Gauges for the truck

[WWalters]

Ok - I've had my truck for a month now. After reading most of the threads on the TDR forum and reading other materials on the subject, I know that I need boost ( Pyrometer) and EGT gauges. Obviously there are a dozen different brands and I'm sure some are more accurate & reliable than others. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, are there any Fort Worth-Dallas TDR members who can recommend a local speed shop/ Cummins diesel type mechanic who can install the gauges without messing up the dashboard and/or electrical system. I'm not that mechanically inclined, at least as far as electrical work is concerned; especially on my new truck.

 

[RJOL]

Gauges

Bill,



Installed Westach EGT/Boost, and Fuel Pressure gauges a couple of weeks ago. They are well worth the cost and trouble of installing them. Bought them through Geno's.



They aren't that hard to install, especially if you search old threads on TDR for installation. The info that comes with the gauges is not clear and if your not mechanically inclined, or don't get good info from TDR, you will probably have some trouble getting them in.



Installed mine on the "pillar" using a full pillar two gauge from Geno's.



If you get Westachs like I did, and you need some tips, email me.



Have fun.....

 

[maint.man]

I've got the Isspro guages and haven't had a complaint one about them. Some of the others have made comments about the lighting , but all in all I like em' I've got em' mounted on the pillar and to be honest it was a pretty simple install.

 

[24V-DSL]

Bill... .



IMO, the final choice of gauges comes down to what looks good to you. All of the most popular brands, Autometer, Isspro, VDO, Westach, DiPricol, etc. , seem to be of high quality and reliablility. Some complaints about back lighting at night on some brands.



I finally chose DiPricol because I just liked the look for my tastes.



I have the EGT and Boost. I also have an Autometer Z series fuel pressure gauge... . DiPricol doesn't make one, but the Z series has the closest look to the D's. The DiPricols have excellent back lighting, but the Autometer 2661 is not very good. I'm using the red bulb cover, but have the other's and will try yellow or green to see if it helps.



Check out the DiPricol at www.tstproducts.com



There is also a very good installation guide on their site.



Good luck... .

 

[groundpounder]

Autometer Z series is the model I went with as it looks real close to the OEM gauges.

 

[chuck3]

Gauges

I would just check them out and see which ones you like and then ask how the ones that are using that brand how they like them. my 2cts. auto-meters here.

 

[sonorakitch]

I have the Autometer Ultra Lights and they look great. If you have the quartz interior, the silver background matches the A-Pillar very well. If you are concerned about lighting at night, just install a small switch on the backside of the A Pillar mount (behind the lower gauge).



Boost and Pyro are important, and the fuel pressure is a tossup. It is good to monitor the health of the filter, but if you change it at the recommended intervals, you shouldn't have a plugging problem. Also good to monitor lift pump, but I can live without that (famous last words )



Joe at Fast Lane West sells the Autometers with good prices. He is out of Los Angeles County... search the threads for the phone number. I should have written it down and kept it.



~Chris

 

[OILBRNR]

Westach or SPA.



I like my Westach for a: the price b: four units in three pods due to the dual EGT/Boost. c: nice compliment to the stock needles.



SPAs are nice for the instant read and peak hold. Beware, though, in the heat the LCD will turn 100% black. Oh, and they ain't cheap!

 

[Ron Bissett]

Have you looked at the Round gauge or the half round gauge and have you thought about why the normal or safe zone on each is at the 12 o'clock position? we know that air craft have plenty of gauges to read and the pointers at a glance is in the normal zone or low or hi . Most old timers like me turn the gauge so that the safe zone is at 12 o'clock you pick the reading put that at 12 o'clock , and that is easy to scan for normal or not. As for lighting to match the trucks ,I found a paint for glass it is transparent ,comes in a pen type tube directions said to put on glass and dry for 24 hrs then bake in oven 160* for 40 min I just put bulb in turned on for about half hour matches the trucks lites The name is Vitrea 160 cost about four dollars found this at Meijers (miers) dept store in hoby section. I did up a bunch of bulbs and put them away in the truck . Hope this helps , Ron in Louisville KY