2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gauges & night illumination

[rmrc]

Although I've done a search on the gauge topics, I can't seem to zero in on which "quality" qauges look the same as the dash quages and have the same type of illumination at night.



I'd like to have my new qauges looking as close to the dash as possible. Any suggestions?

 

[mediccummin]

Autometer

I have the Autometer Sport Comps with blue bulb condoms and they match almost identical to the dash lights. This of course is in my opinion, now lets see how everyone else feels. Good luck on your choice.

 

[HomerDog]

I have autometer ultra lights with the green covers and I think they match just fine. Every guy has a different opinion on gages, its just a matter of finding the look that you want.

 

[Joe Mc]

3 Westach's on the "A" pillar pod, wired to the fueses for power and illumination (dimming) by the stock switch. Same even faint green glow.

 

[RBSOB]

Westachs

I have Westachs on pillar with green tinted bulbs. Good visibility and look "stock''. Try to find a local chapter and get a look at others set ups, most are hapy to "show off". Get an idea of what look and functions you want before spending $$. Have Fun, Jim G.

 

[Tagalong]

Pillar pod lighting!

I have the AutoMeter Z-Type (Black face w/ white numbers) and green "condom" covers... I think they match the OEM dash farily closely and they're not too bright at night.

 

[Boondocker]

gauge lights

I have the Isspro boost and EGT on the A-pillar. They are way too bright. And the convex bezel is not a good feature because when the brightness is outside, all you can see is your reflection. But I really like the "rainbow" EGT gauge, it's good for the occasional non-technical driver. Doesn't match anything. I also have the Westach fuel pressure. It seems dim by comparison but is quite legible. However, the light is not restricted to the gauge, it shines outside the gauge onto the pillar, only mildly annoying.



I based my decisions largely on the TDR issue 34 and what was available from my prefered supplier when I was ready to purchase. All in all, I'm darned happy to have the gauges and installing them was a good learning experience. It should definately be one of your first mods.



Regards,

Neil

 

[tmacc]

I have 3 Westachs and w/ the green condom, their pretty close. I also have them hooked up to the dimmer and it's definitely the way to go. I tied into the tan wire in the headlight switch bundle (top left as you looking at it) to control the gauge lights. I'm very happy w/ the Westach 60psi boost/EGT combo guage and the 15psi FP gauge, but I had to replace the thermocoupler to the transmission temp gauge once and something is acting up again. Haven't had time to trouble shoot it, but Geno's replace the first one promptly. Great customer service. I've had them about 1. 5 years. I would buy them again.

Tom

 

[Shovelhead]

I'm using 4 Isspro EVs mounted in individual dash pods.

Pyro, Boost, Trans Temp, Fuel Pressure.

I love the fact that they're easy to read, and the illumination of the gauges, hooked to the stock dash dimmer circuit, and the minimal reflections don't bother me.

The "rainbow" Pyro is a neat feature, cuz you can tell how close you're getting to the danger zone with a quick glance.

 

[Blakers]

My Isspro boost gauge is fine. But the pyro gauge is brand "HI" - whatever that is? - is too dark to see at night. A very poor design, it seems the hand on the bulb is behind the part with the hand and does not even illuminate it. I'll try a stronger bulb, but that may not even help.



Blake

 

[JohnE]

Isspro EV with the new red/orange pointers is the closest you will find to OEM in appearance.



For those getting halos, try adjusting the gauges either with shims or angle rings. The gauges need to face directly towards you for best function.

 

[jmeehan]

VDO vision series gauges look just like what's in the dash. My boost came with a green bulb condom so the color matchs. My EGT didn't but I don't care anymore.

Gauges are gauges, I don't care if they look factory anymore. I'm getting ready to install a second EGT, pre-turbo, and it won't match, but it'll be the best I can find.

 

[ramman]

green bulbs

I replaced the bulbs with green bulbs from autozone or walmart and they match great.

 

[BigMo]

Originally posted by JohnE

Isspro EV with the new red/orange pointers is the closest you will find to OEM in appearance.

Is the Isspro EV pointer actually lit from inside, does it "glow" with light-sensative paint, or is it just and orange colored pointer?



I've been impressed with the VDO Vision gauges on visual appeal (they appear to look just like the stock gauges), but VDO has functional limitations, i. e. , they don't cater to our turbo pressure and fuel pressure needs.



There appears to be no "perfect" guage.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have Autometer Sport Comps with green bulb covers and it looks liek the factory lightsing, no complaints here.

 

[HOSS]

VDO

The VDO visions series look just like our stock gauges use a 0-15 psi boost for fuel pressure and your set.

 

[C Schomer]

I'm looking at the Isspro EVs. Their book says the pointer is illuminated. I'm hoping to use my existing TC and lead wire with the EV pyro to save $50. Too bright would be a nice change - a resistor or dimmer bulb would fix that! VDO boost only goes to 30 or 35 psi. The Isspro Man. Press (R5610) is 40 and they have Turbo Boost (R5623) that goes to 60. Craig

 

[JohnE]

<blockquote>BigMo wrote:

&quot;Is the ISSPRO EV pointer actually lit from inside, does it "glow" with light-sensative paint, or is it just and orange colored pointer? ... &quot; </blockquote>

I have the first generation EV series and can only use that as first hand reference.

The pyro and boost gauges use a backlit dial face with an opaque illuminated pointer. The center black dot is to direct the illumination to the ponter and not shine in your face. My only complaint is they are brighter than OEM, but that is easier to fix than dimmer.

Changing my exisiting setup to an orange pointer would be a near perfect match to OEM and the gauge scale I desire.



Yes, The VDO would be my first choice for gauges, too. They really look like OEM.

I loved them in my Porsche and was very happy with the illumination and scale in that application. (It did take a while to get accustomed to reading oil pressure in <em>bars</em>. )

The drawbacks were also pointed out. Boost 0-30psi. Pyro 250-1650 with an odd scaled dial face.



I have to do a lot of night driving and am picky on things. I waited over a year for the EV series to come out before purchasing gauges. I wanted the 60 lb boost and 1800&deg; pyro and to read them at night. The factory high beam indicator is gone, too. I can tell when I have the high beams <em>on</em> without that blue spot light blinding me.





<blockquote>C Schomer wrote:

&quot;... I'm hoping to use my existing TC and lead wire with the EV pyro to save $50. ... &quot; </blockquote>

I would get a new thermocouple and lead wire unless it is already ISSPRO brand.



-John

 

[OL RATLR]

gauges

I have Isspro EV series Pyro, Boost, transmission and

mech fuel pressure. Luv them.

 

[rmrc]

Di-Pricol

I've noticed no one has mentioned Di-Pricol gauges. Any reasons why????