Help Chosing Gauges

[Joe Mc]

Not bombed yet. Don't plan any severe bombing in the future, just a few enhancements. I know, I know once you get started and all that, but that's the plan for now. I think it's a good idea to see where things are before I get started, regardless.

I like the digital combo gauges. Wish to go w/two combo on the pillar. I'm thinking of EGT & Boost 1st and fuel pressures 2nd (pre & after filter). I've seen the Westac's, price is good and they are OK, but look like the're a bit harder to read than the digitals. Of course the digitals are priced on the high side. Get what you pay for, right. I havent seen any digital dual fuel gauges. Am I missing something?



Please share your thoughts. Type of gauge digital or needle, parameters that should be monitored EGT/Boost, Fuel pre/after. Or something more important like _____? I'd rather hear opinions & learn from guys/gals that have found out already, than spend my hard earned $$ to get something I don't like/isn't appropriate/important to monitor. I could go with the tri pillar but think it's too busy. MHO



Appreciate the input.

 

[Lsfarm]

Gauges

Joe Mc what you like to look at is a personal preference.



For myself, I prefer to see a moving needle, [analog gauge] rather than flashing or scrolling numbers as the temp or boost changes.



I like to just look and see that the needle is pointing in the right direction. When you are driving, I don't want to have to think about a number, make sure it makes sense, sure I really read the correct box in a two gauge unit. It can be a bit confusing.



Now for something that really doesn't move very much, like lift pump pressure, a digital would be fine.



I went with the Autometer Z series gauges in my truck, with the triple A pillar mount. These look fairly close to factory. I've had several people inquire about when the gauges became an option from the factory.



I had excellent service and delivery from Doug and Andy at ADT www.smokindiesel.com . They even painted the Pillar mount for me, so when the stuff arrived, I started the install.



If you feel that digital is the way to go, then it is for you.



Just my $. 02 worth, Greg L

 

[Joe Mc]

Greg, now that you mention it who has time to process all the numbers of the digital, duh! It makes more sense to just "at a glance" realize the needles are in the correct position. Thanks for reminding me of those 6k shifts down the 1/4 mile glancing at the tach when the motor sounded close. Funny how you forget those little things.



Joe Mc

 

[BFC]

Ditto here

You don't know what your getting yourself into with a question like that



Andy also carries the SPA guages, click on the link in the previous post and go check it out. Whatever floats your boat is what you need.



Glenn

 

[GFoley]

Check out the most recent TDR magazine. There is a large article in it about gauges. I have Autometer Ultra Lites. After some consideration I almost wish I had purchased the black faced ones instead ( I forget the name of that line). They seem to have a more "factory" look. I went w/ a dash pod. Access under is a real PIA, but pull the AC control mudule for the best and most access.



Glenn

 

[Lsfarm]

Pointing needles

Joe Mc. Just to carry this out a little more: when I used to do a bit of racing, it was suggested to me by a very experienced driver to rotate all the gauges: water temp, oil temp, oil pressure, ammeter so that when the gauge was reading at the correct value, the needles all pointed to say 12 O'clock, or 3 O'clock, or whatever I liked.



This made recognizing a problem very easy, and made a quick check for 'everything's normal' also very easy.



But there are a lot of people who have many more inactive brain cells than me, so they may be able to use them to process digital info just fine!!



Take care, Greg L

 

[Blu-meanie]

I'm an older type guy. I like the regular clocks and the needle pointing gauges. Just a glance and you know what's up. I used to be an aircraft type electrician and I put bright red range marks on my upper limits (EGT). You can spot it in an instant while climbing a curvy mountain road, no reading required.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

What a familiar topic, yet another thing about the TDR i have missed. My 2c, Andy at www.smokindiesel.com is a great guy and will hook you up with what you need. Also check out www.autometer.com and see the series you want, Ultra-lite (silver face/bezel), Sport comp, (black face/silver bezel), Pro Comp (Liquid filled, black face/silver bezel), Phantom (white face, black bezel), Z Series, (black face/smaller balck bezel). Black bezels are available for any series gauge for about 4 bucks extra.

