I tried to install a boost guage over the weekend and got pretty irritated, the part that is so simple no one describes it I couldn't do.

I've been using rob robinette's guide more or less, and drilled through the firewall at the same place he has pictured. However, I'm unable to get anything from the engine compartment to the interior of the car, or the other way around.

I know a lot of you have put a gauge in, what the hell else do I have to do??? Are there any other, more specific walkthroughs? This is so irritating and it's making me feel like an idiot.

 

you can also go through the steering column. there is a rubber seal around the column which you can slice through.

 

I installed my boost guage and pod on Sunday as well. It's easier to punch a hole with a scratch awl thru the steering column boot by the pedals from the inside. The steering column boot is double-walled, so punch through twice and punch it through the right side, about 3:00 o'clock position(You'll be glad you did to work around the brake booster in the engine compartment). I installed the hose ***-backwards and stuck a long-shank phillips thru the hold I punched, slipped the vacuum tubing about 3 inches tightly over the end of the screwdriver, and gently wiggled the driver back through the hole from the inside. Popped through first time. Routed it up to the left pillar, mounted the pod with 3M two-sided tape(drilled pillar hole for vacuum hose0, snapped on the pillar trim, zip-tied/clipped the hose to the ABS lines on the firewall, and that's about it. Took about 20 minutes.

 

Cool, thanks for the replies, that firewall bullshit was driving me up the ******* wall

 

Don't go through the steering column boot if youv'e already drilled a hole per robinette's instructions. If youv'e noticed there is a tough rubber like liner under the dash that insulates the passenger compartment from noise. You have either not drilled through this liner or the hole is not apparent. take your time and look for the hole again or try drilling thru the hole again and have a friend look for the bit to come through the other side, or better yet have him push the liner flush with the firewall so the bit can penatrate it. The problem with going through the steering column boot is that if the hole ever enlarges or starts a tear in the rubber it is expensive and a bitch to replace, moisture and air WILL come through there if this occurs. TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO IT RIGHT.