Gauge Guru's?

[guava]

Looking for help here... I've search and searched but not found a clear and concise opinion.



It seems to me that people think the minimum gauges are:



Turbo boost PSI

Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT)

Transmission Temp

Fuel Pressure



and possibly oil Temp.



Does any of the experts want to agree or disagree with this? What else is worth monitoring that people have done.



I've been looking at Geno's site and its not apparent whether the probe/sensor comes with the gauge. Does it?



What is reasonable as far as cost to get set up with gauges, probes, and mounting?



Does total cost come near the digital all-in-one electronic monitors? I know this is a can of worms. One side likes individual gauges and one side likes 'glass cockpits'. I'm strictly talking cost to do the job right and increase the longevity of the truck through awareness... .



Thanks.

 

[rbattelle]

Which model year truck do you have? [This may determine whether you want to add fuel pressure or not].

 

[guava]

I've got an '04.

 

[Bertram65]

I have an '03 and have EGT, boost, trans temp, and oil temp. Oil temp is cool because it gives you a accurate temp of the engine, I do not think oil temp is a popular gauge for the 3rd gens, I have not seen much mention of it. I have Autometer phantom guages, three in the dash one in a SRT-10 pillar.

 

[guava]

thanks Bertram... can you give an opinion on cost? And do the sensors come with the gauges?



Guava

 

[SRadke]

Sensors almost always come with the gauges. Same with gauges such as fuel pressure, tubing included. I don't know of any reputable dealer that does not include these parts.



My opinion is you need:

Pyrometer (EGT)

Boost

Trans temp (if you tow and have an automatic or have added power. )

Fuel pressure (if you have added power)



The gen 3 trucks have yet to have the lift pump problems of the previous 24 valvers so fuel pressure is less of a necessity.



Cost will depend on what gauges you go with. Surf around and look at prices on the websites. They'll all run about the same for analog and digital slightly more. Much more in some cases.



-Scott

 

[dpuckett]

I'm no guru, but....

I'd agree with the 4- EGT, boost, trans temp, and FP. But, I'd like to add:

1)Put the pyrometer probe (commonly called the thermocouple) in the manifold; there is anywhere from a 0-450 degree difference between pre and post turbo; in other words, you are just guessing with it in the pipe. The main purpose of a pyrometer is to prevent a meltdown. I'm not sure how hot the 3Gs run, but I've had a few early 12 valvers (intercooled and not) get pretty warm in the Rockies, at near stock fuelling. If you plan to stay at or near stock (add no more than an aFe filter and 4" exhaust, no chip), then post turbo may work well for you, as it gives a slightly better indication of turbo temp, and since it takes longer to cool, will better ensure that the turbo is in fact cool enough to shut the engine off. But, if you let the EGT cool to <300 deg, you should get long service from your turbo.

2) Go for a 40psi or better boost gauge. I know several First Generation guys that are pegging their 30psi gauges, or making enough boost to warrant a 40-50psi gauge.

3) Keep it simple, as far as what is required to make the gague operate. While I like the better visibility of the series gauge I have, I dont like the extra wiring and stuff to make them work (namely the amp box for the pyrometer- I've had the soldering gun out more than once). More wires and connections = more potential for headaches from bad connections, or when the connections start to corrode in a year or two of high humidity.



Good luck in your search. Might give these guys a try- www.dieselpage.com - I've dealt with them several times in the past, and have no complaints so far. Good prices, too.



Daniel

 

[Bertram65]

I paid about $270 for the gauges they were about $50 each except for the EGT that was about $120. The dash mount was $25 from Quadzilla performance, the pillar was $36 from www.mopar4less.com and boost bolt was $25 from http://www.piersdiesel.com/ All the Autometer gauges come with the sensors.