Guages, Ok I'm Convinced - Now What?

[ImagesThatSing]

This is our second Cummins Ram (99, now 03) and we have not had guages before. After reading from another post and the link, we are now convinced we need them.



First, what I think I know:

1. I want a pillar mount that can be painted to match.



Now what I don't know but have questions about.

1. With 6 speed, do I need a transmission guage?

2. Is there a place to get detailed instructions for installation (before turbo, steel shavings problems, other, pics and dummy step by step instructions as well as any special tools needed).

3. My first impression after looking at Geno's offerings is that the dual digital guages are easy to read and maybe most desireable from a rookie's point of view. Yes, no, maybe, and if I need a transmission temp how do I do that with those guages or is that what the dual temp is for.

4. Does any pillar fit any guage set?



Now what I don't know that I don't know.

That is what really scares me

Filling in the blanks here is most important.



Any input would be appreciated. I have not worked on the cummins except to change oil and brake pads, and simple things like mounting a rollnlock and nerf bars, etc, but I am feeling/hoping I can do this as I do other things with careful fully researched preparation and planning.



Figured no bettah place than this to consult the knowledge and experience pool.





Thank you

 

[rfitzgarrald]

OK! now I'm covinced

I have a 1st gen. as you can tell by my sig. The install of the pyro isn't that tuff.

Just take your time and keep the drill bit and tap greased while your drilling and tapping and that will keep the majority of chips out of the manifold. Also having someone hold a shop-vac to the hole while your dilling also helps.

After you get the hole drilled & tapped take a small magnet that is extendable and fish around in the hole to get any remaing chips out. the real-real-real small chips will pass through the turbo with no problem.

Talk to the guys at Geno's garage 1-800-755-1715. Real helpful.



You might want to check out this post that I found while doing a search for gauge install.

This post is courtesy of Keith Locklier

Autometer makes a 2-gauge steering column mount for those trucks.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=535767



Keith Lockliear

-- email address removed --

Diesel Dynamics, Inc.

2500 4x4 auto: 11. 96 @ 110. 08

 

[ImagesThatSing]

I like the dual gauge steering mount also. I can see that boost and egt is essential, however, I am wondering how important fuel pressure is, and if the other temp guys are even important to consider.

 

[crebelein]

my thoughts on gauges are that they are a cheap way to monitor what is going on. i will be installing them in my 03 as soon as i get a chance. i say go for it.



as for which gauges to get... i'd get egt, fp, & boost if i had a pre-03. because of the way the hpcr works, i will be going w/egt & boost only.



i also say go w/analog gauges. i have an entire set of analogs in my 69 charger -> http://charger.rebby.com/interior.php and they are highly superior to digital gauges imho. i can tell what is going on w/my engine by just glancing at my instrument cluster and noting needle position. taking the time to read digital numbers can't be nearly as quick and easy. taking extra time to read gauges (especially in harsh winter weather) is not always an option, then again, not looking at your gauges is a waste of resource. analog is the way to go.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I just started putting up some pages Mainly from the DIESELPAGE.com which is a great source for DIY installs.



http://netdp.proboards14.com/index.cgi?board=HOWTO

 

[ImagesThatSing]

Gauges, Boost, 30 or 60#

I don't know at this point if I will be adding power or staying stock. We are looking in the next couple of years on upgrading to a 12K to 13. 5K 5th wheel, but who knows. I see that many of the boost gauges come in standard up to 350 hp, and a higher boost to 60#. Is it difficult to read and be accurate if one gets a 60# in anticipation of possible upgrades? Is it a mistake to get a 60# until it is needed, or does it not matter?

 

[ImagesThatSing]

Why not just install pyro probe after Turbo?

I have seen information regarding both before and after temperatures, with many caveats regarding potential damage from a drill and tap without removing the turbo.



Where would I look to find the benefits/disadvantages of before vs after turbo pyro probe installations?

 

[wsmalley]

There is no real danger of drilling pre-turbo. I know of countless people who just drill, tap, and fire. That includes my truck. My mechanic and my performance guy both do it that way, and not a one of there customers has come back with that problem in all the years that they have been doing this(10+ years a piece). Now if you still think there is a danger, then you can go through the hassle of getting to your downpipe. I just hope you don't plan on going to a 4-inch exhaust anytime soon.