Boost gauge for newbie!

[Soot4Life]

My 1st post folks & I know I came to the right place! My stock 99' CTD still needs a boost gauge. What's the max. boost on a stock 24V truck? I need to know before I order my gauge.

Thanks in advance.

Bill

 

[Ethdee]

Around 20 pounds. I don't know if you have other gauges. I like EGT, boost and fuel pressure.



Jim

 

[Soot4Life]

Thanks for the info. Between Summit, JEG's and Geno's I should fine one that works for me. I'm leaning towards a isolated mechanical gauge for accuracy. Any thoughts?

 

[Ethdee]

I think they're all good gauges. To me, it's a matter of individual taste. The EGT gauges that come with smaller thermocouples should be more responsive. I have VDO gauges, chosen because they match the originals the best, and my pyro came with a 1/4" thermocouple. Its got about 6-8 seconds of lag. If I ever have to change it, I'll probably install a smaller diameter thermocouple. On the down side, I've written VDO twice for information, and they've never responded.



I don't see any reason to isolate a boost gauge. You're just measuring air pressure, and if you have a leak in that 1/8" line, I don't think it'll have a significant effect on the truck.



Some people use a higher range boost gauge, and use a solenoid to switch from boost to exhaust pressure, so they can check on the operation of their exhaust brake. I understand exhaust brakes can make about 60 PSI, but I haven't checked mine. I intend to do that Real Soon Now.



I used a mechanical isolator on my mechanical fuel pressure gauge. I don't like the idea of running fuel into the cab. I used an antifreeze mix to fill the gauge side of the isolator. It's certainly not the cheapest way to go - the isolator cost more than the gauge. Many people are using electric fuel pressure gauges and are happy with them. Using some tubing to isolate the transmitter from the engine vibration seems to be a good idea.



I have a stock engine, and (again) my boost maxes about 20 pounds, my EGTs normally run from 250 to 1050 (my gauge goes to 1650), and my fuel pressure runs from 8 to 15 pounds.



Jim

 

[Soot4Life]

Thanks for the details. I was thinking about the FP gauge when mentioning the isolator. I'll be stock also for a while until my wife (chief financial officer) yields on the purchase of an EZ. Funny..... there's always somewhere else to spend the money. I'm enjoying my recent purchase with a K&N, swiss cheesed air box and 3" straight pipes. Cheap thrills. Wait til' she hears it with the silencer ring off!

 

[gitchesum]

Bill,

If your planning on modifying our truck at all. I would suggest getting the 50# gauge. Once you add the EZ, your boost will be well over 20#. It'll save you from having to buy a new one later.

 

[Goddard]

how do you read exhaust pressure on a gauge and which gauge are you using? i am fixin to order my gauges and this would be nice to know? thanks ps how much pressure can the valves handle?

 

[Soot4Life]

Gitchesum... ... ... . Good idea about the gauge @ over #20psi. Hang around with you guys and I'll save time and money... ..... both of which seem to be in short supply. My truck hit the body shop this AM for repairs caused by the previous owner, Mr. Magoo. When I recover from $$$$$ shock I'll be adding more goodies as the budget allows. Only 54K miles so this should be my last truck.