I've checked the FAQ's and done a bunch of searches, but there are a few details I still can't get straight. Anybody?

The wife got me a cool VDO boost gauge (2 1/16") for Christmas. First, I'm totally down with VDO, having run their stuff in the Benz and a couple of bikes. Second, this one offers a good range for the 'Bolt (0-15 PSI). No indication for vacuum, but when did you honestly eye your gauge to see how much VACUUM you were making at 1/8 throttle and the waste gate open?

Anyway, I figured that this was a good opportunity to also get a water temperature gauge for the intercooler circuit. I think that there is a lot to be learned there, relative to horsepower and quarter-mile times. The most useful one available in 2 1/16" appears to be the Cyberdyne Ultragage digital, as it will measure to 1 degree F accuracy over the range 0-300 F. None of the analog gauges intended for coolant read to a low enough temperature, and half the range is also wasted for temperatures that are well over the normal intercooler range (I figure 150 degrees F, tops).

Anyway, I'm looking to go with the standard Autometer dual pillar pod. The problem is, I have a 2000 model 'Bolt (with the Jesus handle on both pillars). Will a dual pod cover the entire "scar" on the pillar trim after I remove the handle? Also, I imagine that there is some hardware under the trim that the handle bolts into. Will that interfere with the mounting of the gauges or pod? I'm thinking about mounting the dual pod over the handle "scar" (if it will cover) and keeping the lower region of the pillar available for another single pod (to be determined). If the pod won't cover the "scar". will it fit between the dash and the handle, and is this a good position for viewing?

Also, has anyone installed the VDO boost gauge or the Cyberdyne temp gauge? Any thoughts?

I understand that the power for the gauges involves a tap into the instrument dimmer circuit. Is there a good, permanent, clean-looking way to do that? Perhaps something soldered into the back of the fuse block or a wire to tap into. I don't just want to jam the wires into the fuse slot, which is cobby. Any clue on the wire color to be looking for?

I'm thinking about plumbing the sending unit for the temp gauge directly into the intercooler reservoir. Any thoughts on how to best do this? Seems like a slightly tricky assignment (making a leak-proof penetration into the reservoir).

------------------
Silver Y2K Lightning
Bone Stock w/ Duraliner, Ford Hitch Cover

Best 60-foot: 2.063
Best 1/8: 8.876
Best 1/4: 13.789
Best MPH: 99.67

Silver (matching) Y2K ML320 Benz
Burl (ML430) Shift ****

1992 Grand Prix SE
Commuter Mule

 

Silver-Y2K-SVT,

No... the dual pod will not cover the hole

Do what I did.... go to Ford dealer and buy a pillar for a 1997 F150. It fits perfect!!!!

Here's the part number:

F65Z*1503599*AAD anyway this is what is on my invoice and the color matches. The cost is $21.78 plus tax.

I have the AutoMeter 2 pillar guage pod with a Phantom boost along with a Air/Fuel. I got my pod from Jeg's. I also did not bother to paint the pod.

Enjoy....
Hope this helps...

------------------
John Armstrong
2000 Red Lightning
#444 of 4966
Born 2/22/2000
Went home 3/6/2000


[This message has been edited by jarmstro (edited 12-27-2000).]

 

FYI.... this is the install I followed. Good information here. Thanks Brian K. !!!

https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/001245.html

------------------
John Armstrong
2000 Red Lightning
#444 of 4966
Born 2/22/2000
Went home 3/6/2000



[This message has been edited by jarmstro (edited 12-27-2000).]

 

Silver-Y2K...

As for the wiring, you can tap into your light switch harness for the dimmer, this would be for just the light...its a light blue w/pink tracer. You will need switched 12v for the gauge 'power', and there are several under the coloum that will work.

As for the guage pod, I was in the same boat as you are, I decided to build my own. I didnt like the looks of the autometer, and didnt wand to loose the handle. I simply used some 2" schd 40 PVC pipe, and fabricated my own pod, and then mouted it on the lower inboard side of the a-pillar. If you do a search for "build your own guage pod" you'll probably find it. hope this helps.

