especially if you cant afford wideband a/f.

how much for those stewart warner gauges?

 

[tiwing]

how much for those stewart warner gauges?

All in CDN funds:
Fuel Pressure: $120, EGT gauge: 160, EGT probe: 75, Boost: 120, Oil press: 95, oil temp: 75.

Red LEDs: $15 each. you can get red, green, or blue LEDs.

Edit: Boost is mechanical. everything else is electric. US conversion right now - about 75% of canadian price.

 

[jfuller]

j fuller- here is a pic of that DIN sized gauge panel INSTALLED.

looks great, how much for everything and install?