2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gauge and mount selection?

[SRath]

What type, brand, and range of gauges do you recommend? I'm asking about a pyrometer and boost gauge primarily.



I'm would like to use a pillar mount gauge set for my '96 manual transmission truck. Does that limit me to electric sending unit gauges? I have always believed that mechanical gauges were superior to electric. Do you agree with that and would a vacuum hose for a mechanical boost gauge fit under the pillar gauge housing?



As far as brands, AutoMeter and Isspro gauges are getting my attention. Are those adequate quality, or are there other brands I should consider?



What boost range should I select? Many of them only go to 20psi, or 30psi. Some go to 35psi and even 60psi.



So far, I can only find triple gauge pillar mounts for my '96. What should my third gauge be with a manual transmission given that the truck already has factory temp and oil pressure gauges? IF I had an automatic, I would run a transmission temp gauge, but I don't.



Is there anything else I should be considering in my selection of gauges and mounting method?

 

[kenny61]

I used Autometer sport comp which blended in nice with the factory gauges. I mounted them in the A pillar and used the green bulb covers which again blended nicely withe the 96 factory gauges i have both manual and electric sender gauges The only thing i did different was with Genos triple a pillar mount, I removed the factory one underneath and with one screw towards the top of the A pillar mounted genos pillar

 

[TEasley]

I've got a mix of gauges, but my EGT and boost gauges are Autometer. The boost gauge is a 35 psi mechanical. I would say that's minimum. I sometimes peg it at full throttle. My truck mods are very mild, also. I don't know if all pyro's need 12v dc, but the Autometer does.



I'm satisfied with the Autometers and their price, and I like the A-pillar 3 gauge mount from Geno's.



Invest in a fuel pressure gauge. Even if nothing else ever goes wrong with your fuel delivery system, it is well worth the cost just to tell you when you need to change fuel filters.



Is your KDP jigged or tabbed? Killer dowel pin is the right name for it.



Hope this helps, Tom

 

[SRath]

kenny61: I gather the gauge pillar does NOT replace the stock one? It just fastens to it? Bummer! I just had mine off this weekend and managed to break it... I thought "No big deal; I'll be replacing it with a gauge pillar soon anyway. " Guess I'd better be finding some good glue...



TEasley: That KDP business has been costing me sleep ever since reading about it in these pages! I need to address that issue ASAP, but I'm not sure which method to use or if the jigs are still available anywhere?



The fuel pressure gauge as a third gauge is a great idea! I just wonder which gauge to get? For the low pressure side or the high pressure side? Seems Autometer offers both...

 

[kenny61]

Its supposed to go on top but if you only use the gauge pillar you can attach it with one screw on top and just let the dash push it against the bottom and no one will probably notice thats they way mine is i can post a pic tomorrow if you like

 

[TEasley]

SRath, I took the banjo bolt off the inlet to the injector pump and drilled and tapped it for 1/8" npt. Used a brass needle valve (almost turned off) as a pulse damper. It tells you what the injector pump is actually seeing after all the lines, pre-filter, lift pump, and filter. I saw and read several posts that were done this way. Search this forum and the 2nd Gen engine and trans forum. Lots of info, including gauge choices and installation. Also how to check the overflow valve.



Post a thread on the 2nd Gen engine and trans forum for info on jigging and tabbing. Will help you decide, and should turn up sources for jigs and tabs. Several posts have pictures of damage from the KDP. As I recall, one truck had about 180,000 mi before it let go.



Good luck, Tom

 

[Hammer]

Here are the mix of guages in my 98 12ver...

100lb boost and EGT gauges are white faced old skool EEP guages which are no longer available. The electronic guages is a Intellidash system which is a digital tach with shift light,boost lower left and EGTs lower right. I have the mechanical EGT in the front 3 cylinders and the electronic one in the rear 3. I also use a Stewart-Warner Maximum 100psi fuel pressure gauge to monitor my FASS system on the steering column..... Andy



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[Hammer]

These are how the fuel pressure is taken for my FASS. It is taken at the pump then another smaller line inside split loom is run up to a sender that is remotely mounted on the firewall. There is no fuel ran into my cab at all and no chance of fuel messes either. I will place a couple of photos of mine here for you... ... Andy

 

[DonTX]

My 97 came to me with the triple gauge pillar mount, I love it! This ideal (in my opinion) location allows you to glance at readings without turning your head or taking your eyes off the road. It only has transmission temp (automatic you know), boost, and egt. My planned upgrades are to change to some dual purpose gauges, so as to add at least one, maybe two fuel pressure gauges, and I would like to add a differential temp as well. Warning light system for the EGT is also a planned upgrade, so I can notice a light warning when they are climbing.

 

[Joe G.]

SRath,



Email me at -- email address removed -- for KDP fix instructions and a write up on the fuel supply system, how it works and how to fix it.



You need at least a 40 PSI fuel pressure gauge for a '96.

 

[RDelissen]

ISSPRO triple gauge (boost, pyro, transmission) and it does replace the A-pillar cover

 

[BigPapa]

Here's mine.....

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I've since gone to a 60psi guage and added a couple of switches to the panel.



Scott

 

[Hammer]

Scott. .

I like the different look on your early second generation mounting. What model Isspro EGT is that your using?... ... ..... Andy

 

[BigPapa]

It's their R602. I picked it up on eBay many moons ago for cheap and finally figured out a way to mount it. Looks like it was made for some type of heavy equipment. It gets a lot of comments.



Scott

 

[Diesel Manor]

Yes,

Those are their heavy duty line. They are used in heavy trucks like Peterbuilt, etc. Suprisingley we sell quite a few of them.