...guages should I pick-up?? I got the 3 gauge pillar. What is the best combo to go with in your opinion?

For the $$$ I was thinking Lunar Phantom, just can't decide what ones to go with (boost, fuel press, trans temp, water temp)???

Thanks, Jim

 

Boost gauge is useless. Why do you care how much boost you're showing? On turbos its important due to overboost etc, but not so much for SC engines...

Trans Temp/Water temp: Good gauge, but just get one and put a switch on the sender. They are the exact same gauge except for the writing...

Fuel pressure is good (especially with our bad fuel pumps/high HP engine), but expensive ($250) If you get it, make sure to buy the like $5 adapter you need that isn't included with the gauge.

Volt meter: I got one strictly because I like to run my e-fan and e-pump in the pits and I didn't want the battery to die. Most people wouldn't want one.

Oil Pressure: Useful, but hard to read (hence the idiot light on our dash)

How's that for a round up?

 

Factory boost gauge isnt accurate. Its good to have a quality boost gauge to detect belt slippage or boost related drop off due to other mods. Example. I lost 2 PSI with high flow converters. Factory gauge didnt show this drop off.

Fuel Pressure. Definately a needed gauge. Dont skimp on this one.

I also have a tranny temp gauge.

 

I was wondering about the boost gauge accuracy. I watched mine the other day from a dead stop, and at 5200 it showed 9 and a half psi. I have no mods to the induction system, not even a k&n drop in. How far off are the factory gauges? And why are they useless? I thought they would be good in watching how much boost you get/loose during a run.

 

Ive seem them off a lot actually.

I would say, +3/-3 in each direction.

Mines off by a few.

 

Are useless (as far as I'm concerned) because boost doesn't mean anything.

Granted as a tool to detect belt slippage it's nice, but get a gatorback and you're set.

Loosing boost from other mods doesn't really mean anything. It means your airflow is more effecient, but so what?

If you want to know your exact PSI of boost to brag/state, go ahead and get a boost gauge, they aren't expensive and they are much more accurate than the stocker.

I just don't see that they really give you anything. I'd much prefer a modified A/F gauge for WOT vs. the boost gauge.

Coldie

 

Voltmeter is just as worthless.

There are plenty of gauges to choose from...

Pyrometers, recal'd A/F, Oil, Water, Etc, Etc...

Boost gauge is important imho, but everyone is different. Pick which ones you may like to use which will aid you through your mod process.

for me, Fuel, Boost and Tranny. In the hood dual recal'd A/F gauges.

 

Alright dont shoot me, but what do pyrometers measure? I have an idea but not to sure

 

Exhaust temps.

Another way to determine if youre leaning out or not.

 

You don't need to give up a gauge hole. There are several volt meters which plug right into the cigarette lighter hole. Perfect if you only need it at the track.

 

Top to bottom (stock engine, road racing):

1. Switchable oil/water temp
2. Switchable trans/diff temp
3. Electronic boost gauge w/peak hold

On the steering column: Gadgetseller modified A/F

All Auto Meter Phantom

The boost and A/F are not needed for a stock engine, but I'm planning for mild engine mods (i.e., can keep the stock longblock) in the future.

If you have hardcore mods, fuel pressure and exhaust gas temp would be good choices. BUT, if you don't know this already, I would stay the h*ll away from hardcore mods.

Install details here.

 

Hope your pod fits better then mine...

PEacE................
Jim

 

Thanks guys, I live about 5 minutes from summit racing. I think I'll check out their prices and see where to go from there.

Tim,

I have been to your instructions on the install numerous times and it is . Do you have a pic on the swich that you used from Radio Shack and how to hook it up?

I have a stock engine and like you, plan on some mild mods soon. Also, part #s on guages?

Thanks again guys, Jim

 

Nevermind just noticed the pic at the bottom of the page.

Great site

 

Can someone post pics of their Autometer Lunar gauges?