Gauges or Tuner?

[LRutigliano]

I'm new to the Forum but have been reading it for awhile and am very impressed with the member advise vs. the other "free" forums.



I've gone over the slippery slope but need some advise, please:



I want to get gauges for EGT, boost and trans temp and am so close to ordering the ISSPRO kit from Diesel Manor. However, I've also been looking at the Quadzilla PMT and just cant decide. I'm going to add a tuner later anyway, I know I am...



Does the PMT read trans temp on a 2003? I don't think it will, but I'm not sure. As far as tuners go, I want simplicity and reliability.



Are gauges going to be a reliability issue or will they last?



Last question... drilling a hole in my exhaust manifold has me very "scared". I love to work on the truck but just dont feel very good about getting metal shavings into the manifold.



Any advise would be appreciated

 

[Lonestar]

Gauges first!



Especially if you are already running a set of performance injectors, I'm sure you are already too hot. I am installing gauges today in my new-to-me 06 3500, then the Smarty immediately there after.



Good Luck!

 

[LRutigliano]

Lonestar, thank you.



The PMT has digital gauges: EGT and such, but I cant figure out if has transmission temp on a 2003. The PMT reads everything except the EGT thru the OBDII connector. That is why is it appealing to me. You get the gauges and the tuner for about the same cost as analog gauges and a separate tuner.



So my question is really digital gauges or analog? Sorry for not being more clear.



Regards.

 

[RMalone]

Gauges no matter what. Personally I am not fond of having multiple items (gauges and fuel) controlled/measured by the same product. If it pukes EVERYTHING pukes. I feel the same way about marine gps/sonar combo units, if one is down they are likely both down. So in other words, if you can swing the dollars, get stand alone gauges then get a tuner, and by that point you'll need to consider a new turbo and some trans work. Just my view, many people are perfectly happy with the quad, banks, edge, tst, etc. doing both jobs.

 

[Lonestar]

Sorry, for my misunderstanding. I use a BD Xmonitor on my 03, and I really like it, but I do prefer the look of the analog gauges better. As far as the trans temp, mine I believe receives it from the ecm, so the PMT should give you the same ability to monitor trans temp.



Good Luck!

 

[CDonaldson]

Greetings and welcome to the forums.



I chose the ISSPRO analog gauges, mounted them on the a-pillar. I considered digitals, they do look nice. The reason I went with the analogs is that they work independently of the computer system on the truck. There have been lots and lots of discussions over the past couple years about actual readings vrs computer genrated readings and since 2 years ago no one was sure what you would be reading from, the analogs made more sense in the moment.



I started with gauges because that way I would get to know my truck, what was what, and with every change I would also be able to monitor what I have done and weigh in on it's benefit/loss in the whole picture.



The new electronic all-in-one's are nice, will give you more measuring capabilities in different aspects - if I want more I would have to either get more gauges and another mount for them or just add the electronic package gauges for the all-in-one stuff.



I prefer the analogs, will add some more gauges to an overhead. Do your homework, get what you like, having gauges are better than no gauges. Any time you do any mods over stock you need gauges, in fact, my engine is virtually stock and I was real suprised about EGT's when towing. So much that I made my next investments into getting the EGT's down with a ME and a better intake setup.



CD

 

[Giachino]

Guages first (I agree)!



I say analogue, just becasue that's what i've had on both of my trucks with great success..... now i do use the digital rp/fp quad guage... but only because i didnt want the clutter of two more guages on top of the 3 guage pilliar mount

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I prefer analog gauges. It's nice to have everything all in one, but all of my friends who have setups like that have ended up with traditional analog gauges eventually.



They're much easier to read at a glance

 

[KBrasch]

About a year ago a friend of mine and I both got the Edge with attuide and love it. He put one on his '06 and mine is on a 98. 5. I have had 2 lift pumps go out and the audiable alert on the controler let me know there was a problem right away. I dont know if I would have noticed the drop in preasure on a analog gauge so quickly. The turbo timer is another very nice feature that i never knew I needed until I had gauges. P. S. the extra ****load of power and smoke show at a touch of a button dosen't hurt either.

 

[LRutigliano]

Thanks for all your replies.



I was ready to pull the trigger on the Isspro gauges last night. Called Diesel Manor and they also helped me quite a bit. They told me the Isspro 30 and 60psig boost gauges on are national back order until JAN sometime.



They turned me onto Dipricol gauges. They look very nice. Going to get the 3 gauge package with the 35psig boost gauge. Stock is 23 to 27 psig according to Sec 11. 11 of the service manual.



Any issues with Dipricol and do you think the 35psi gauge is fine? Other option is 60psi, but I dont want it if I can only go to 30 or so.



Thanks,

Louis

 

[MMeier]

Get the 60# gauge, it'll come in handy later down the road! :-laf

 

[Giachino]

I had the isspro's in my 05 and diprocol's in my 06... . like em both, minimal difference... . but do get the 60psi boost guage... that J/A can hit 40+ psi on hot mode... . good to see it to max level