I'm about to get a VDO Vision series boost gauge as has been recommended by many on this forum. In looking at the Vision series gauges it seems that one has a range of 15 psi(part#150-101 on the egauges site) and one has a range of 30 psi(150-104) yet it costs less. What am I missing here? Would the cheaper one be harder to read? I don't know much about boost gauges having never had one before. Also, is 6ft of nylon tubing long enough to get the job done and will nylon tubing be durable. Thanks in advance for educating my newbie brain

 

Well... how much boost do you plan on running? If under 15 then go with the one that goes up to 15 so you can read it better. The vacuum matters more in that it should go to at least 25.

The nylon tube is fine. As for length it depends on how you run it but why not get more than enough so you don't find out you are 6 inches shy of what you need? It can't cost too much...

It sounds like you were logically thinking about the situation, just not trusting your own judgment. It’s not a turbo or brake caliper so just do what you think is right and if you screw up don't worry.

 

I won't be boosting over 15 psi so that answers that question. And I see your point about not coming up 6 inches short so I'll go for a longer length tubing. I hadn't thought about vacuum though. The particular models I mentioned I believe only measure psi. There is another model(150-121) that is referred to as a "turbo gauge" that measures 0-25 psi and 0-30 In.Hg(is that part the "vacuum" measurement?) Do I need a gauge that measures both and why do you say the vacuum measurement is so important? Thanks again

 

I bought this one:

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

Get an orange bulb cover, and it will match the stock gauges perfectly. I have been very happy with my VDO gauges.

For the installation, I decided that I didn't want the nylon tubing in the engine compartment. I used only about 3 inches of nylon tubing, and connected it to vacuum hose right after the gauge.

 

Do you have the "turbo" one that measures vacuum as well or either the 15 psi or 30 psi "boost" gauges? I had the same thought regarding nylon tubing inside the engine compartment; do you get more accurate readings from hooking it up to the vacuum hose right after the gauge or did you hook it there simply to avoid the heat?

 

I bought the one in the picture on the link. Readings should be accurate regardless of which tubing you use, unless you buy some bad stock. I felt that the nylon was more likely to kink that the vacuum line, so I wanted to limit its length

 

Does that one measure both vacuum and psi as opposed to just psi on a "boost gauge" or do I just not understand the difference between these gauges?

 

That one measures both. If you are cruising, or idling, the gauge will be reading vacuum. Many people feel that a vacuum reading can be an important diagnostic tool. When you step on the gas, with sufficient pressure, the gauge will start reading boost. The amount of boost will depend on many factors. The vacuum and boost gauge will provide you with more information than the "boost only" gauge, so it is preferrable. It is very easy to read.

 

I appreciate your help.

 

Adam's right, get the parts from www.egauges.com. They're local (Detroit) for me and have everything you'll need for install (unlike the Japanese gauges, you'll need to buy everything : the sender, nylon hose etc). In the box you'll get an orange filter which more or less matches the color of the dashboard. As for the particular gauge, get one that also shows vacuum, as this can tell you a lot about how strong the motor is.

 

BTW, six feet of tube is plenty, and nylon is OK. Lightly zip-tie the tube to the wiring harness and make sure that at no point does it touch the bare block.

 

My gauges came with green and red bulb covers. I had to order the orange ones. As I recall, they were around $3 each.

 

this one is 15psi boost / 30inHg vacuum. http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?...=Series1&Cart=

I wonder if they can custom-order that one with the Vision series bezel and needles? That would be perfect for most of us who aren't looking to boost 30lbs...

 

Which tubeing kit hooks directly into the nipple on the UIM? And which fitting do I need for a water temp sensor?

Thank you.

 

jeebus. this gauges are friken tiny, i can see why its sorta hard to read boost accuratly.

 

mmm can anyone with these gauges please let me know which "bulb diffusers" i should order?

thanks!

 

I do not use bulb diffusers. I went to the "riceboy" section at AutoZone and bought red bulbs to put in my Vision gauges. The lighting of my boost and water temp gauges are very, very close to stock now.

 

If you are referring to the colored bulb covers, get the orange ones. They will match the stock gauges perfectly. You can get them for around $3 each at www.egauges.com I don't think they are on the website, so you will have to call them.

 

oh, i will look into that as well. thanks!


adam c: actually they did list a bunch of different bulbs, but had different types so I was a bit confused, but I think i will try damonB's idea. Thanks though!