Which/What gauges should I get? [Merged 12-6]

[EcLiPsEgSt97]

I have a 3 gauge pillar and I dont know what gauges i need to get.. I know i need to get the BOOST gauge but i dont know what other 2 i should...can some one help me????????????

 

[yangtech]

this sounds pretty stupid but i'm curious, whats the point of having a EGT gauge..? i'm planning on just using a wideband for tuning...

 

[v2ner]

Boost is the most important. If you're runnin a stand-alone, that's all you'll need. If you're not runnin a stand-alone, I recommend you get EGT, water temp, oil temp.

 

[v2ner]

some people may use EGT gauge for tuning but it is not necessary if you're using wideband to tune.

 

[GreddyGst]

this sounds pretty stupid but i'm curious, whats the point of having a EGT gauge..? i'm planning on just using a wideband for tuning...

If you are getting a wideband for tuning then I recommend you get an EGT (Exhaust Gas Temp.) It helps you avoid damage from too high an exhaust temperature, which can happen for more reasons than just a lean mixture. An EGT gauge can catch damaging conditions that an AF gauge might not warn you of - for instance, detonation can cause high EGTs even though the AF mixture may not be lean. It serves a good purpose to have one. NOW GO BUY ONE!!

 

[slugsgomoo]

I would get gauges in this order:

boost (w/vac)
oil pressure
water temp
oil temp
fuel
egt

IMO, if you have a way to log knock, or have a wideband, or both, EGT is "helpful" but mostly unecessary- not to mention that egt's can vary quite a bit between cars- The biggest thing mine did for me, is i could tell what my timing was set at, just by looking at the temp when warmed up and idling. Timing retardation raises EGT's a LOT. [shrug] everyone has their own take on it though.

 

[Slo2gen]

Boost, Fuel Pressure and Oil Pressure= 270

Boost, Fuel Pressure and 336

Right now too get me started I think that I am going with the Boost, Fuel Pressure and Oil Pressure! Why does every body keep saying do not get a narrow band af, I know this man! Only a wide band af will do any good. Let me see what other 2gnt-t's have.

 

[boostinaintez]

boost, oil pressure are the most important, egt if you adding power boosters and tuning, and if you got the money get a wide band 02 sensor, i like the aem unit.

 

[Caithness]

In-cabin fuel pressure gauge can be useful for more than just setting your base fuel pressure. It's a good diagnostic tool to make sure your fuel delivery is proper- you can make sure fuel pressure is rising with boost, make sure your fuel pressure isn't dropping off from some problem on the supply side or from too small a fuel pump. It's not a gauge I'd stick in a A-pillar, but more of a gauge for a glove-box mount to check every once in a while.

 

[Slo2gen]

Yes I know, I was talking about a mechanical fp, I don't need fuel running through the cabin! I am most certainly getting a electric fp and mechanical boost. I just sold my 360 so it's time for upgrades!

 

[whiteawdgsx]

well i've got a boost/vac, a/r(blinking lights), and an oil. i'm going to be getting an egt when i can afford it. not to jack up this thread but i was wondering where everyone is putting their oil sender for the guage? i'm going to run my oil line off the head and i need a plug or better an adapter for the oil sender. thanks guys

 

[mightymousestd]

so I still don't get the wideband and it's difference from a "blinky" a/f gauge...is it just more procise??? can the readout be mounted in a 2 1/16" gauge pod hole??? and is the egt able to be put in a pod too??? and why should you have one over the other??

 

[kmoore]

Hey guys, i am looking into getting three gauges for my 1997 GST. I am going to be installing them in a triple gauge pod on my a-pillar. I know for one i am getting a boost gauge but i don't know what my other two should be? I thought about getting a fuel pressure gauge but would it be worth it even if i have my stock fuel setup? Finally, i thought about getting an air/fuel ratio gauge but i have read everywhere that they are nothing but "light shows" and i should get a wideband o2 gauge. But, the problem with the wideband is it is so expensive. What are your three most recommended gauges. What do you have in your car? Thanks a lot and any ideas would be great.

 

[jccjr1982]

I'd get:

1:Boost Gauge
2:Exhaust Gas Temp. (EGT) Gauge
3:Oil Pressure Gauge


I currently have Boost and A/F gauges... the A/F is just a Pretty POS that always leads to questions being asked by passengers...

I'm gonna get an EGT soon but they are signifigantly more expensive than other gauges...

 

[daren_p]

Well you have it right, boost gauge for sure. Next I would recommend oil pressure. Other then that its up to you as to whats next most important. Volts, oil or coolent temps are all good choices. EGT is also a good idea but its more of monitor thing, not tuning as there are different things that can cause high egts. A wideband is defently a better idea over an EGT. Air/fuel probably isn't up there on the "need to have" list. If you have the room its another gauge that can tell you if your O2 sensor is acting up or your WAY out of tune, but thats about it.

 

[GVR4592]

Boost, oil pressure, and coolant temp.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I second GVR4592, those are the 3 that I would get.

 

[TSIMonsteR]

Coolant Temp and Boost for Sure... third is up to you, oil press seems to be popular

 

[kmoore]

But, is a fuel pressure gauge necessary for a stock fuel setup? Also, where would you hook up a fuel pressure gauge on a stock fuel setup? Thanks

 

[kmoore]

Also, can someone explain to me what the difference is between electrical and mechanical gauges? Thanks

 

[kenamond]

Boost, oil pressure, Wideband O2 AF/lamda.

Leave the wideband gauge off until you can afford it. Also, there are wideband kits for pretty cheap (Zeitronix or something like that) but they don't mount in your pillar. If you decide on that, you can mount it elsewhere and put a different 3rd gauge on your pillar.

 

[94awdcoupe]

Boost, AEM wideband, and oil pressure.

I am using Greddy 60mm P/H/W boost, egt, & a/f.

 

[GreddyGst]

I'd say Boost, EGT, AEM Wideband

I have Greddy Hold and Peak Boost, EGT, Coolant temp + AEM wideband

 

[daren_p]

Also, can someone explain to me what the difference is between electrical and mechanical gauges? Thanks

Mechanical gauges are cheeper to buy, the sensor itself is inside the gauge. Electrical gauges have a "remote" sensor that is mounted in the engine compartment and just an electrical signal goes to the gauge. While a mechanical gauge is great for boost, since its only air, most don't recommend mechanical gauges for fluids such as oil, fuel, coolent etc. as there is a possibilty of a leak hapening & this can make a pretty good mess inside the car, not to mention it can be dangerous. Not to say you can't safely hook up a mechanical gauge with fluids, you just need the proper setup & most just don't want to take the chance.

 

[GVR4592]

The reason I say boost, oil pressure, and coolant temp, is because those are the three things that commonly destroy an engine. Egt gauge is good to have but if you have a datalogger it's not really necessary.

 

[itsover]

coolant temp, is water temp right ?