Good luck

 

[Bigsaint]

EMD... glad to see ya back on the boards



I have one SPA gauge, the rest are all analog. It's a bit pricey, but has some great features such as the ability to adjust the display refresh rate ( real handy when monitoring post filter FP) and idiot lights to warn of low psi's, etc. I'h hazard a guess that the SPA senders are built somewhat better than most, mine has been monitoring post FP without a snubber for a while now, now ill effects to date.



I have one Autometer Ultralite 2 5/8" gauge mounted on the hood, for pre-filter FP. Works well although the 'perimeter lighting' leaves something to be desired when the gauge is mounted on the exterior. Other than that, no complaints with the Autometer and zero complaints with the SPA, both perform well.



The three other gauges I have are made by DiPricol. Again, no real complaints. The needle is not illuminated on the egt. gauge, which makes it more difficult to read at night. The DiP boost gauge goes to 60 psi's ( didn't have a clue what I was buying back when I purchased the set from TST) and I'm glad I didn't have to upgrade to a different boost gauge post bombing, although a 50 psi gauge would be 5 psi's more than I need.



See if you can find some members with gauges installed and view them at night, then make your decision. As long as you stay with a name brand, i. e. , Autometer, DiPricol, SPA, Isspro, etc. , I don't think you will be disapointed in whatvever you choose, it really is more of a personal preference to the gauges appearence rather than it's function, IMHO.



Scott W.

 

[jbone]

Agree with most your call, I have the triple a-panel and really like it--went with Westach, because I believe they are there for longhaul--some of the others I have had die when I used to race (another life time ago)... I agree that your brain gets info faster from needles... my two cents worth... ... jbone

 

[RustyJC]

Put Me Down for Westachs!

I went with the Westachs because I could get 4 gauges into a 2-pod A-pillar mount, and I personally liked the "aero-tech" appearance. It probably took me a couple of days to get used to the dual needles - now they are second nature. Night visibility is just fine, and using the green boot over the gauge lights produces an effect very close to the stock gauges. The gauges are responsive and appear to be accurate, so count me as a happy camper.



Another plus is, if you can't find what you want at Geno's or in the Westach catalog, just give Roger Westberg a call. He suggested the combo dual fuel pressure gauge setup I have - it's a non-catalog item that matches the combo EGT/boost gauge perfectly.



Rusty

 

[Jhillmann]

Just to muddy the waters a little here is an additional choice for digital gauges.

http://www.dakotadigital.com

I have not used these myself, but know a few hotrodders which have and are happy with themDakota Digital

 

[Dr.Kayak]

A pillar mount

I have the Autometer Z series because they match the factory gauges well. I never liked the looks of the A-pillar mount in pictures. Several members posted "you will like the A-pillar mount once you have it. . " I agree.



Complaints: too dark at night, (I have switch to turn the gauge lights off. But have never used it because they are so dim)



I'm now adding a Westach fuel pressure gauge (the Autometer 2661 fuel pressure is over priced). This gauge will be down out of the way, so matching the Autometer will not be an issue.



If I were to do it over again? I might go with Westach:



Boost/EGT

Dual temp. - Trans and rear diff.

Fuel pressure.

A-pillar 3 gauge mount

 

[B. Gill]

welcome back EMD

also check new summit catalog they have new NORDSKOG analog guages that are electronic/electrical and they can be programmed to activate any other alarms ,fans,etc that are not part of the guage i liked those thinking of replacing my Autometers.

bob

 

[sonorakitch]

Hi,



I also prefer the needle gauges. Much easier to read.



I went with the Autometer Ultralights... they look excellent if you have the grey (I think it is quartz) interior. If you paint the A-Pillar to match, the gauges will blend in. I also have comments inquiring as to whether the gauges are factory or not.



I also installed a switch in-line for the gauge lights. I heard some concerns of the A-Pillar lights being distracting at night. Haven't ever turned the lights off, though.



~Chris

 

[BigDaddy]

I prefer the digital gauges. My choice, SPA. Although, higher priced than most analogue gauges, these gauges provide features/functions that the others do not.

1. Two gauges in one.

2. Remembers my maximum indication.

3. Largest scale readings available.

4. I do not have to read a gauge, indicator light for high or low limits.

5. Self-calibration to ensure accuracy.

6. Fun to play with