I was lookin at defi gauges, and found that a lot of them require that control unit to operate them in that "daisy chain" style layout for multiple gauges. I was leaning towards the BF series ones, but I didnt really want the control unit. Is this unit really that necessary, and for that matter really beneficial to helping wire up the gauges? Are there other gauges by defi that dont require this control unit? I really like the way the BF series ones light up a really clear crystal white with a red needle BTW, so if there is another gauge out there that looks similar, suggestions? However, Im kinda partial to look of the defi ones. Just dont know that much about 'em

 

I have the BF gauges... yes. you do need the control unit.. it's what controls the gauges, plus all your sensors connect to the control unit..

 

Where did you get your bf gauges. The places I have tried 'which is many" say they aren't in the U.S. yet? Did you mount them in your border dual gauge panel? thanks

 

how do those bf gauges look? and was the control unit really worth it? seems to me like its more hassle than its worth, that is, if Im just thinking of one or two gauges.

 

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/dl/dl_top.htm Check out the Bf animation. The bad news is you have to buy the control unit to use the Link gauges. Good news is that the link system makes install much easier. It doens't seem worth it unless you are going to install several (i.e. 3+) guages. I think they look so good I'm probably going to get them anyway. Who knows, I might want more than 2 after market guages some day and I'll be happy that its so easy to add stuff to the system.

 

I think the Defi's are the only way to go, very simple installations. I just wish mine had the amber back light

Frank

 

You can get Defi's D-series gauges which don't require a control unit and have amber backlighting.

 

Yeah, now if they would just do something about the funky *** bezels

Frank

 

or the boost gauge which reads up to 30 psi and only has 3 hash marks between numbers.....

 

ok, I like the BF ones. Now how bout pricing, worth it? I was just thinkin boost and water temp for now, but later on Im sure I would pick up other ones later, so as long as that control unit doesnt take a huge bite outta my wallet, its alright. In any case, I kind of like a-pillar mounting, however these things come with separate mounting clips. If I were to mount two of them like that, wouldn't it start lookin kinda tacky? correct me if Im wrong, but I would rather get a pod for those gauges, but they dont offer the BF series in any other sizes. I would pick up an autometer 52mm dual gauge pod otherwise. And where would the control unit go? Its half din, so I dont know where it would go other than in place of the stereo equip.

 

Not to sure how big the link II control unit is, but I mounted my Link I under my steering column. I snuck the wire between the air vent and dash to the back of the control unit. I used some double backed foam tape to attach. It is not as easy to get to but you get used to it, kinda unobtrusive that way too. Check it out in the pic, you can kind of see it.

Frank

 

Im afraid my knees might hit the control unit if I were to put it down there. And doesnt the sticky tape come off? that things gotta have some weight to it, and with the bumps in the roads, it would be bound to come off. I was thinkin other than the stereo area, maybe the glove box or something. Do u necessarily need access to this thing a lot? other than hooking up new gauges, does it have anything that I would need to be able to see? If not, then I might just hide it away somewhere. I like ur custom gauge pods. Pretty clean fab work, if u did it urself. Again, I kinda like gauges on the pillar better, but I might end up doing something like what u have. How'd u make it?

 

Here are pics of mine.. w/ some vids..

http://www.jayspec7.com/myrx7pics/defi

 

thx for the pics and vids. looks awesome. I think Im going to just use the universal fitting kit and mount the gauges to the a pillar. Still dont have any ideas on where to put the control unit though. I dont have enough to get new stereo stuff to integrate it all in together, so I was thinking the glove box might be a temp solution.

 

For a temporary install, you can gang a couple zip ties together and wrap it aroung the steering column, if you do it right, by slipping the ties back behind the column shroud, you won't even see them. I'm 5'-11" and my knees have never hit the control unit. It is a pretty light piece too. I like to have it handy so I can check peak values or do a recorded run for playback.

Frank

 

so what did u do to permanently install it?

 

Actually, I guess I never got around to the double sided tape yet. Looks like my temporary install has become more permanent....




Frank

 

I guess I could try that set up when I get it all together. I like your triple gauge cluster. Again, where did u get it? Clean.

 

You can check them out here:

http://hometown.aol.com/flyrx7/Rx7-Gauge-Pod.html

I make them myself, and they're in stock.

Frank

 

I believe the defi BF series gauges are bigger than 52 mm, but u make those too, just a special order. I'm not plannin on that anytime soon, but Ill let u know. Thx again, looks great.

 

How difficult would it be to take that pod and use it with a Turbo 2. The Turbo 2 has a dummy light section in the middle of the dash. That thing would look awesome.

Late

 

Like this?

http://hometown.aol.com/flyrx7/Rx7-Gauge-Pod2.html

Frank

 

Sorry for the delayed reaction on this...but I havent been in this forum for a while.

Ok, I emailed defi, when I was looking for guages. I aked about the D-Guage, which does not need the control box. I didnt like the ugly bezel either....but the bezel is removable, and there is a silver one underneath.

Heres the email:

The D-Gauge line has a removeable black ring. The bezel is silver. The Link product line does not have a air/fuel ratio gauge.


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 10:45 AM
To: 'SPI INC.'
Subject: RE: defi gauges


My apologies for not being clearer, I was referring to the Link product line. As far as the D-Gauge line, I do not like the bezel. I prefer the silver/polish look.
Thank you,
-Alex
-----Original Message-----
From: SPI INC. [mailto:info@spipowerexcel.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 10:41 AM
Subject: RE: defi guages


Dear Alex:

Thank you for your interest in the Defi product line. We have just introduced the new D-Gauge series of meters which has a 52MM Air/Fuel Ratio gauge available in black or white face. Please check the following addresses for more info: http://www.spipowerexcel.com/defi_3.htm and http://www.defi-shop.com/dgauge/dg_frm.htm.
The gauge retails for $124.99 and is available in stock. Please call us at 732-290-2643 and a retail sales associate will gladly assist you with your order.

SPI Powerexcel
sales: 732-290-2643
fax: 732-290-3093
e-mail: info@spipowerexcel.com
website: http://www.spipowerexcel.com

 

More along the lines where it dropped in place of the plastic shroud in front of the dummy lights. I'll tell you this though it is cool that you have taken the time to include products for the 2nd gen. Let me know if this can be done.

Thanks,
David

 

Whats nice about the current setup I have is that it's pretty easy to install, just pop out the factory gauge set-up to access the pod fasteners and you're good to go. I'm sure that I could put 3 pods in the spot you suggest, I would just have to play around with the angle so the pods don't point too high. If you're not worried about covering up the factory gauges there it probably wouldn't be a problem. If you're interested let me know what you're looking for and I'll go over to my buddy's house and take some dimensions. Price would be as noted on my page for the universal mounts.

Frank