Gauges, Gauges and Gauges

[waterbrain]

Ok, I know I'm probably not bombing my truck chronologically correct, but I do know I need to get some gauges. I'm running the EZ and 275's. I'm off to Yuba City tomorrow to have my DTT TC & VB installed. I don't plan on towing till I get some gauges added.

I need to know from all of you which gauges are the most important and what mfg/vendor to go with. Here are some of the options I'm struggling with.

3 Gauge Pillar with Autometer Gauges
Boost
EGT
Fuel Pressure

3 Gauge Pillar with Autometer Gauges
Boost
EGT
Trans Temp

2 Gauge Pillar with SPA Gauges (pricey)
EGT/Boost
Fuel/Trans

I also need to know if the gauge kits include the sensors I'll need. What setup do you recommend... feel free to add your own. Also, please share any pictures you have of your setups. Thanks in advance.

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2001. 5 2500, QuadCab, 4X4, LB, Auto, 3. 55, SLT+. Mods: EZ, 275's, Rhino Liner.

 

[Archive]

Hey sounds like your on the right track to becoming a Bomb a holic #ad
. I bought all my gauges from DIS at www.dieselpage.com. They are real easy to deal with.
My AutoMeter Pro Comp Ultra Lite gauges work just fine. I have a H. O. Cummins so I used the space in front of the gear shift, where you have a nice cupholder. My gauges came complete. Have fun with your new toys. I know my bombing happened in whatever order the big brown truck brought it.

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2001 RAM H. O. 6Sp 2500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab, 4Wheel Disc, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Fog Lights, Muffler removed, Silence Ring Gone, Autometer Pro Comp 60# Boost & Pyro, Banks High Ram (Red), Cummins Red Valve Cover, K&N RE-0880, Skyjacker 2. 5 lift Class 2, 7218 Dual steering stabilizers, Custom Pro Fab Trackbar (sweet), EGR Flares (nice fit), Centerline Comet III 16x9. 5 with Goodyear MT/R 315/75R16, Smittybuilt stainless nurf bars, ExTang BlackMax tonno, THIS IS NOT A HOBBY, THIS IS AN ADDICTION !!! MAINLINING DIESEL !!! "I AM GLAD I DID NOT BUY AN AUTOMATIC, JMO"

 

[BigDaddy]

I too ordered gauges from Diesel Injection Services. I ordered last week, should have been here today #ad
They are expensive and not much competition out there, so prices on these were very close between the different vendors. Brent paid the shipping since I bought three.

I have a 3-gauge dash pod. This will enable me to monitor Boost, PreTurbo, PreFuel Filter, Post Fuel Filter, Trans Temp. , and Rear Temp. These gauges include sending units however; I have been informed that I will need to add to the rear temp. wiring.

Check Brandon’s site Danelle's Dodge for SPA installations he has done.


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<font color=forestgreen>2000</font> DODGE <font color=forestgreen>RAM</font>, <font color=forestgreen>2500 HD</font>, 4x4 SLT, Reg. Cab, <font color=forestgreen>Forest Green</font>, Agate interior, Cummins ISB, Auto, Shift-on-the-Fly (241HD), 4. 10 LS, ABS, Trailer Tow Group, Camper Group, Michelin; DC: Fog Lights Kit, Tow Rings, Under Rail Bedliner, VentVisors, Splash Guards, Cold Weather Cover, & Mats.
<font color=forestgreen>After-market</font>: JRE 4" Exhaust, Van Aaken, Practical Solutions Diesel Products:High Idler, Heavy Duty Idler Pulley, Intake Heater System Saver & HD U-Bolt/Anchor Plate Kit, Gatorback Belt, Painless Wiring, K40, Viper w/AutoStart, Clarion 6 Disk CD w/remote, UnidenCB w/Francis antenna, Draw-Tite Activator II, Alpex 255TC2C Air Horns, Continental BedRails, Delo 400, HOWES, Liquid Glass.

BigDaddy's Ram #ad
New England RamRiggers

<font color=36648B>2001 PT Cruiser Limited Edition</font>

 

[LSMITH]

Waterbrain, I had Isspro guages, now I have an SPA. I liked the display of the Isspro guages. I bought an SPA and I will never have anything else, I am digital from here on out. I did not like having two guages and the mechanical boost guage ticked under boost. I went to only one guage, and makes no noise. The display is a lot faster to see, and is easier to read for me. I am going to add another SPA for the trans temp and fuel pressure soon, but I will put it down on the dash in front of the 4wd shifter. I really don't like having more than one guage on the pillar (I have mine as low as it will go on the pillar). My vote is for the SPA.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Rancho 9000's Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[Brandon]

do I really need to tell anyone else what kinda gauges I like???????????????


If everyone knows, then I will shut up

B... ... ... ...

