Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Gauge Questions

[SteveAnsley]

I have a newly aquired (for me) '98 Dodge QC 12 valve - 5 speed.

It is currently in stock condition.



I'm an old gearhead from years back ('71 Camaro, etc. etc. ) and anticipate some minor playing around with 'bombing'. Nothing too serious, and yes I can hear all of you'll saying 'SURE'. But as I have aged I have become more conservative.



Question:

Looking to install some Isspro gauges - Boost & Pyro.



Which boost; 30 or 60 psi?

If I'll NEVER go beyond 30 - this seems to be ideal, however if there is a good possiblity of exceeding 30 I'd obviously go w/ the 60.



Pyro; Looks like most people go w/ a pre-turbo setup. Is 'pre' more advantageous than 'post'?

 

[biggy238]

MUCH more accurate in pre turbo. IT measures the temp going into the turbo rather than you trying to deside what the temp was pre turbo after it has dissipated energy inside the turbo and come out the other side. The readings are much more instantaneous and more aligned with what the engine it doing right at the moment. Also, If you do happen to floor the motor and EGT's rocket, you have a change at letting out before the heat damages the turbo, whereas the turbo would have already encountered the high EGT before the post turbo configuration.



The install is easy. Remove the four bolts connecting the turbo to the exhast manifold and rock the turbo away from the engine. . Place something over the turbo

(I used tape) Drill the required hole aprox. 5/8" off center of the exhaust manifold (it has a casting rib down the middle) for the probe and tap it. Start the engine momentarilly to clear the shavings out of the exhaust manifold (exactly why you cover the turbo inlet, the shavings would kill it. ) Install your probe with a little anti-sieze and re-install your turbo.



As for your boost, If you truely don't intend push more than 30psi, The resolution will be much better on the smaller gauge. Case in point: 30psi on the small gauge would encompass the entire sweep of the needle. If it were a 60 psi with the same psi, that 30 psi would only make use of half of the gauge sweep. Thus it would be much easier to read the 30psi gauge.



Hope that helps you.

 

[Twisted Shifter]

Go for the 60 PSI of boost ... . with the TST on lower settings and with the Superchip Test tune I am running now I am exceeding 30 PSI of boost.



Yes go pre Turbo on the EGT you want to know what the temps are before you cook your turbo.

 

[SteveAnsley]

Thanks for the response.



The better resolution is why I was asking if the 30 psi would suffice.

I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with a 10 plate at most. My understanding is that a 10 plate would peg a 30 gauge.



Biggy,

Thanks for the 'words of wisdom' regarding installation.

 

[bmoeller]

Welcome to the TDR.



Wouldn't bother with a 30# gauge. Been there, done that. I could peg it with just the 10 plate in the truck (stock position, too). Get the 60# and be done with it.



Since you have manual transmission, save up for a better clutch. I hear the #10 is enough to smoke it.