Boost and Pyrometer (EGT) Gauge in L400 Pod

[psilosin]

Finally got around to installing my Boost and Pyrometer (EGT) gauges. I decided to install them in the factory L400 Pod since my tilt-o-meter didn't work and volt meters are for wimps.

I have to say...installing both these gauges on an L400 is a breeze....so easy...so fast...zero bloody knuckles...zero crazy contorted positions. Everything is easy to reach and there is so much room to work! Both gauges done in a couple hours. In contrast the same job on my Hilux Surf was a whole day event and a real workout.

Pics:
The completed Gauge Pod


The EGT Thermocouple mounted in Odd Ball Offroad EGR blanking plate.


Boost 'T'. Big plump 1/4"OD nylon tubing used for boost line...could not locate the 1/8"OD I wanted locally


Firewall Sweet Spot. I needed a 1" sweet spot, found it just a little higher than the ~1/2" sweet spot RichD mentioned. Orange and black wires are triggered event lines from my EGT gauge that I have future plans for if I notice I reach dangerous EGT levels often, until then they will just dangle all useless like saxaphone players.


Engine Bay, you can see everything...egt probe, egr blanking plates, boost line, EGT event trigger lines. Still so much room for bypass filter and catch can...


Super Lame Test Run Video: 0-60kph...yahoo they werk! Should have turned off the stereo before filming lol. 12psi boost standard...higher than I expected (Hilux Surf is 7psi)

[FalcoColumbarius]

As Yul Brynner, eh? I was thinking more like Kojak, myself.

[elger]

is the pyro fairly accurate being up the EGR pipe or is there a delay in response?

[DeliTan]

is the pyro fairly accurate being up the EGR pipe or is there a delay in response?

Mine is a different gauge and probe but mounted the same, it's reaction time is instant. Accuracy is relative...

john

[elger]

excellent, this will save me a lot of time trying to drill the exhaust manifold straight and tapping it. The l300 has a different EGR setup, so if I were to mount it up where the EGR used to sit(I have blanked it already) do you know if I would get fairly accurate readings, I believe the pipe is around 6 inches long, maybe a bit more... thanks

Elger

[negativentropy]

Please tell me more about this mystery hole that goes through the firewall - I need to install a switch and gauge inside the cockpit...

[deli1733]

Its nice when everybody installs the pyro where the egr used to be, makes it simpler to compare temperatures and ask questions. My egr and pyro is in my l-300 in the same spot, its an easy place to glance at. Good Job!

[Airgonzo]

I just bought a gauge and planning on doing the install in a couple of days. Someone told me that if you put the probe in the EGR plate you can potentially damage the engine if something goes wrong with the probe. He recommends the exhaust manifold instead. Anybody have an opinion? Is it easier to use the blanking plate than the manifold? What are the advantages/disadvantages? Any info on this subject greatly appreciated.

Also wondering: when tapping and drilling either the plate or the manifold, should they be removed before drilling, or should the engine be running, to avoid any metal going through turbo?


Thanks.

[psilosin]

The blanking plate is on the exhaust manifold...so same thing regarding accuracy or readings and potential for damage. Using a blanking plate just makes it real easy. Just buy a blanking plate already tapped. No Fuss no muss.

What your friend was likely refering to is that there is a slim slim slim slim chance the tip of the pyro probe can break off and get sucked into the turbo causing trouble when the probe is installed in the exhaust manifold (& thus blanking plate). If you are paranoid of the tip of the egt probe breaking off then some people install in the exhaust right after the turbo. The downside of installing here is that the temperatures are already much lower than what it is inside the engine so it is not as good of a direct measurement. I am kind of wary of the probes that have an exposed thermocouple bead and prefer the completely shielded tip types better but other forum members have been using exposed tip probes with 0 issues.

Since the blanking plate is so easy to access on the L400 it really is the hands down best location for installation.

[Airgonzo]

Thanks. Where would I buy a tapped plate?

[psilosin]

I got mine from Odd Ball Offroad (a Delica.ca forum member). The kit is cheap and fits perfect.