a3dcadman

iTrader: (1)

Ive been looking for upgraded gauges to replace my oil pressure and water temp gauges. I dont want to add a bunch of pods to accomodate various gauges especially ones that are redundant. Something to fit the stock dashboard locations would be nice. Appreciate any input you may have for me.
thanks,
Chuck

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=199139

http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...ges/index.html

Sprockett

I don't think the problem will be finding some that fit, I think it'll be harder to find some that match the tach, speedometer, and fuel gauge. I mean, it would look totally out of place to have two white faced gauges in the dash with the rest black, and I haven't found a gauge that looks like the stock gauges yet, except for maybe Autometer's Sport Comp series:


But even that isn't a direct match. I would start off my measuring the diameter of the stock gauges, and then you can search around after that.

Also, I just realized - I'm fairly certain that all of that is in a pod. Now, if this would make it impossible to do what you want to do, another alternative you may want to look into is the 3-gauge pod that goes where the dash speaker is (forgot who makes those).

Tyler

israel

iTrader: (3)

my understanding was omori guages are the closest to stock you can get, colorwise. they have guages that are fully adjustable. link

johnisenglish

I've got two VDO Vision gauges in my cluster from www.egauges.com They're dirt cheap, match the stock FD cluster very well and IMO compared to Autometer the quality is incredible. Hey, if its good enough for Porsche its good enough for me!

a3dcadman

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info and links - good stuff.

Im tempted to try a max cooper type mod. was hoping that some manufacturer had come up with an upgrade which was basically "plug and play".

Im not sure how the back lighting is achieved - whether it is some type of led or small colored bulbs - anybody know if the backlite color can be changed on gauges only offered in one color (without reinventing the wheel of course).

I think the idea of a pod replacing the dash speaker fits my concept of structural functionality. Saw a 2 gauge pod for that purpose.
http://66.216.67.51/product.asp?0=212&1=267&3=598

Read quite a few posts stating that a boost gauge is a necessity and based on the rationale, I would have to agree. So what gauge would be the best option for the second hole in the pod. I dont intend to do any "official" racing except maybe spanking the occasional upstart who pulls up with a challenge. Anyway, whats important to me is monitoring and analyzing gauge data to keep the engine running safely and efficiently in addition to basic troubleshooting.

Hey thanks for the feedback. I have to say, the forum has been invaluable to me - a truly fantastic collective of comprehensive information, creative ideas, and good people driving great cars!!

johnisenglish

For a second gauge: Its been said MANY MANY MANY times before and will be said MANY MANY MANY times again - get a REAL water temp gauge. The stock unit is just a glorified dummy light, and by the time it moves above its sitting place for normal operating temperature you've already overheated and potentially need a rebuild. That's why I opted to just plain take out and replace the stock water temp gauge.

t-rex7

another option is the a/c control relocation mod. you move your controls into your center console transmission tunnul cover. and then put your gauges where the a/c ***** used to be

reza

3 gauges center speaker pod by Flyrx7

a3dcadman

iTrader: (1)

re: For a second gauge: Its been said MANY MANY MANY times before and will be said MANY MANY MANY times again - get a REAL water temp gauge. The stock unit is just a glorified dummy light, and by the time it moves above its sitting place for normal operating temperature you've already overheated and potentially need a rebuild. That's why I opted to just plain take out and replace the stock water temp gauge.

Its my intension to definitely replace the oil pressure and water temp gauge and with upgraded ones in the stock positions. Im looking at the speaker location to install the 2 gauge pod which will have a boost gauge and ?????. This is the one I could use some advise on since there are so many options. The 2 gauge pod is very similar to the one in the pic that REZA provided.
Are your VDO gauges mounted in the stock positions on the dashboard? If so, can you send a pic and brief description or part numbers for the ones you used.
thanks

johnisenglish

Yeah, I'm sure they fit, I did do it and all, lol.

I just had to remove the stock units, dremel out the plastic and circuitry behind them and hot glue them into place. Once the Bezel and the clear plastic cover are back in place they look VERY close to stock. I'll post pictures when I get back home to NC

cagefreak

Yes please do, and if at all possible please do a write up because I'm definately considering going this route. I hate the idea of my A-pillar and center channel speaker being over run with gauges. Thanks.

Also on egauges.com they give you a number of options from choosing a sender to choosing a wiring kit. Let me know exactly which combinations you went with. Thanks again.

maxpesce

Here is a couple pic's of my AutoMeter Sport-Comp install in the stock locations - I installed Oil Temp, Water Temp And Fuel Level .





My thread w/ more photos & details is here (as posted above)

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=199139


Mahjik - thanks for the point through - If you are still intrested in having me do your panel PM me.

maxpesce

PS - the VDO & Stewart-Warner 2-1/4" (52mm) guages are almost exctaly the same size as the AutoMeter ones so should fit the same - Omori's are significantly larger in the Bezel are and also deeper so are more dificult to fit (also they are currently not avalible in the US) AutoMeter, VDO, Stewart Warner, & Omori are the only ones I have personal experience with so far so are the only ones I can comment on.

cagefreak

I think your link is dead. Server couldn't find it. Great looking install though. Would love to hear how you wired it up. Either way (VDO or Autometer) I'm going to do the same thing. I just need to know exactly how you wired them and exactly how you took everything apart. I personally have never taken apart an FD gauge cluster before and my FSM doesn't mention how.

a3dcadman

iTrader: (1)

need to pick more brains now:
1. after installing the new upgraded gauges for water temp and oil pressure, how did the readings compare to the original stock gauges.
2. were they steadier as far as fluctuations, or variation from hi to low readings.
3. were they more accurate providing readings consistent with actual engine function.
4. how would one determine the accuracy for these upgraded oil pressure and water temp gauges other than brand name reputation and recognition.
5. do the upgraded gauges come with their own sending units or triggering mechanism or do they work with the stock sending units.
6. about how long did it take to do the switchover on the dashboard gauges.
thanks again

daem0n

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=199139

RXtacy

iTrader: (7)

Does anyone know where i could find a replacement dash panel, and how much im lookin at for it?

a3dcadman

iTrader: (1)

hey rxtacy,
check the following link out. they may have what you need.

http://www.mazdarecycling.com/index.html