Best gauges?

[DatMan]

I am wanting to buy a boost gauge, oil pressure gauge and wideband setup. I plan on using the gauge cluster bezel for a 2g and put the boost gauge on the steering column. Not a fan of pillars at all.

All in 52mm and just wondering what the general consensus was on quality. Don't need the cheapest just the most reliable/attractive. I'd prefer something that has blue illumination because I am changing all of the console lighting to blue LEDs to make it more modern.

I've done searches and have an idea of what I want if I could just get feedback in a centralized location it would make the decision process easier for me.


Dane

 

[iBoostDSM]

I use AC Autotechnic. Never seen them in anyone elses car but I really like the way that they look.

 

[LiquidX]

Thanks everyone I am going to get the automater cobalt gauge and the innovative lc-1.

Works great, I'm usig the LC-1 and a cobalt -30inHg to 45psi. Oh, make sure when you get your boost gauge you get one higher than what houbara planning on running. For now you may be happy with 20psi and get a 20psi gauge. In the future you may want to run 25 or 30 and wish you had a gauge that read higher instead of buying a new one.

As for your earlier comment, I was trying to let you know as you apparently don't know enough about what you were trying to do. Do some research on it, it is the better way to "meter" your air but it's a little more complicated to set up properly.

 

[jed344]

why dont you guys run the AEM wideband thats what i run in my car. and i have owned autometer, prosport, glowshift, defi, greddy, faze gauges. yes i know alot and imo glowshift are accurate but my oil press has gone threw alot of sending units as did my prosport oil press. never had any issues with autometer or greddy or defi

 

[LiquidX]

why dont you guys run the AEM wideband thats what i run in my car. and i have owned autometer, prosport, glowshift, defi, greddy, faze gauges. yes i know alot and imo glowshift are accurate but my oil press has gone threw alot of sending units as did my prosport oil press. never had any issues with autometer or greddy or defi

The AEM wideband is up there in the list but it's been prove. That it's response time is slower than the Innovate and it doesn't have as wide of a range either. Not to mention the cost is roughly the same.

 

[D's GS-T]

I use VEI gauges cause they have dual faces, but they are pretty pricey as well.

 

[Jafro]

I have an opinion. Some would think I'm poop-flinging, but it's just an opinion.

Had Greddy Trust electronic gauges for years. They worked great. They were expensive. I never looked at them. They don't impress the ladies. They make people 5 seconds slower than you try to race you. At the track I watch the lane (not the gauges) and stay in the sticky stuff. I rid my interior of gauges because gauges are stupid. The only data that helps you tune comes from a logger, and a full set of quality gauges costs more than a logger. I personally went with DSMlink.

Now I log boost. It's more accurate and informative than a gauge that only works in the moment.

EGTs are pointless with a forged engine, so I now have a knock gauge thanks to DSMlink which isn't pointless. As long as you're not knocking, EGTs don't really matter. The flame tip moves to different parts of the exhaust based on your timing advance so it doesn't actually give you good information. Since you can't buy an aftermarket knock gauge, I'd only think it's a good idea on stock internals with a car that will never have any form of engine management.

An aftermarket oil pressure gauge only puts a fail-safe on your oil idiot light. You already have 2 oil pressure sensors. The light will come on if your oil pump fails. You really won't get any sort of fore-warning if that ever occurs. If the engine runs, it hasn't occurred. If the light comes on and you have pressure, check your wiring at the sender.

AFR gauges are pointless if you can log, so the only useful gauge I can think of having outside of knock, is a wideband that delivers more-accurate results. Pretty much everything else is pointless when you can log. You can even log the wideband, and the LC-1 interfaces with DSMlink which can negate having to install a gauge.

So if you want to impress the ladies... build a touchscreen media center into the factory radio spot complete with an OS that will run your logging software, and there's the ultimate gauge for a DSM, and you'll make all the people with gauges jealous. The low-cost clean-install way to do that is to just plug in a laptop or hacked linux device when you need it.

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers. I understand aesthetics and interior accessories show well. I think most of your consideration should be the long-term goals of the car, and if milking every drop of horsepower out of it isn't the highest priority you have, then get what you want to get. If it is the top thing on your priority list, the logger gives the best and most useful information that will get you to that point faster and cheaper. It's like the everything gauge for people who are too busy watching where they're going.

So that's my gauge experience. It's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

 

[DatMan]

Thanks Jafro that does make sense I haven't used link yet so I don't quite know all of it's capabilities but its nice knowing it provides all of that information.

 

[SpawnedX]

I have an opinion. Some would think I'm poop-flinging, but it's just an opinion.

