Gauges

[KFeimer]

I am looking to add some gauges to my truck and am looking for some advise. I have an 05 Ram 2500 4x4 diesel with automatic trans. This is my first diesel so I am still learning. The only mods so far ar the air intake and exhaust. I was looking to add some gauges to it. The set up I was looking at gives me the option of a 2 gauge or 3 gauge cluster. From what I have read I should get a trans temp gauge and exhaust gas temp gauge. The salesguy I talked to at BANKS kept recommending a turbo boost gauge. What this be a good choice? should I get a third gauge? or would I just be wasting my money? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SLO CTD]

Those three are what you would want to get. They would tell you everything you need to know and give you a heads up on when things start not working properly. If I were only to get two. . well, with an auto, I would just get the three. End of story. They are relatively easy to install on your own. Good luck.

 

[JApol]

I will second that. Boost, transmission (especially if towing) and EGT. Best position for the thermocouple will be pre-turbo.

Tape over the tail pipe about 3/4 of the way and cover the drill bit and the tap with grease and happy drilling

 

[Jcolburn]

All three ia best Boost,EGT(pre-turbo),transmission. If you don't tow alot you can just go with Boost and EGT.

 

[qzilla]

http://www.quadzillapower.com/prod_recon.html



Check this gauge out. has everything you need and for a reasonable price. This part is really great for those starting out as it is simple, gives you everything you need plus a little more and is easy to install and non-intrusive to your truck interior.



Also later on if you decide to modify your truck further you can remove the transmission portion of the gauge and add fuel pressure.



Sounds like it is right up your alley.



Quad

 

[lethal injection]

I would suggest boost, trans, egt, fuel pressure

 

[crabman]

You might want to look at THIS to hook up your transmission gauge. It is a OEM part too, downside is it is not to cheap.



crabman

 

[JohnCooper]

You might want to look at THIS to hook up your transmission gauge. It is a OEM part too, downside is it is not to cheap.



crabman

It's a lot less expensive than the competitors product! Very well made.

 

[JohnCooper]

http://www.quadzillapower.com/prod_recon.html



Check this gauge out. has everything you need and for a reasonable price. This part is really great for those starting out as it is simple, gives you everything you need plus a little more and is easy to install and non-intrusive to your truck interior.



Also later on if you decide to modify your truck further you can remove the transmission portion of the gauge and add fuel pressure.



Sounds like it is right up your alley.



Quad

Or you could go with the Quadzilla Commander and be able to monitor just about anything you would want to monitor!



http://www.quadzillapower.com/prod_commander.html



I'm very happy with mine! Oo. I'm able to monitor many functions without having quages all over the truck - just one little box!

 

[KFeimer]

Oo. Thanks for all the suggestions and info. It gives me a direction to go with.

 

[DeezelDood]

I agree: EGT/Boost/transmission temp. I have, and love, the Westech EGT/Boost combo gage on the Mopar SRT-10 pillar. I don't have the transmission temp yet, will probably put it on the steering column. May just be me, but I have a problem with drilling on the exhaust manifold with the engine running. Ditto the air blower in the exhaust pipe idea. It adds a complication and doesn't feel right. The only thing that can really hurt you is drilling the pilot hole. A little misalignment here or there and the bit can break off into the manifold. Bad news. Geno's gives you decent instructions when you order from them, but they are not Machine Shop 101. Previous experience/skill is recommended. Use grease liberally for drilling and tapping. Stop and clean the bit and tap, regrease often. Stick a pencil magnet into the hole to pick up shavings. This gets 99. 9% of the shavings, the rest are a non-factor. Most of the shavings come out on the first sweep. Above all, go SLOW, the weight of the drill plus just bit of pressure is enough. I disagree with Genos's instructions to use the 5/16" bit for the (recommended) 1/8 NPT tap. This is barely big enoug to start the tap. Use the proper "R" bit in accordance with the chart. Any doubts? Bring the truck to a shop to drill and tap the hole, clean out the shavings, put in an 1/8 NPT plug, go home to do the rest.

Good luck.