Gage Kits / Type / Money

[AH64ADMTP]

Was getting ready to order a set of gauges for my truck and started lookin' thru old threads and noticed multiple types of gauges and where they where hooked up. I was wondering as a general statment from all that wish to respond..... Beside Turbo boost, EGT, Trans Temp, ect... ... Which is a good set at a resonable price that will give me the info I need. I was planning on getting a pillar mount for three gauges but am open for advice.



I am not trying to go on the cheap with the gauges but don't wish to spend a months wages either. Any advice is greatly appreciated.



This is going to be the first MOD on my new truck so I can establish a baseline for the rest of the additions to come.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Get a set of Autometers then, reasonably priced, top of the line analog gauges. Sport Comps, Ultra Lites, Carbon Fiber, Phantom, Pro Comp, Z Series and others, 4 different color lighting choices, 3 sizes, 2 bezel colors. You can get EXACTLY what you want. Get yourself a 0-35psi boost gauge, Trans temp gauge and a EGT gauges with Thermocouple.

Those three gauges, plus the pillar should run you about $300. 00 or so including a triple gauge pillar. Pretty resoanable for top of the line gauges. Check out www.autometer.com and look around, call them if you dont see what you want, call them. I got my stuff from www.summitracing.com

 

[DRR-24V]

Check out gauges on the TDT site in the Links section.

 

[mediccummin]

gauges

I agree with EMD, I think we have the same set up from the same place. See my profile. MY gauges came real quick from summit and the pillar shortly after. I changed my bulb covers to the blue ones so they match the stock dash lights exactly. I also put the sport comp 2 5/8 clock in my dash space, looks real clean. Good luck, any questions just ask. Dwayne

 

[mediccummin]

one more thing

Oh AH if you get the A-pillar use it as a replacement not a cover real easy to do and you won't have to tear up your stock one. Late.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Here is my new 2-5/8" Sport comp Fuel pressure gauge. (The "fuel pressure" label is not done) thats why it still says "Boost"#ad

 

[tckrapp]

POSTED THIS ABOUT 2 MOS AGO. Good luck Tom



My truck is a 2001 Quad cab, six speed HD Turbo.

I just installed the combination gauges that I purchased from Geno's Garage and was pleased with the gauges and instructions. I found several areas that made things easier for me and thought someone else might find these helpful.

Where the wires pass through the firewall there is not a typical grommet, rather an elongated rubber tube that faces towards the engine compartment. I found it easier to pass a guide wire ( piece of coat hanger ) through from the inside the cab.

I always find that locating an appropriate power source takes some time. I mounted the gauge in the spare compartment as Geno's suggested. I used the power supply for the radio which is switched through the ignition and on my truck was the red and white wire. I used the back of the radio case as a ground.

For the gauge light, I used the small light power source from the compartment right under the radio but could have used the ash tray light. This is controlled through the dimmer. The color on mine was orange with the ground being orange and black. (Having service manuals helps)

Finally, I had real concerns about drilling and tapping the hole for the thermocouple and where the fillings would end up. I loosened the turbo nuts and then slid a piece of aluminum ( scrap piece of fascia for house trim ) between the exhaust and the turbo before drilling. I used a shop vac while drilling to capture most of the shavings and used grease on my tap when using the 3/8 pipe tap. I then used my mechanics magnet to retrieve the rest. When the magnet came out clean, I used the shop vac around the gap between the turbo and the exhaust for piece of mind. I am glad I took this extra step because the exhaust, right before the flange, bends downward and I am certain that some metal would have found its way into the turbo. The one nut is hard to reach on the tubo, and a 15 mm box wrench worked fine.



I did receive a response that made sense. I might take the turbo out of the way next time. This is very simple, about 20 minutes longer and while your at it ,add anti seize to your exhaust bolts. In two or three years this might save you more than twenty minutes.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

When possible, you should avoid drawing power off the radio circuit since the radio will cause voltage fluctuations with certain music due to Bass. Also, any electrical noise from a gauge will go right to the speakers. You are better off drawing the gauge power from the cigar lighter or another source that only works with the ignition on, (Power windows, Wipers, etc. ) I used the brown wire behind the headlight switch for gauge lighting and dimming.

As for the EGT install. You dotn have to remove the turbo when drilling and tapping the intake. Just use grease and a magnet, what little you miss will not hurt the turbo and will be harmlessly blown out on startup. I have installed over a dozen EGT Thermocouples on all sorts of turbo vehicles and trucks and never removed a turbo and never had a problem. The turbo is not spinning fast enought to be damaged by a few metal fillings.

 

[AH64ADMTP]

Ready to Order!

Looks like I'm going to go with the Autometer Z series... ... but still have one question, Why only the 0-35 boost gauge?

 

[EMDDIESEL]

They have a 0-60psi boost gauge too, i just dont think they have one in the "Z" series since the Z series is usually not used in the super high performance market.

 

[AH64ADMTP]

Gauges inbound

Ordered new gauges today, should be here in two days with A-piller mount. Got them thru Diesel Injection Service in Lubbock, TX for $270 and change. Now the fun begins... ... ... ... . four inch exhaust will be next I think.