In anticipation of boost and for ****s-n-giggles, I wanted to install some gauges. I know one will be a boost gauge, and I only want three total (at least visible, I may get some memory ones for the glove box later).

Which two should I get? I'm considering A/FR and EGT, but I also hear that fuel/oil pressure is a valuable safety monitor.

Also, where to mount them? I think Chris H (on FX) or Red had three in the little slot (where most of us throw our sunglasses or radar detector). I've also seen some good installs on the A-pillar (using 95 or 98 honda civic pods). I'd prefer the center for ease of installation, but that may not be feasible due to the size of the gauges.

Finally, as for A/FR gauges, is any one better than another? All they are is glorified volt-meters, but they range in price from $40 to $300!

Thanks,
a

 

If I may tach on to this...(sorry, couldn't resist)

I've been doing a little research into this, as well, since I'm also looking to pick up some gauges. I have a gauge pod that will hold five standard-sized gauges and one big-ass gauge. None of the holes were precut for gauges, so I could theoretically put ANYTHING into them.

I've decided that, since I already have a tachometer in my dash, I don't need a big-ass tach. On the webstore for MachV, they carry a big 3" boost gauge that I think I'll use to fill that spot. They have some pretty good other gauges,which are here. The only problem is that it's only in metric.
Omori Auto Gauges has a broader selection of gauges and sizes, AND I can get an 80mm boost gauge in pounds instead of kPa. wink.gif

Obviously, the more monitoring you have of your engine, the more accurate a picture you can get of how it's performing. So if I may add on to Curtas' questions, what is everyone's wish-list? What's the order of gauges you'd recomend, from "most crucial to running boost" down to "unimportant, but another good number to brag about?" Secondly, what kinds of considerations should be made for finding places to locate any electronic timing / adjustment modules? Do these things need to be easily accessible, or can they just be tucked somewhere out of the way?

Curtas - hope you don't mind that I threw my questions in with yours.

 

EGT combined with an A/F can alert you to problems...

Most A/F gauges are hamstrung by the lame stock 02 sensors. Because of their narrow band of operation...the A/F gauges aren't that accurate. But teamed with an EGT...if they go up or down a lot...you know you gots problems!

Oil Pressure is a must due to high oil pressure at startup with cold oil (hence the Oil Temp Gauge too!).

Fuel Pressure would be nice, but in theory...you should rarely have problems with FP.

You can mount 3 on the a pillar, plus another 3 below the stock radio if you have a single din radio...or just get creative. I was thinking at one time to block off one A/C|heating vent a put a gauge there.

 

How relevant would an intake air temp gauge be?

 

It would be a "nice to know", but not a "need to know" kind of thing. When desiging your own intake..you would need that figure...but in daily driving or racing...you really wouldn't need that.

If you are talking turbocharged/intercooled motors...a BEFORE intercooler temp and a AFTER intercooler temp would be handy to alert you to intercooler heatsoak and intercooler efficency. You could then back off/let the engine/intercooler/system cool before doing more racing. It would also alert you to intercooler efficency, and help you design/choose the best setup.