I know there are differernt ones out there so any advice is awesome.

 

stick to a brand you trust. keep other mods that you want to make in mind- ie: dual a-pillar gauge pods, etc. this is probably the simplest decision you'll make about your FD.

 

I have the Autometer 3376 2 1/16"stepper-motor boost gauge. Great accuracy, fast response, peak hold & warning functions.

 

I agree with the "stick to a brand you trust" statement. I personally have Defi gauges and I like them. Their appearance is very similar to the stock setup. You will also need to decide on 52mm vs 60mm, and you will need to decide on whether you want a mechanical or electrical gauge. Depending on the number of gauges you run, you will then need to think about how you want to mount them (pillar, center speaker grill, etc).

Good luck in your search...

 

- 52mm vs 60m gage,whats the difference ? Just size?

I was gonna mount the gage on the side w/door.

 

^^^

It is just a preference, but it is worth some consideration. If you are looking to mount on your pillar, then I would imagine that 52mm is what you want. I think the 60mm is a little too bulky for pillar mounting. I have seen 60mm mounted in the pillar position, but it kind of looked out of place. It is common to see 60mm gauges mounted in the center speaker position, as they are slightly farther away from the driver's eye.

 

Ah cool.has anyone had any problems with gages in past and wouldnt use them?

I would like to get something people like( post reasons plz)

 

Gotta learn how to spell "gauge"...

 

Just buy the cheapest AutoMeter 2.75" you can find. I just had to replace the one I mounted back in 1995 because it "lost" zero.

12 years for $35 aint too bad!

 

My input:

Think ahead. Nice more advanced gauge systems like the Defi Link require a controller device along with the gauges, but would be pointless unless you are getting 3 or more gauges (IMO). You will likely also want a water temp gauge at a minimum, so you'll need to keep that in mind.

1. Get an electrical boost gauge with warning function. (warning function goes double for water temp gauge.)
2. Stick with 52mm, I see no reason for 60mm unless you are blind, in which case you shouldn't be driving!
3. Stick with English units. It is much easier and precise to read. This limits you to brands like Defi, Autometer, VDO, etc but is worth it IMO.
4. Try to find one with a smaller range. We don't need gauges reading up to 30+ psi unless you are REALLY modding the car. If you can find one with less than 30 psi top range, it is easier to read.

 

If you're going to keep the car mostly stock, then a cheaper autometer gauge is reasonable. sometimes they wander from zero a little bit, but you can still get the kind of measurements you need from it.

If you intend to add other gauges, take a look at the big picture. Electrical boost gauges are more accurate, offer more options. Buy from a product line that matches the interior well and has all the gauges you'll ever want in the sizes/styles you'll want. FYI, the most popular gauges to add, in rough order of priority are: boost, water temp, oil temp. Other popular gauges are oil pressure, EGT, and wideband AFR gauge.

Dave

 

hmmm i having trouble finding 60mm guage pod for the centerspeaker.

what would be a good third guage? im going boost and water temp and i need to decide between a 2 or 3 pod and i dont really know what the third spot would be for

EDIT: thanks it just got answered

 

My Autometer reads 1psi when the car is off, and 17psi at 11lbs of boost. It also leaks obnoxious gases from the UIM into the cabin anytime you boost over 8psi. I'm fairly disappointed with Autometer but will probably buy their electric boost gauge to replace it anyways.

 

To repeat, I really like this gauge.

It has 30-in Hg vacuum and 15-psi boost ranges. The stepper-motor re-zeros the gauge every time you start the car. The peak-hold function lets you determine your peak boost during a run without taking your eyes off the road.

The pressure sensor is in the engine compartment (mine is tee'd to the MAP sensor), so there is no chance of leaking noxious gasses into the passenger area.

It also looks enough like the OE gauges, so that, unless you look VERY closely, they appear essentially the same. I have mine mounted on top of the steering column. The only thing it blocks there is the cruise-control indicator light.

Dave

 

I'd guess the bourdon tube (flexes and moves the pointer to determine pressure) is fatigue cracked along its edge, giving the excess boost #'s and leaking.

Dave