Gauges do I need them? What is your recommendations

[Pit Bull]

I need some advise before I install any gauges. This is a stock truck and a daily driver, no pulling and light hauling (400-500 lbs every now and then). With that in mind do I really even need gauges??? If I run it hard on the road I alway let it cold down for a couple of minutes before I shut her off so I don't "think" I am doing any damage to the Turbo. I have an extended warranty and don't want to do anything that would void my warranty. I figure if I add gauges I will need a pyro, fuel presure and tranmission temperature gauges. What brand of gauges are the best and where should they be installed to get the best reading to protect my investment? I have a GREAT Dealer, would you advise having the dealer do the install so there would be no question on the warranty? Any web sites you could refer me to that would inform me of what needs to be done? Your opinion would be welcomed.

Thanks

Dennis

 

[chuck3]

Gauges?

With what you stated above and if you don't plan on adding fueling devices, I would say you don't need them but they're sure nice to have, I would'nt go without them now that I've had them. just my 2 cts.

 

[MOWPAR]

ditto

 

[GRudy]

gauges

I agree with chuck3, not apsolutly necessary in stock configuration but real nice to have.

I would install a pyro first and then a boost gauge. Geno's sells the pyro/boost gauge combo and it is a top knoth unit. They also sell a fuel presure gauge which would be my next addition. Use a dual sender setup with a switch to read both before and after filter presures. If nothing else you can monitor when a fuel filter change is needed but they are essential to keep track of that pesky lift pump failer. A trany temp gauge would be great to monitor that automatic. It dosen't take a big temperature jump to fry an auto. You can mount all three gauges in an A piller mount so they are right in front of you face for easy monitoring. Do some searches here on gauge installation, you will find all the info you need. Have fun!

 

[LSMITH]

Unless you are pulling, plowing, offroading, or something else that is stressful on the transmission I would not worry about putting in a trans temp guage. If your truck is a pavement princess commuter a trans temp guage is a waste IMO. I would not want to drive without my boost and egt guages as the others have said, but if you are staying stock I think the fuel pressure guage should be your 1st priority, EGT second and then boost. Hope this helps.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Get guages if you can afford them ,why Boost tells you when to let your foot of the go pedle to save diesel ,EGT to tell same as to let up on diesel pedle and for shut off , and will save you from guess work in the hill country, transmission if you need one can be put in line nice to have but not a must if not pulling , down the road you may wan't up grades and will have a start point all set up . And NO the guages wil not cause a warrenty void ,and do it your self and get to know your truck and save the money for addons ect. easy to install and you will feel satisfaction and will be able to state ,I installed not had installed. Read all the posts then go as you wan't your choise . Ron in Louisville KY P. S the dealer install will cost about what a good set of guages cost .

 

[Mundgyver]

One thing about the gages is that you will have a visual and will get use to what is normal with the engine. Down the road if you do have trouble, you will more than likley see it as something abnormal and start to look into it. What is the old saying. "A penny for prevention saves a pound of cure, or something like that. " Gages will give you piece of mind in the long run.

 

[LoneRam]

Face the music

Big Toy, most of the people on this site had no idea how much they would be "improving" thier engines. Most are just thrilled to death with the cummins. Then they spend a little time on this site, or one of those "other" trucks leaves you at a stop sign, or the guy down the gets his EZ and injectors. Whatever it may be, it's just a matter of time, especially with a name like Big Toy. You will be bit, and be ordering gauges. Denile gets you nowhere. I purchased my pillar pod from Genos and my Dipricol gauges from TST, I think? I love them and the others are right, no warrenty issues and install just requires following directions and taking your time. Do it right or do it over. This is YOUR truck, don't let anybody under the hood if you can avoid it. Long winded I know, but I don't usually respond to much. Enjoy!!

 

[Cummins Corvette]

LMAO Lone Ram!! You get to put many miles on your ram on that little island? Seems like you could just walk.

 

[Pit Bull]

Thanks

It's great that you guys took the time to give me your thoughts. I will take your advise and add the guages myself. Won't start this project until the spring, since my truck does not fit into the garage I need some nice weather to work on it outside in the driveway. This gives me time to figure everything out. Which brand of guages gives the best directions for the install? Which are easiest to install? I have a speaker on my pillar, is there a guage mount that lets me keep my speaker in place? I know that mine is a highway princess but some day it won't be and I agree that it would be a good idea to set a base line for preformance. I agree that the fuel pressure guage and pyro will be my first priority. I use to be good at this stuff when I was younger and my Dad and I use to get old cars out of the junkyard and rebuild them to resell. Then I grewup and was on the road working all of the time and just found a good mechanic that I trusted. Well thats not the case anymore so I might as well get my feet wet again.

 

[Bad340fish]

I went with the Autometer Carbon Fibers



I like them so well i have decided to take out all the sport comps in my Barracuda and add the Carbon Fiber guages.



You can't really see the carbon fiber backing in this pick but its a good idea what they look like



#ad

 

[BigFun]

Go for it!

In addition to what everyone else said, having the guages gives you a base for your truck. Once bitten, you'll see the improvements and changes visually as well as by seat-of-the-pants! Besides, having all those gadgets is !

 

[Rcpilotlv]

I have them, maybe dont need them since IM stock... But its sure fun watching my boost gauge go up and down(0-35)as Im slickin through the gears... Just be careful not to rear end someone