i'm replacing gauges in the car(that were stolen), and i'm just looking for people's input. I already have an idea of what I'm going to do, but a little more perspective never hurts.

 

Boost, Water temp, Oil temp, EGT.

 

Necessary? Boost and water temp.

 

Also,...replace the OEM oil pressure sending unit OR just install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge.

 

If you have a PFC, skip the water temp. Also if you have a good boost controller (like a blizt sbc-id) you could skip the boost gauge as well. Fuel pressure, EGT and oil pressure would be next.

 

Water temp and boost are the only "important" ones. Everything else is optional. I like my oil temp gauge, but I don't really need it for driving on the street.

 

Well, i'm running the purple cpu for right now.
I was going to do boost, water temp, and EGT. I'm going to do the triple pod, as it replaces the whole a pillar(which the bastard thieves rippied off.
I would eventually like oil temp. I used to have an oil/water temp combo gauge, but they don't make it anymore.
I guess I could get the little pod that covers the front dash speaker, and add oil temp as well as something else....

 

Now that's helpfull insight. You don't think it's really needed for street?
Cool, that means i'm on the right path then.

 

If you have a single unit stereo, I really recommend installing your gauges underneath it. Its a really clean look.

PM me with your e-mail address if you would like a pic.

Adam

 

Your water temp gauge gives you a very good idea of the temp of the engine. If the water temp is high, the oil will be high too. Sure, there are some variations, but they are generally not big enough to be significant.

 

Really? I'll check that out. PM sent.

 

Boost and water temp (whether aftermarket or stock gauge linearization) are necessary. What you add after that is up to you.

The cleanest cosmetics are still with the dual center speaker gauge pod IMO. I have VDO Vision gauges in mine and people insist it's factory all the time.

 

Those are the ones i'm getting. They look great. I had them in the car before, and everyone would ask me if they were stock.

 

The guages in the pic I sent you are the VDO Vision gauges. I hope you can post it.

 

I'll be right back...............

 

That is a clean installation. Very nice. I'm not sure I want to look down to see them though.
I have no idea how to post it.......
Sorry.
Where did you got those gauges? I have a little older Racer wholesale mag, and they only have the Cockpit series(which pretty much look like the visions).

 

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?...s=Vision&Cart=

It's e-gauges.com, and they have a toll free number. The gauges were inexpensive. I think I paid around $150 for everything, which included the 3 gauge din panel. Prices may have increased a little since I got them.

Looking down has not been a problem. They are easy to see, and all you need is a glance anyway. If you are one of those guys that has to watch the boost gauge constantly, you won't like this location. I believe that this location is the most stock looking of any I have seen, but I don't know if that is important to you.

If you order these, order orange bulb covers. They are a couple bucks each. They will match the factory lighting perfectly.

DamonB, if you would like a pic, PM me with your e-mail address.

 

awwww I kinda like my install...

HUD boost guage and PFC hidden in the ashtray to check water temps....

 

DUDE! That's awesome!

 

boost, air, water.

 

boost, water temp,

*oil temp if you are tracking the car
*fuel pressure if you have an aftermarket fuel system (rails, fpr, etc)

There's nothing wrong with the stock oil pressure gauge, it's accurate enough for what you need it for. There is no need for an EGT, by the time you would notice something's wrong, it would be too late -- besides, how many frigging things are you supposed to be looking at while driving anyway?

 

On the VDO vision guages in the center pod, did you have to moddify the gauges a little to make them fit better?

 

I need a oil temp guage but don't like guages cluttering the interior (personal preference)....i wonder if there is a way for the PFC to read it???

 

Mine fit just fine. The only thing I recall having to do is put a right angle fitting on the boost gauge signal line since there was not much room inside the pod. I also went ahead and used the "clamps" on the gauges to actually mount them to the pod rather than just pushing them in. It was a PITA but you only have to do it once. If I need to get to the gauges I can just pop the whole pod off.

adamc, I prefer the gauges up on the dash where I can see them easily. I don't like having to stick my eyes so far down into the car in order to check the gauges. For me the center speaker location is even better than the a-pillar pod I used before as far as sighting is concerned. I actually look at my gauges often when I'm on the track...

 

Ok, I just dropped $200. Now i'm on to the pod.