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Danelle's Dodge

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I would go with the triple "A" pillar setup with Boost, EGT and trans temp since you have the Auto. The fuel pressure issue is only because the pumps are so unreliable. You could put a fuel pressure gauge in a less obvious area since it is not the gauge you will be watching constantly. I have all Autometer Sport Comps in my 01 auto.
I have seen other gauges, ISSPRO, SPA, VDO, etc. I have always used Autometers for the last 10 years and i will never use another brand. They have been around for a long time, they have the best customer service. They also offer more sizes, styles, lighting colors and ranges then anyone by far. The only other company i would consider for analog style gauges would be VDO from a quality standpoint.
Without a doubt, Autometer makes the most accurate, relaiable gauge on the market. This is a proven fact. Personally i cant stand digital gauges. They never stop moving and they are too difficult to read at a glance, Unlike the flourecent red needles on the autometers which you cant miss out of the corner of your eye. Also, LCD displays are affected by heat and vibration and will fade or give "ghost" symbols over time. Others swear by them. All depends on what you like.
And as far as a "Ticking" boost gauge. 99% of the time that is caused when the boost reading is taken from the 3/4" port behind the fuel filter. It gets interference from the valves relieving pressure near the port. You want to drill and tap the intake pipe (Simple to do)to get steady readings.
For the EGT you drill the exhaust manifold pre turbo. If you go with an Autometer EGT gauge, you have to buy the Thermocouple seperatley since there are different types for different applications. For the quickest readings, order the Competition probe. Also, make sure you get the 0-1600 gauge and not the 600-1600 version.
I buy my gauges from www.summitracing.com go to www.autometer.com to get the part numbers you need. If you dont see a style or range you like, call them, they probably have it, and if they dont, they will make it for you.
Whichever you choose, enjoy.

 

[B. Gill]

does any one know the autometer part # for boost guage ,if i remember it was 0-40 and did not have no vaccume dial?
thanks

 

[mongoose]

Ok, please bear with me here. Are the EGT and the pyro guages the same or interchangable?

EMDDiesel, you mentioned the 3/4 plug behind the fuel filter sometimes causing the ticking he was experiencing. Is there a better place to mount the boost gauge?

[This message has been edited by mongoose (edited 05-11-2001). ]

 

[EMDDIESEL]

An EGT gauge and a PYRO gauge are the same thing. As for the boost gauge, you want to remove the intake "pipe" which is the aluminum square pipe that is bolted to the intake on the enginewhere the black tube from the inter cooler attatches. Drill and tap a hole in the middle on the side facing the drivers compartment. That is where you will get the steadiest readings for the boost gauge.
As for the boost gauge part number, they make 0-35psi and 0-60psi gauges in Ultra Lite, Carbon Fiber, Sport Comp, Phantom, etc and in different sizes. Go to www.autometer.com and look for the one you want there, or better yet, go to the site and get there number and call them. Alot of the gauges they make are not listed on thier site. If you are mounting it in the "A" pillar, you want 2. 1/16" size. If your truck is stock, or has nothing more then an exhaust and an induction, you can use a 0-35psi since your maxximum boost is only 20psi. If you get a 0-60psi with a stock engine more then half your gauge wont be used so it will be kind of annoying to read.

 

[Pull'nOld Iron]

HELP!
I'm in the middle of the installation of three A Pillar gauges and need to locate a hot wire reostat to power their lights.

Can anybody help me !!!!???? My idiot light cicuit tester took a vacation somewhere in a recent move and is gone! #ad


I was thinking of going to the display reostat but didn't want to destroy the dash in the process. Is there a wire in the bundle coming down along the steering shaft that would work. #ad


Please provide detailed advise. Helpless and clueless in the driveway.


Any help is greatly apprecdiated.

THANKS in advance.

 

[alanw]

Pull'n I tied into the dash lights it was the beige wire (01) . the dash pulls off
good luck

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Alan
01 2500 quad cummins 2wd swb 5 spd 3. 54 anti-slip trailer-camper special group K&N airfilter mufler gone

 

[SteveE]

Here is a picture of my set up, went with the Di Pricol gauges because they are pretty close to the stock look.
TST also carries a three pod.
Painted dual pod, came black.
Came with everything needed to work, sensor for the pyrometer, and replacement plug and fittings for the boost sensor. Have since drilled and tapped the intake for the boost pressure, much smoother boost readings now.
Steve QC LB 4X4 ETH/DEE
#ad



[This message has been edited by Stevee (edited 05-19-2001). ]

 

[JR2]

I am with Brandon..... SPA's are the best. Click the link in my sig to see a pic.

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John D. Rathert Jr.
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01 2500 Forrest Green Sport SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Guard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DTT's tc/vb combo, 275 RV injectors, DD 4" Exhaust and a KN RE0880 where the air box use to be. Fuel Pressure gauge, SS fuel lines and lift pump relocation on deck. See My Truck, Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck) Winter fun - 2000 Skidoo Summit 700
I am my own warranty station.
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[Pull'nOld Iron]

Thanks alanw, I was hesitant to pull on the dash panel too hard $$$. But everything went great! Now all I need is the three Apilar pod from Geno's. Back orders stink.

Anyway thanks for the help.

Log some readings and bomb some more soon !!

 

[MCrossley]

here is the pics of mine
#ad


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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake w/ DTT Smart Controller, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns, P. S. High Idler, RV 275 Injectors.

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

Ram-Taz