Boost Gauge Wires

[B-Dog98]

I got my Autometer Cobalt Boost Gauge (mechnical) in yesterday. Everything looks great but it came with no wires. Now I know I need a 12V source and a ground to hook it up, so I'm just wondering where I can pick these wires up and what to ask for exactly.

 

[91TSiChick]

Well if it's mechanical then the only wires needed are coming off the light socket to illuminate the gauge at night. If you don't have that you can visit summitracing or autometer direct to get that socket. It's only a power and ground connection. The rest of the gauge is just vaccum hose to a good source to get an accurate reading.

Autometer Light Socket/Bulb

Michelle

 

[B-Dog98]

I dont need the bulb or anything, but thanks though. I need the wires to tap into the dimmer switch or HVAC controls in order for the gauge to illuminate when I turn the lights on. Im kind of going by this http://www.roadraceengineering.com/instructions/vdoboostgaugeinstructions.htm.
In their package it says "our kit iincludes 6 feet of wiring and the necessary connectors to hook up the gauge back lighting." I dont know maybe I'm missing something in translation but I think I need wires to run from the gauge to tap into a 12V power source.

 

[91TSiChick]

They are probably just refering to that bulb and socket. They might give some extra wire or something of the sort but it looks to still be the bulb and socket.

I just took the original bulb and socket that came with my autometer gauge and ran them to the correct wires for it to work when the lights were on or off.

Michelle

 

[marcmsj]

It should also have come with a hard nylon roll of narrow tubing that you should use to tap into a vaccuum/boost source. Alot of people hook that up with the fuel pressure regulator

 

[B-Dog98]

Ok so on the back of my boost gauge I have two long threads to attach the gauge to the gauge holder. Then I have the port fitting where the boost line goes. Then on the top I have 2 slim metal pieces that are labled 12V and ground. No wires coming off anywhere, that is it. So is that all Im supposed to have????
I feel really retarded right now, .

 

[marcmsj]

If you see a 12v and "Ground" prongs coming out of your boost controller, then hook it up accordingly. Did you buy the boost controller used? You should have received wires with it to hook it up. You might also have to pick up some electrical connectors.

It's not that hard so don't worry

 

[B-Dog98]

Finally I get someone to tell me about wires, hahaha. Its not used I bought it from Extreme PSI a couple of days ago and got it yesterday. It didnt come with any wires to connect it at all. Thats what Ive been wondering is what wires to buy in order to hook it up. Can I just go to a local hardware store and pick up a 12V and ground wire?

 

[MyÜberFastGSX]

You can do one of two things:
1. Return it to Extreme PSI and wait a week or two for your return/exchange to take place.
2. You can go to a local hardware or electronics store and pick up some wire for about $1.

Your call.

 

[blazebolt]

What gauge wire is good to use?

 

[MyÜberFastGSX]

It's a manual gauge, so all the wire is doing is powering the the bulb in the gauge. So just pick up some 20 gauge or so.

 

[B-Dog98]

Thanks man, Im going to go buy some right after class. Thanks for the gauge info as well thats what I was kind of looking for in the first place.

 

[B-Dog98]

I also know that a lot of people replace the platic hose they give you with regular rubber vacuum hose. The platic hose is pretty small in diameter and was wondering also what size vacuum hose should be bought to replace the plastic one?

 

[Dorifto]

Here's what I recommend for your hose issue:

-Install the hard plastic hose to the gauge, and cut it about 2" from the gauge.
-Find rubber hose that snugly fits around the outside of the plastic hose.
-Put a dab or two of RTV sealant or silicone on the outside of the plastic hose about 1/2" from the cut end.
-Slide the rubber hose completely over the plastic hose, twisting slightly to work in the silicone between the plastic and rubber tubing.
-Run your rubber line through a space in your firewall [might need to drill a hole or find a plug in the wall] and connect it to your intake manifold.
-Enjoy your new boost gauge.

See? Simple.

 

[B-Dog98]

Thats a great idea man, really never thought of it like that.