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Ecoboost, boost gauge install....(pics)

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Old Aug 20, 2011 | 03:05 PM
  #1  
ajrothm's Avatar
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From: League City, Tx
Ecoboost, boost gauge install....(pics)

OK, since I could not find a boost gauge write up anywhere on the net for an Ecoboost F150, I decided to do my own to help others out. I wanted to hide ALL wiring to keep it relatively undetectable by the dealer(other then they can see a gauge) so if I ever have any electrical problems, they can't blame it on aftermarket wiring or hack wiring.....So here is what I did:

DEFI "White Racer" electronic boost gauge...($195 shipped)


I tapped in to the vacuum/boost signal hoses here close to the manifold before the check valves.







I needed to run wires from the MAP sensor in the engine compartment to the gauge, as well as a constant power wire to the Power Distribution block, so I went through the grommet here.....as inconsipicous as possible.


DEFI map sensor tucked down by the factory harness block..


12v Constant power wire to the Power Distribution block
Its the thin BLACK wire....(yes I used black for power because I was trying to hide it as best as possible.... normally I would have used red)


Power Distribution block
I ran the wire along with the factory harness and electrical taped it to the harness(just like they did from the factory). I brought the wire into the PD block from the bottom through a hole and used an empty 12v constant power slot and an insulated female 90* connector.


Mini fuse wire tap for 12v switched power, I used the spare Trailer brake control slot on the fusebox on the passenger side kick panel



TEMPORARY mounted gauge...traditional pillar pods wont work due to the tweeter and air bag, still trying to find something that will work and look good.




I will probably end up mounting it up above the tweeter due to the shape of the pillar at the base....Not sure...still thinking about that.


And a short video of it in action..... I will get updated pics and a better vid posted once I get the pillar mount complete...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqzxeSLSgAY
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 12:27 AM
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That is some hella boost!

Awesome guide aj, def will come in handy for a lot of EB'ers. Now I just need $200 for the gauge!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 03:10 AM
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Truck is sexy and I love the interior. Good write-up!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 09:37 AM
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Nice job, looks good. Now the hard part, where to mount the gauge lol.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 02:46 PM
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ajrothm's Avatar
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Today I got pillar pod installed. I ended up buying a universal cheapy SunPro brand from the local Advance Auto parts.....I took a heat gun to it and did some serious stretching, bending, molding, shaping etc.... It came out ok.....not perfect by any stretch but decent. I will use it until someone comes out with a nice one made just for our trucks.....







Also shot another vid of it. This was from a 60 mph freeway roll to about 90 mph... I was having a hard time with the lighting on the camera because it was so bright outside. I think you can see the just of it though...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiYXJrqeVQc





Hopefully this thread will help some of you guys that had thoughts of installing a boost gauge...
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 03:11 PM
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Great work and the pod looks great too! That engine sounds good in the cab and puts out the boost!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 10:45 PM
  #7  
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Hey, you have done a great job I really enjoy the look of this gen interior. Soon very soon I will be back . Again very tasteful mod I really enjoy gauge and interior mods.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 11:03 PM
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nice work man
 
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 06:39 PM
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nice job.

what kinda bike is in the first pic?
 
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 04:24 PM
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A+

Well documented concise and insightful.

I think I will do a little gauge shopping, got a wild hair!

Good job, and thanks for the write up.

txstguy
 
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 11:30 PM
  #11  
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From: Rochester, MN
VERY nice job. Congrats.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 11:06 AM
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Sorry guys, but here goes... What is the purpose for the gauge?
 
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 10:02 AM
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Nice write up and good job!
 
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by tlfrancis
Sorry guys, but here goes... What is the purpose for the gauge?
it's jus measuring manifold pressure (not boost pressure, that's how the gauge can read below zero, because there's a vacuum). When the turbo spools up and is producing more pressure than vacuum, then you get a positive reading on the gauge. Also, since fuel requirements increase as more pressure builds, you can also monitor your fuel consumption loosely by watching your boost gauge. Keep it under 0, good economy, go over 0, less fuel economy. It's jus like any of ur other gauges, it's to help you keep tap on your engine's performance and operating condition

In laymans terms, keep the reading under zero=less fun, over zero=more fun
 
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 10:12 AM
  #15  
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Don't take this personally but I feel as if the actual gauge pod install could have been cleaner.
 
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