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In need of a boost guage -- should I get the steering column mount?

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Old 08-26-03, 05:52 AM
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Question In need of a boost guage -- should I get the steering column mount?

Well, I need a boost guage, but I'm kinda jaded on where to mount it. I strongly dislike pillar mount guages, but I do want it to be visible. What do you guys think? Also, how could I run the vaccum line from the steering column to the boost vaccum lines? Are there any guides?

I'm also considering mounting the guages in the DIN pod -- which would allow me to have additional guages.

Last edited by WaLieN; 08-26-03 at 05:54 AM.
Old 08-26-03, 10:28 PM
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I just bought the RE boost gauge and steering mount pod for $310 shipped w/insurance off ebay. Definately an awsome piece. It should still be on ebay if you or anyone else wants them. I can put some pics up if you want.
Old 08-26-03, 11:39 PM
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Woah, $310 sure is a lot, though.
Old 08-26-03, 11:51 PM
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Ya, but it was also at my house in 3 days, shipped from Japan.
Old 08-27-03, 11:52 AM
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I would definitely go with a column pod. The RE-A one is pretty damn expensive though...just get the Pettit one, it works just as well. I wouldn't even consider putting a boost gauge in a DIN pod, BTW....you'd have a helluva time reading it with any sort of accuracy I would bet.

As far as visibility goes, I HATE my boost gauge on my a-pillar. I can't read it for ****. You try to do boost tests and your eyes are trying to watch the tach for the changeover RPM while you try to see how far down the boost drops. It sucks. Although I have never had a column pod, I would imagine it is 150 times easier to read in relation to RPMs, which is damn important. I plan on buying one as soon as I get a few other things out of the way and get a hole-less stock pillar.

Hope that adds some insight...do it right the first time
Old 08-28-03, 12:48 AM
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I used to have a pillar mount, but I prefer a plain pillar. I got the RE column mount and after I modified it slightly to actually clear the stalks it works great. It is expensive, but it mounts and looks almost like a stock part (the ideal, IMO).

-Max
Old 08-28-03, 01:53 AM
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Originally posted by maxcooper
I used to have a pillar mount, but I prefer a plain pillar. I got the RE column mount and after I modified it slightly to actually clear the stalks it works great. It is expensive, but it mounts and looks almost like a stock part (the ideal, IMO).

-Max
What kinda of gauge did you use it with?
Old 08-28-03, 04:46 AM
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I bought a pod from one of the US suppliers and the fit was rubbish. It didnt have any latches to attach to the bottom cover, so keeping the two bits together was a nightmare.

In the end I splashed out and got a knight sports cover. Well worth the extra $$$'s in my mind.

Dan
Old 08-28-03, 10:09 AM
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I bought a clone (I think Pettit) from the RX-7 store and it sucks. It doesn't have any clips, you have to glue/silicone it in place. But the thing that I hate the most is the placement of the gauge. The pod aims the face of the gauge somewhere in the vicinity of my sunroof. So, if I want to see what I'm boosting, I have to lean *way* forward. I've sat in cars that have the RE gauge pod and it is definitely nicer. But the recess for the gauge is not as deep, so I don't know if my Defi gauge will fit.

On another note, the column *is* definitely the best place for a boost gauge, though. It is still much easier to see than before, when I had it in a center speaker Tripod gauge holder.
Old 08-28-03, 10:33 AM
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has anybody got any pics of the RE gauge actually mounted in there car? does it obstruct the view of any of the other gauges?

and what color backlight does it have etc??

cheers
Old 08-28-03, 01:07 PM
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weblair24 what color did u get and what color is it at night??
Old 08-28-03, 07:25 PM
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come on guys lol. some ppl have these you must at least know what color backlighting it is!!! :o
Old 08-28-03, 08:02 PM
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https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=218414

I wanted some HUD boost gauges, but apparently, they don't make them anymore.
Old 08-28-03, 09:44 PM
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Does anyone know what color backlight the autometer boost gauge has?
Old 08-28-03, 11:12 PM
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I can get you a picture of it mounted tommorrow, but I don't know what color the backlight is, and won't until I get my car running again.
Old 08-28-03, 11:41 PM
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Don't know about the autometer backlight colour, but the RE one lights up the same red as the factory gauges - or as close as you will ever get....

I have a genuine RE column mount, cost me $100(NZ) Have recently replaced the gauge with a Blitz one, and it fits just fine. (RE one started to rattle and buzz)

Column mount is definitely better than A pillar or anywhere else on the dash. Can see boost, speed and rpm at the same time, in a glance. That's pretty important when you're boosting hard. Don't want to have to look all over the cabin to see what's going on.
Old 08-29-03, 12:14 AM
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Location of the boost gauge isn't that important. You don't need to be looking at it all the time. Once you get you boost set, you rarely need to look at it at all. Find the location that looks the best.

I mounted mine under the single unit stereo, along with two other gauges. It looks like it came that way from the factory, which is what I wanted. I got VDO vision series gauges from www.egauges.com . The 3 gauge din plate, and 3 gauges cost me about $150. I got orange bulb covers, and the lighting matches perfectly. VDO quality is good enough for Porsche, so they are good enough for me.
Old 08-29-03, 01:58 AM
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Originally posted by adam c
Location of the boost gauge isn't that important. You don't need to be looking at it all the time. Once you get you boost set, you rarely need to look at it at all. Find the location that looks the best.

I mounted mine under the single unit stereo, along with two other gauges. It looks like it came that way from the factory, which is what I wanted. I got VDO vision series gauges from www.egauges.com . The 3 gauge din plate, and 3 gauges cost me about $150. I got orange bulb covers, and the lighting matches perfectly. VDO quality is good enough for Porsche, so they are good enough for me.
Good point -- my din box is useless, might as well put use to it. I'm going to be moving in to San Luis Obispo this Fall (Cal Poly), if you have some time, do you think you could probably give me a hand installing it?
Old 08-29-03, 09:23 AM
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There are many many threads on boost gauge illumination color. Here are the ones off the top of my head that light up red/orange/amber/whatever: Defi D-series, Autometer, VDO, Pettit (which is an Autometer gauge), and the RE gauge that comes with the pod. That's all that I know of.

Check my photos page for pics of my Defi gauges in the dark.
Old 08-29-03, 10:44 AM
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Originally posted by WaLieN
if you have some time, do you think you could probably give me a hand installing it?
No problem!
Old 08-29-03, 04:11 PM
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I just set the gauges there for a quick pic, so it's not quite centered, but you get the idea.





Here's the right side, you can see since it was made for Japanese models, the slots for the wipers and blinkers don't match perfectly, but everthing else does. I had a pic of the other side, but the pic screwed up and frames are uneven.

Old 08-29-03, 05:12 PM
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You payed 310 dollars for something that doesn't line up? I guess people buy **** for the name.
Old 08-29-03, 08:32 PM
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I didn't know it didn't, not that it matters cause it's not a big deal that the notches don't line up. And I bought it because I wanted a column mount pod, and re looks the best imo, not because it says re on it.
Old 08-30-03, 06:45 AM
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lol how often do you look at the bottom of the steering wheel stalks anyway?? i guess ppl just buy cheaper gauges cos they're cheap asses lol. RE gauges are quality
Old 08-31-03, 03:53 PM
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Buy the Japanese steering column stalk, then it will match perfectly. Though I don't know if it will fit without modification. I'm sure theres something different like screw location and stuff.


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