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Need some advice on Voltmeter and Boost Gauges

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:31 pm
by shealy
I'm looking to install a boost gauge and voltmeter gauge soon around the time I'm going to put in a EGT (a la RichD).

I looked at Lordco, and found two, but wondering if these will work or if there's better options, or prices others would suggest:

Boost Gauge:

Autometer(3391) $49.90
http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetai ... 801&sid=15

Voltmeter:

Autometer(6107) $79.95
http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetai ... 3443&sid=4

I know there's issues with length of wires and whatnot (especially with the boost gauge). The guy at Lordco mentioned that there's only about 3ish feet of "stock" wiring included in these kits, which probably isn't enough. Is there an easy way I can make these work, or any other gauges that may have longer wiring?

Any suggestions and knowledge is greatly appreciated!

-Steve

Re: Need some advice on Voltmeter and Boost Gauges

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:13 pm
by pajerry
I wouldn't get the sport-comp series gauges as they are not oil filled, so if you do any off-road/FSR driving I would go for at least the Pro-Comp series.

Also you don't need a boost gauge that reads negative boost as it isn't important with diesels. (like the one you linked to)

Get this: http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetai ... 711&sid=9
And lastly, with a mechanical boost guage you are only running a 1/8th inch air line, so you can always buy more line for really cheap if you need to but they should have enough (was for pajero). Lordco should have some tube and the pressure fittings to splice it all up if required (good idea to get an extra or two just in case you crimp and damage the tube during install like I did)

Also, wouldn't you prefer matching gauges?

Good luck

Re: Need some advice on Voltmeter and Boost Gauges

Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:58 pm
by rezdiver
regarding the voltmeter, i know its a perk, but for that price you could buy yourself a very good used FLUKE multimeter and wire up a cigarete lighter adapter for it and keep it in the glovebox, way more useful and multifunctional.

Re: Need some advice on Voltmeter and Boost Gauges

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:22 am
by shealy
Hadn't even thought about fluid-filled gauge, but that's definitely a good call pajerry! Also, I know that the vacuum isn't necessary, but the Lordco I went to only had those in their store, and those two were on sale - hence the slight difference in look (which isn't too big of an issue to me). Just that they both have a black face to them. I'm going to mount them down low anyways.

I'll definitely look into the fluid filled one, though. Is there a concern with adding on more air-tubing length to a boost gauge? My intuition tells me that it should be fine as long as there are no leaks in the system, but I seem to remember reading somewhere this is not an ideal way to set up a boost. Was just wondering if anyone who has wired up an L300 could give me a bit of insight!

Thanks again

-Steve