Had Greddy Trust electronic gauges for years. They worked great. They were expensive. I never looked at them. They don't impress the ladies. They make people 5 seconds slower than you try to race you. At the track I watch the lane (not the gauges) and stay in the sticky stuff. I rid my interior of gauges because gauges are stupid. The only data that helps you tune comes from a logger, and a full set of quality gauges costs more than a logger. I personally went with DSMlink.

Now I log boost. It's more accurate and informative than a gauge that only works in the moment.

EGTs are pointless with a forged engine, so I now have a knock gauge thanks to DSMlink which isn't pointless. As long as you're not knocking, EGTs don't really matter. The flame tip moves to different parts of the exhaust based on your timing advance so it doesn't actually give you good information. Since you can't buy an aftermarket knock gauge, I'd only think it's a good idea on stock internals with a car that will never have any form of engine management.

An aftermarket oil pressure gauge only puts a fail-safe on your oil idiot light. You already have 2 oil pressure sensors. The light will come on if your oil pump fails. You really won't get any sort of fore-warning if that ever occurs. If the engine runs, it hasn't occurred. If the light comes on and you have pressure, check your wiring at the sender.

AFR gauges are pointless if you can log, so the only useful gauge I can think of having outside of knock, is a wideband that delivers more-accurate results. Pretty much everything else is pointless when you can log. You can even log the wideband, and the LC-1 interfaces with DSMlink which can negate having to install a gauge.

So if you want to impress the ladies... build a touchscreen media center into the factory radio spot complete with an OS that will run your logging software, and there's the ultimate gauge for a DSM, and you'll make all the people with gauges jealous. The low-cost clean-install way to do that is to just plug in a laptop or hacked linux device when you need it.

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers. I understand aesthetics and interior accessories show well. I think most of your consideration should be the long-term goals of the car, and if milking every drop of horsepower out of it isn't the highest priority you have, then get what you want to get. If it is the top thing on your priority list, the logger gives the best and most useful information that will get you to that point faster and cheaper. It's like the everything gauge for people who are too busy watching where they're going.

So that's my gauge experience. It's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Before I add one more thing to this, I just want to personally thank you Jafro for your videos, your channel is the only one I look forward to checking daily for new ones.

With that said, I agree with everything you said, until it comes to the people who are driving the car on the road daily. I'd rather they monitor their engine vitals from a gauge with a quick glance then looking down at their laptop every few seconds to get the information from logging.

 

[907gs-t]

Autometer Lunar gauge's is what I run along with the Innovate LC-1 wideband with there DB gauge in blue & it look's totally sick imo.

 

[Jafro]

... I'd rather they monitor their engine vitals from a gauge with a quick glance then looking down at their laptop every few seconds to get the information from logging.

...and I made provisions for them with the "milking every drop" waiver near the end.

Ya gotta admit that the car coming with the temperature, oil pressure gauge and an oil idiot light is already plenty sufficient for most dailys. If a car is prone to boost leaks (like most) and the owner hasn't managed to make it leak-proof yet (if that's possible), then I definitely see the value of a boost gauge on a daily because that's going to tell you much more quickly about its health than plugging in a laptop and going for a spin. Logging boost requires a different MAP sensor, anyway.... Fully agree with you there.

...but Voltage? Come on...
EGT's?... meh? Put that gauge money towards forged pistons.
Third oil pressure gauge? Really?
A/F raito? Your turbo timer doesn't do this? ... besides, it's inaccurate unless it's a wideband.

I should clarify that I'm spoiled. I'm using an Aeromotive regulator, so my fuel pressure is always right. I have an MBC and it's always set at 24 PSI. I'm running a MAFT, so boost leaks don't really affect me even if I develop one, plus I can always feel and hear it. I'm not worried about the oil stuff because I put two brand new sensors on the OEM stuff and replaced their wiring. I know if that light comes on, it means it. My situation is probably different than most.

But to people who are constantly making changes and still learning their car, gauges do have great purpose... eventually they reach the same conclusions as I have about them, and they learned a lot along the way. I guess they're sorta like gold teeth. You can sell 'em once they fall out.

As long as they don't buy a 8" tach and shift light for a street-only automatic , I guess I'm fine with it.

 

[arturorz]

Very good information Jafro.
--
Most people like Autometer Gauges for Boost, Oil, etc, but they usually recommend LC-1 for wideband applications. Has anybody tried other Innovate Motorsports gauges besides their popular LC-1 ??
I know they sell Boost, Oil and Water gauges too.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

 

[JasonStern]

Innovate LC-1 wideband with there DB gauge in blue & it look's totally sick imo.

+1 on this. I purchased one recently and it seems like a solid piece, especially with the sensor and DB9 cable for datalogging at $160 shipped.

