Is boost gauge needed if EBC is purchased?

[odormat000]

I know this is probably a really dumb question but do you need a boost gauge if you are buying an electronic boost controller such as the Apexi AVC-R Electronic Boost Controller?

-thanks

 

[Boostin91TSi]

It is not necessary, but still highly recommended. I installed a HKS EVC VI, it has a digital boost gauge read-out, but still told her not-so-car-smart self to get a analog boost gauge. You can get something like a Autometer, or as I have, a Defi. Also, if you want Defi-like gauges, you might want to try STRI gauges. Defi performance, without the Defi price.

 

[freshlane]

Yes you do need a boost guage. I have both electrical and a mechanical. I'd say go mechanical and don't worry anymore.

 

[Badgst96]

The AVCR works great man no doubt about that but i would put a mechanical boost gauge just in case... One of my buddies is running an AVCR as a boost gauge but he would also have a mechanical boost gauge also.. Ya cant trust electronics these days ya know he he jk

 

[drdouglas]

I used the Greddy Profec B spec II and the boost readings were always 2-3 lbs less than the mechanical gauge.

 

[odormat000]

Thanks for all the help you guys. Now as for which boost gauge to use what do you recommend that is quality and affordable?

 

[nefarious]

I like Prosport Gauges . I have always heard good things about their accuracy and they are very nice looking in my opinion.

 

[odormat000]

Thanks those seem cheap but what is the difference between a mechanical boost gauge and an electrical boost gauge? is one more accurate than the other?

 

[snowborder714]

Get a mechanical one. This way you don't have to worry about anything electrical failing and your gauge will always work (unless the hose becomes disconnected).

Here's the difference though:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/22848-electrical-mechanical-gauges-merged-9-6-a.html

 

[tkelly27]

The general method for making a mechanical boost gauge is to use a spring and a piston. The pressure of the boost on the piston creates a force equal to the area of the piston times the pressure of the boost (F = P * A). The spring acts linearly when a force is applied to it, that is for a given force the spring will move a given distance.

The digital one uses a MAP sensor, which operates in much the same way, only it has a resistor that varies as the pressure increases or decreases.
http://www.wipo.int/ipdl/IPDL-IMAGES/PCT-IMAGES/14051998/KR9700207_14051998_pub_pfx.g4-b.jpg
(WO/1998/020248) MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Typically, when properly calibrated a digital gauge will read more precisely and accurately than a mechanical unit. If you've ever seen a mechanical boost gauge you'll notice several things. The reading changes from the vantage point you're viewing it at, most often the needle never fully sets at zero, and not all boost gauges are calibrated to each other.

A digital one will, generally, always receive the same signal from the MAP sensor, and should always give out the same boost reading. The digital one does not change what numbers you see as you move.

At the end of the day, it's really unimportant. The boost gauge (just like an A/F gauge in your cabin) is only good to watch for abnormalities, the more important data comes from your logger. If you get a huge boost spike, you know there are problems, or not getting an increase in boost as you increase your BC settings, you will again know there are problems. To actually analyze what's going on, you need all the data in front of you.

*edit* the above is assuming that your AVCR is giving you your current boost level. If you are not getting that information, then you must have some sort of boost gauge. If you are getting current boost information, then it is not critical.

 

[greddyturbo19]

yea you do. i have a autometer boost gauge and a greddy profec spec b electronic boost controller. i rely on my boost gauge to see my boost levels. its cheap just get one

 

[crimsondragon]

Electronics break. It's always good to have a backup. If quality isn't an issue, go with Autometer. If you want fancy, run with the higher priced ones. I personally would prefer Glowshift. Heard many good things about them.

 

[odormat000]

Yeah the Autometer ones look just fine and they have a thousand different options for them. I think i'll go with mechanical because they're cheaper and sound pretty accurate. Does anyone recommend any other gauges like A/F ratio if i'm just going to be running things stock for a good amount of time at first?

 

[snowborder714]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/app...5-what-gauges-should-i-get-merged-12-6-a.html

1. wideband
2. oil pressure
3. water temp

(oil and water gauges electric, not mechanical)