96 Tsi Awd Which/How Many Gauges

[WhiteCloud]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I just bought a 96 Tsi Awd from the original owner. The car is completely stock, down to the stereo. It is running on the original T25 (78k on car), and has only the factory boost gauge.

I guess my questions are:
1) Should I get a turbo timer?
2) What gauges should I get or do I need? [I know I'll get an aftermarket boost gauge, but I don't know if I should get EGT, A/F, or both]
3) Do 3 gauge A Pillars get annoying? I'm leaning more toward a 2 gauge APillar unless I need 3 gauges, or someone else convinces me that the 3 gauge ones are better

Also, are there any gauges to stay away from? Do I have to get a name brand gauge for it to be accurate and useful?

Thanks a lot...

 

[Sic95gst]

1. TT would be a good idea and it's a pretty cool part for not a lot of money!
2. Def. a Aftermarket boost gauge! about the other gauges u need to decide how much you think you are gonna tune your car, then pick the right gauges
3. Um i am in the same predictament about the 3 gauge pod but if i need the gauges then i'm gonna get them! And about the kinds of gauges get something reliable and in your budget! Good luck and welcome to the DSMTuners!

 

[guedo512]

when i get my gsx i will be getting a triple pillar with: af ratio gauge, boost/vac gauge, and a egt gauge. a tt (turbo timer) is a great investment, but before that i would get a mbc (manual boost controler).

 

[WhiteCloud]

I don't think I am going to go with the triple gauge pillar...I've heard that the air fuel ratio gauge is largely useless. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about this, or if the A/F gauge serves some critical purpose other than looking badass

As far as EGT goes, I will probably end up with that and the boost gauge. What exactly does EGT tell you about how your car is running? I am unfamiliar with them. Also, does the boost gauge typically go on the higher pod in the gauge pillar, with the egt or a/f gauge in the lower spot?

 

[Slappster]

a/f gauges do nothing but light up like a disco party. unless of course its a wideband.

 

[unlikely hero]

Ah the a/f guage is mainly for the ladies. In my old car thats the first thing that would catch their eyes and it would entertain them for hours. Worth the 50 bucks to me
=Jason-

 

[WhiteCloud]

So what exactly does an EGT gauge tell you...and I don't want "Your exhaust gas temperature" as my answer .

What does knowing EGT tell you about your engine, or how does it protect you from blowing your engine, etc.?

 

[TheTSiGuy]

By tuning your car to the max, you'd be leaning your car out. If you lean your car out to a certain point, things get hot, and start to melt. running too high of boost, going -50 on the AFC...many stupid ways to kill a car. exhaust gas temperatures are a pretty good indication of whats going on in there.