Gauge install questions

[BHolm]

You guys have finally guilted me into fitting gauges to my truck I have no mods and no plans for mods but it seems like EGTs and boost might be good things to monitor.



I plan to use the SRT-10 single a-pillar mount to retain the grab handle and a factory look. It seems that Westach is the only boost/egt combo gauge out there. I am not very fond of the design/markings but it should work. Is there another one out there that I missed?



I see it comes either 1/8" or 1/4" , what is the difference? Pros/Cons?



Does the boost gauge run a nylon line like a mechanical oil pressure gauge? If so, has anybody upgraded that line or felt the need to for any reason? I've seen some fail in oil pressure applications and only want to do the install once.



If ordered from Geno's do I get everything I need? Is it better to call them than to just order online?



How about the actual install? Is there easy access to run the lines/wires down the pillar and out to the engine compartment? Tips/Tricks?



Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[wbrown02]

Consider the BD X Monitor from Geno's ... ... Three gauges in one and digital... . records Max Boost and Highest EGT with alarms also.

 

[nickleinonen]

nylon line is good for the boost. and if it does fail, you don't got a mess on your hands. .

 

[JeepinDoug]

The hose supplied for the boost is good as long as you push it over the hose barbs as far as possible. Then use a zip tie to hold it to the barb securely.

I asked the same question about the tip size. Was told the 1/8" probe reacts quicker than the 1/4".

For the boost bolt you'll need a good inch pound torque wrench, unless you have a ft lbs that reads under 25 lbs. The toque spec is noted in the directions in ft lbs so just convert for inch.

For the auto just drill a 1/4" hole in the plastic clutch linkage cover, actually two of them, one for the pyro and the other for the boost.

The Westach needs 12 volts, even for the boost. Get the switched 12v source from the cig lighter.

I really like the Westach gauge but at night it's bright, the gauge light comes with a couple different color covers that should dim it down a little.

 

[Rotty]

I just finished the westach combo guage on my 04. 5.

It take about 2-4 hours and is relative easy. I got the 1/8" setup and boy does it react fast. Besides, if I screw up the hole I can go to the next size large with no problems.

Use zip ties on the boost guage and boost bolt.

The real bear was drilling the exhaust manifold. I started at the normal recomended place just above the turbo. Well after 3 small broken bits, :{ I said the heck with it and drilled on top of #3. Much easier.

Get a new 1/8" NPT tap and a small amount of grease. You do not have to remove the manifold but go slow and remove the chips as you go.



Make sure you have a 10 MM socket with extension to remove the two bolts that hold the a-piller plastic and to remove a bolt out of the intake manifold.

I fished the wires and tubing through the electrical box man feed boot with a coat hanger.

Remember take you time and do it right. You will be happy with the end result.

 

[Fireman]

I drilled and tapped my manifold with the exhaust taped up and the engine running. It blows the chips right out. Be sure to wear safety glasses and wear gloves (it gets hot)



Fireman

 

[BHolm]

Thanks guys, that is just the kind of info I was looking for.



Has anybody wired the gauge light to the dimmer? This may not be a good idea if the power source to run the egt part of the gauge is the same as the light. Is it the same power wire?



Then, does it come from Genos complete? Do I need to specify any extra parts?

 

[dclassens]

No real opinion on what brand or how to mount the gauges. I feel this purely a person opinion call. Differenr brands and different mount all works for different folks. Piers (PDR) has a great link on thier page about the EGT install. CHeck it out, it helped me a ton.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Has anybody wired the gauge light to the dimmer? This may not be a good idea if the power source to run the egt part of the gauge is the same as the light. Is it the same power wire?

I used a different wire for power and did wire the lights to the dimmer wire



#ad

 

[Rotty]

When you finish installing the EGT probe, don't zip tie the wire to any sheet metal. I did that and man does it ever transmit the sound into the cabin.

I reziped it to the plastic wire loom and much better.



I could here the inner workings of the engine when it was tied to the firewall sheet metal. Nice if you are troubleshooting problems, but it did get very annoying very fast.

 

[jdaigle]

Thanks guys, that is just the kind of info I was looking for.



Has anybody wired the gauge light to the dimmer? This may not be a good idea if the power source to run the egt part of the gauge is the same as the light. Is it the same power wire?



Then, does it come from Genos complete? Do I need to specify any extra parts?

I've searched and can't find an answer to BHolm's request regarding whether you can wire the Westach Combo gauge into the dimmer switch on 3rd gen 2006 trucks? I've ordered the white faced Westach Combo "Boost/EGT" with the single A-Pillar Mopar which should arrive in the next day or so and am looking for any input on the "gotchas".



Thanks in advance for the input

Jason

 

[jdaigle]

nriver:

Thanks for the input and your install looks great!! I would like to tie the switch into the truck's light switch some kind of way though. . it would be nice for the gauge's lighting to come on when the truck's lights do???????



Thanks again for the input



Jason

 

[JeepinDoug]

The Geno's directions shows which wire to tap, (behind the light switch) for dimming controls. I have the same combo, works great.

Mine's an 04.

 

[jdaigle]

Thanks JeepinDoug, I'll look closely at the instructions from Geno's!!

Jason

 

[Okie-Go]

I traded in my 01 for an 06 Saturday and took out my spa combo boost and egt gauge. Hoping all I have to do is get a new harness and get it put in the new truck.

 

[jdaigle]

I recieved my Westach combo gauge last night from Geno's but I don't see anywhere in the directions which wire to tap into on the dimmer switch????? I also don't clearly understand where is the best place to tap into the exhaust manifold on the 2006 truck for the pyro gauge??? Any help or pics would be greatly appreciated



Thanks,

Jason

 

[Chynoweth]

I tied my light to the light switch, It is the orange wire with the brown stripe. Also drilled into manifold at the easiest point, just forward of the down turn. Used a mechanics magnet to remove all shavings from inside the manifold once I had it tapped. Ran all wires through the rubber boot for clutch. Took me about 4 hours to do everything right. First time installing gauges so it was all new to me, but followed directions, took my time and it came out great. Use plenty of plastic ties, puts everything neat and clean.

 

[jdaigle]

Chynoweth:

What's the easiest way to access the light switch... it appears the lower dash panel is substantially different on the 06 compared to the 05?



Thanks for the input!!!

Jason

 

[Chynoweth]

To access the light switch wire I removed the lower portion on the panel under the steering wheel (two screws at bottom, then pop out). Then there are about three screws that hold the panel that the light switch is mounted to. With those removed, then you can pull out on the panel enough to get a small socket on the back of the light swith to remove three screw that hold it in place. With those removed you can pull out the light switch and then disconnect the wire harness. You can then pull it down under the panel and have easier access to it from the floor area. It is kind of a tight fit removing the screws from the back of the light switch but just be patient and they will come out. It is well worth the time to have the gauges connected to the light switch and have them bright or dim according to your comfort zone.

 

[jdaigle]

Thanks Chynoweth!!!!! I love this site!!!!!



Jason