Gauges: Traditional or Digital?

[Bernie]

Looking to add gauges to my 2003 2500 CTD, auto. I feel like I should have the followin gauges for towing big loads:



-EGT

-Trans temp

-Boost (not needed, but nice)

-Real oil pressure gauge



Geno's has some gauge options, but then I started getting a little bit of sticker shock to do what I want. Then I started look at the digital option.



Any reason I should go one way or another. If I do go digital, thoughts on which make?

 

[Matt400]

For digital I would do SPA. I had those in my 03 but they are expensive.

I have analog now in my 05 and like them better actually. Dunno why, guess its just cuz I can glance at the needle position vs "looking" at a number.



If you want to know specific numbers then digital is the way to go but if your more concerned with safe zones then the analog is better IMO.



For a manual trans I would go with a dual gauge in an SRT pillar mount. If you go digital SPA you can do Boost & EGT and set warning levels where it will flash an led at you. I don't see the reason for oil pressure & trans temp on yours. I would think by the time you over heated your trans you will have melted the motor. Oil pressure is nice but the oem system tells you when you "lost" oil pressure via a waning "check gauges" lamp that will get your attention faster than a gauge will.

 

[DHayden]

I have SPA dual gauges. Boost/egt, trans/rear diff. and fuel pressure/water though water is actually connected to my engine oil. I like them alot, they are easy to read and programming the warning level is nice. I have it set to flash before I get in trouble. Only problem I have had is the back light on 2 of the 3 went out from the start but come on and off as they please, I hear they have taken care of this but thats my only gripe.

 

[Matt400]

Only problem I have had is the back light on 2 of the 3 went out

I had that too, I think they should be wired into the dash lamps vs on all the time. Other than that. . great instrument.

 

[JDiepstra]

To me the answer is simple. Get the triple pillar mount with traditional gauges. Why? It looks awesome. There is also a nice mount that will hold two gauges that will mount on your steering column. I would add a fuel pressure gauge to your list.

 

[SierraRam]

I prefer the analog gages over digital and have had them both. Digital takes to long to read the information, a analog gage you just need a quick glance.

I currently have the Dipricol EGT, Fuel Rail and boost.



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SR

 

[kblranch]

Dakota Digital also has a digital that has EGT, boost and temperature all in one gauge. I currently have the SPA with the burnt out back light. Next time I am going to try the Dakota gauge.

 

[JKloppe]

I agree will SierraRam, and say the same thing again.

I like analog gauges because all you have to do is glance to get info. I learn were they should be and its almost like I dont need to look at them to see what they say.



Digital gauges need to be read, which takes more time.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

gauges.

I had SPA digital on my last Dodge and liked it alot. No problems including the backlight.

On my present truck I did not do SPA because of poor customer service at the time, I tried to do business with Dakota but they had an attitude problem so I went with analog Westach gauges from Genos. They work fine and I am used to them now but overall I prefer digital.

 

[Bernie]

Edge?

I guess I wasn't specific: I was curios about possible pros and cons of analog gauges versus a digital info center, like the Edge system.

 

[Matt400]

Oh. . you mean this:

Edge Products: Product

vs this:

ISSPRO - 2" EGT (100°-1500°) PRE- OR POST-TURBO INSTALL-Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage



The Edge thing is kinda cool, wonder if it has alarm presets? The Edge unit would be a more easy install, I kinda like it.

For digital though I think alarm presets are nice so you don't have to watch the gauge. That's the reason for analog cuz you can just glance at the needle and know if its getting too far over without reading numbers on the dial.



Have you seen these:

Dual Gauges - Buy dual gauges online

those have alarm presets.

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[MA2LA]

I have the quadzillla commander and Its been great. I have had some issues with the fuel pressure but I have that fixed now. I used thier a pillar mount and have gotten many positive comments. The only thing It doesn't do is oil pressure. You are limmited to looking at 4 guages at any one time but you can set warnings for the others and it will let you know what is going on.

 

[DShore]

Analog gauges require less of your attention span than digital that require constant attention to get the exact number, then your brain must compute what # you want and the difference between the two. Analog gauges only require a quick glance of where the needle is at on the scale. Exact #'s do not matter that much. With more time being spent watching gauges means less time to pay attention to your driving and the other nuts out there on the road. That is not even taking into account reading signs and listening to the wife's directions. My 2 cents worth.