 

[feardafish]

I'm running a MAFT, so boost leaks don't really affect me even if I develop one.

Just out of curiosity; Why is that?

 

[Calan]

Just out of curiosity; Why is that?

Because people typically install GM Mafs in a blow-through configuration that puts the MAF right at the throttle body.

 

[phantom_19]

Why is no one saying megan racing . I think that their v1 is beautiful. Cobalt is on top of the list. But you guys are more about functionality. I just like the way my megans light up during the night, and black when the car is off.

 

[eltitillo]

im using autometer

 

[rlacasse1]

I have an opinion. Some would think I'm poop-flinging, but it's just an opinion.

Had Greddy Trust electronic gauges for years. They worked great. They were expensive. I never looked at them. They don't impress the ladies. They make people 5 seconds slower than you try to race you. At the track I watch the lane (not the gauges) and stay in the sticky stuff. I rid my interior of gauges because gauges are stupid. The only data that helps you tune comes from a logger, and a full set of quality gauges costs more than a logger. I personally went with DSMlink.

Now I log boost. It's more accurate and informative than a gauge that only works in the moment.

EGTs are pointless with a forged engine, so I now have a knock gauge thanks to DSMlink which isn't pointless. As long as you're not knocking, EGTs don't really matter. The flame tip moves to different parts of the exhaust based on your timing advance so it doesn't actually give you good information. Since you can't buy an aftermarket knock gauge, I'd only think it's a good idea on stock internals with a car that will never have any form of engine management.

An aftermarket oil pressure gauge only puts a fail-safe on your oil idiot light. You already have 2 oil pressure sensors. The light will come on if your oil pump fails. You really won't get any sort of fore-warning if that ever occurs. If the engine runs, it hasn't occurred. If the light comes on and you have pressure, check your wiring at the sender.

AFR gauges are pointless if you can log, so the only useful gauge I can think of having outside of knock, is a wideband that delivers more-accurate results. Pretty much everything else is pointless when you can log. You can even log the wideband, and the LC-1 interfaces with DSMlink which can negate having to install a gauge.

So if you want to impress the ladies... build a touchscreen media center into the factory radio spot complete with an OS that will run your logging software, and there's the ultimate gauge for a DSM, and you'll make all the people with gauges jealous. The low-cost clean-install way to do that is to just plug in a laptop or hacked linux device when you need it.

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers. I understand aesthetics and interior accessories show well. I think most of your consideration should be the long-term goals of the car, and if milking every drop of horsepower out of it isn't the highest priority you have, then get what you want to get. If it is the top thing on your priority list, the logger gives the best and most useful information that will get you to that point faster and cheaper. It's like the everything gauge for people who are too busy watching where they're going.

So that's my gauge experience. It's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

"B!tches love technology"

Boondocks

 

[Jafro]

I want to rescind my prior assessment of EGT gauges.

If you have a 6-bolt in a 2g with solid mounts, cams, no balance shafts and no crank trigger (lots of vibration)... an EGT gauge is a great idea for when your CAS bolts vibrate loose and spin that thing off its axis retarding your timing and melting your pistons. Spend either a couple of hundred bucks on an EGT gauge, or a few bucks less for a crank trigger if this is your setup. Much cheaper than a new engine either way... but the crank trigger still makes the EGT gauge pointless in a 2g.

Didn't happen to me. I merely witnessed it.

 

[Absit]

I love you Jafro. Similar to this line of thought I decided I didn't need a water temp gauge, the logger and OEM gauge would suffice. For oil pressure and boost however, the stock gauges just plain don't work. It is due to this that my gauge setup includes things I actually need to watch while daily driving: Boost/Vac, Wideband, Trans Temp, and Oil Pressure. These all fit in 2 gauge slots because VEI Gauges are awesome, and they're hidden nicely on top of the stock cluster.

I hate A-Pillar gauges.

 

[D's GS-T]

Like most things it's going to depend on the application alot of times. You could get away with less gauges in a dsm dd then say a car that would see road races. There is no way you would want to be out on a road course with a dsm and have no gauges. for a dd I like boost, and a wideband just to see where im at, and oil pressure to make sure my turbo is getting the right pressure.

 

[97gst_spyder]

For boost I love my Apexi mech gauge. Its super fast and accurate.

 

[Boug]

I will soon be in the hunt for some gauges.

 

[KMOSES]

Im running an autometer cobalt boost gauge, it works great and looks great, and currently looking at an innovate LC-1 for a wideband. Seems to be a pretty reliable setup..

whatever brand you decide, if you get a mechanical boost gauge make sure it goes up to like 45psi, you wouldn't want to get one that tops out at 20psi then you get the supporting mods for higher boost, and have to go out and buy an new gauge.

have a plan for your mods.