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2000 XLT Silver 5.4L SC 4X4 ORP 157"wb Ford Floormats, Mudguards,Cabin Air Filter, lighted emblems, lighted interior door handles(all 4) Chrome Grill (4x2 style), Diamondplate bed caps, Pro-Tech tool box, Air Box mod, Muth Signal Mirrors, Custom Gauge Pod-(water temp, trans temp)
Perma-cool 8" Electric Trans Cooler Fan, (2) Perma-cool 14" electrics, Superchip (flipchip), Map lights in overhead, rear pass, tinted windows, back up lights.

 

i have 2 autometer pods for sale if anyone needs them.. never been used.
2-5/8"
email me

------------------
brooks
'00 silver "L"
#1350 of 4966
member NLOC #496
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my zing albums - _-click here-_

_-mods-_
clunk (free with purchase)
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eaton inside sticker
2" drop shackles
pro sport bed cover & bedrug
clear corners
R9 superchip & airaid system
superbright headlights & foglights
street scene sport mirrors
brushed billet grills
indiglo ford emblem
euro tails? - up next
waiting on lunar guages
clonetek@jam.rr.com

 

Everyone:

Thanks for the help. A few more questions...

I'm still wondering if the "lugs" for the "Jesus handle" (under the trim piece) interfere in any way with the installation of the pod(s). Any experience?

Also, is it possible to have the wires for the gauges completely hidden, particularly after they exit the pillar trim? Or do they have to run visibly around the side of the dash? I haven't looked closely at this yet. Any experience?

 

The flush mount Pem nuts will not interfere with the guage pod. The are just holes in the A-pillar, thats if you get rid of the handle, dont think the handle and the pod will fit together on the same pillar.

As for the wiring, the plastic skin, actually hides the wires quite will, if done right, you will never see the wires....

------------------
2000 XLT Silver 5.4L SC 4X4 ORP 157"wb Ford Floormats, Mudguards,Cabin Air Filter, lighted emblems, lighted interior door handles(all 4) Chrome Grill (4x2 style), Diamondplate bed caps, Pro-Tech tool box, Air Box mod, Muth Signal Mirrors, Custom Gauge Pod-(water temp, trans temp)
Perma-cool 8" Electric Trans Cooler Fan, (2) Perma-cool 14" electrics, Superchip (flipchip), Map lights in overhead, rear pass, tinted windows, back up lights.

 

Shark99:

What do you mean, exactly, when you refer to the "plastic skin hiding the wires"? Not quite getting that. I understand that the wires will be completely hidden under the pillar trim piece, my concern is where the wires run downstream of that. Can they be similarly buried underneath some trim?

 

Yes..The A-pillar trim (plastic trim) tucks under the dash, so that even when the wires are run, you cant see them. It makes more sense to pull the pillar trim off. And as your removing it, you'll see the way it 'tucks' underneath the dash portion. Another way to say this, it (the pillar trim) has a small flange that fits under the dash, where the pillar and dash meet. Thereby 'hiding' any wires that run down the pillar, and into the dash compartment.

 

Silver Y2K SVT
Talk to Neal he has 3 guages on his pillar
check out
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/007780.html
Here is a pic of his set up.

 

Notice the Ford trim plugs.... If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right. I've been asked if that came like that from the factory... Mission accomplished, IMO.



------------------
Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. 100HP Shot NOS, BellTech 3/4 drop, Super Chip(TRAC). K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, Sir Michael's roll pan, smooth corners and steps w/billet inserts, clear corner lenses, Cervinis Ram Air hood, ARE Cover w/ wing, Momo billet pedals, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost and nitrous gauges, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX Thunder 4000 subs. 5-channel 500w. Clarion amp.(APA5241), (4)Polk Audio 3-way, 130w. DX 7's, Color-matched Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, BedRug, Trenz billet grills, Piaa 9007 Super Whites, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt/

2001 PT Cruiser - Limited Edition
1999.5 Expedition XLT