Ready to Order Gauges @ Geno's - Question

[Joe Mc]

Sorry for the long post but I'm looking @ spending $750 +/- tomorrow, appreciate comments from fellow TDR'ers who've been there & done it. I've read many posts about gauges, recently some mention Geno's installation instructions not being very good, hard to follow, thin - etc. And others mention they were too the "T", right on, etc. A bit of info before my questions - I think I'm going w/Westachs - EGT/Boost, Trans & Fuel on the a-pillar. I'm not claiming to be a rocket scientist or anything but, have rebuilt a few automatic & std trans', big/small - MoPar, Ford & GM engines and am a general gear head/hate anyone messing w/my s _ _t, a true TDR'er eh?. I hate shopping and am used to getting everything I need from the same (one) source as much as possible and from someone who knows what they are talking about. My first diesel though, and a bit protective:-laf. I'd like to start this project some Saturday morning and be finished mid Sunday (with some sleep in between), FYI I am a perfectionist and can't deal with messy wires etc. anywhere(':{'), am I being realistic or is this a longer project?



Here's the real questions - finally I know.



1st - Are the folks @ Geno's, helpful cause after looking at the catalog I'm a bit confused. I realize this is probably because the catalog is really small in comparrison to what they offer? Who should I ask for to best help me with my "gauges for dummies questions".



2nd - EGT/Boost - going with the HO cause you never know what the future holds right What probe do I need (see sig) 1/4" or 1/8" why is there two to choose from?



3rd - Universal '' Temp for Trans - (doesn't Westach have one labled "Trans") what gives w/all the sensors - is it cause the catalog only lists universal? Does the dipstick sensor go into the tube or attach to it's side? If the side is the answer I doubt it's accuracy and will plan to get the DD pan to emerse in the actual fluid for better reading (a bit of help here - the pan is $265 that I could spend later on, or now & really depends on the probe question answer) I'll probably get it anyway''.



4th - Fuel - I'd like to monitor pre & post, but don't care for the toggle switch deal I've read about, is there a "real dual" fuel gauge available for constant monitoring? Keep in mind I don't want to mix gauge manufacturers- they have to look good too right?



5th - "A" pillar 3 pod w/tweeter in catalog is by autometer - will Westachs fit & "can" Geno's paint to match?



6th - Should I get the banjo bolts? If so, why? If I was to get them I'd go for the 5/0 set right (see sig)?



7th - Muffler eliminator pipe - I know it probably comes down to taste/noise, that aside for the noise will I notice anything other than just that? Does it really speed spool-up?



8th & last - I don't want to get torn apart and find out I need to run out for something - should I expect to get everything I need to do the gauge install? or am I expecting too much?



Appreciate any & all comments - Whew - Sorry

 

[JR2]

That is quite a list of questions and projects. I don't know if you could get it all done in that much time. It took me about 5 hours to do my first guages and about 4 hours to do it again when I added the second gauge and new pod.

I answered a few of your questions bellow... .

1st - Are the folks @ Geno's, helpful cause after looking at the catalog I'm a bit confused. I realize this is probably because the catalog is really small in comparrison to what they offer? Who should I ask for to best help me with my "gauges for dummies questions".

Genos is a great place for parts and they have always sent good instructions for what I was buying. As for the best place for help with your questions, you are there.

2nd - EGT/Boost - going with the HO cause you never know what the future holds right What probe do I need (see sig) 1/4" or 1/8" why is there two to choose from?

If either will work with your gauges I think I would choose the 1/8th. It should react faster to temp changes.

5th - "A" pillar 3 pod w/tweeter in catalog is by autometer - will Westachs fit & "can" Geno's paint to match?

I believe any standard 2 1/8th guage will fit in the pod. I don't think genos paints them, but its not hard and your local Dodge dealer should be able to get you the paint in a small spray can for about $6. If not any decent auto paint store could set you up.

6th - Should I get the banjo bolts? If so, why? If I was to get them I'd go for the 5/0 set right (see sig)?

That depends on what your future plans are, are you going to add a fueling box or bigger injectors?? If so I don't think it would hurt. I don't know what set to get as I don't have any Banjos on my truck any more.

7th - Muffler eliminator pipe - I know it probably comes down to taste/noise, that aside for the noise will I notice anything other than just that? Does it really speed spool-up?

It will help a bit. It is probably not necessary unless you are going to hot rod more or you tow alot. Its not that expensive so what the heck, besides it sounds real good... .

8th & last - I don't want to get torn apart and find out I need to run out for something - should I expect to get everything I need to do the gauge install? or am I expecting too much?

Well I am not sure on this, there are alot of options and I don't know how many supplies you have. Most of the items you need should come with the gauges. But if you decide to cut off a connector because it looks cheap or something like that you are on your own.

 

[shendren]

i would go with the TST guages to do it over again. their instructions are excellent. check out their instructions online first. good luck

 

[Joe Mc]

Done Deal

The deed is done. Wendy took my order and was very helpful. Andy in Tech. assist had the answers Wendy wasn't sure of.



Only problem is the Fuel guage and 3 Pod w/spkr pillar mounts are on back order :{ I asked that all items be shipped together. Andy suggested going with the Trans pan drain plug kit Vs. the DD pan (saved me $265) to insert the trans temp sensor. We'll see how that works out.



Thanks

 

[RBSOB]

Gauges

Joe, good luck with your install, as you've found Genos is very helpfull and the instructions are good. If youve ever done a car stereo install you can do gauges in about 4 hours. All vendors seem to be on back order for some gauges or parts, Genos "kits" are very complete. Start now . Pre plan wiring and grounds, I tapped #5 &8 fuses. Have your mount pre painted, get color matched interior paint from Dodge. I went with post filter, fuel pressure only, I want to see what the injection pump is seeing, so I got a single banjo bolt. I ran all wiring thru a large unused rubber grommet to the left of and above where the steering shaft goes thru the firewall, then over to fuse box area, 1/2 inch hole drilled in side of dash next to pillar, wires out & up to pillar. Very neat, invisible with door closed, about 2 inch wire loom visible when door is fully open. Looks stock. Did you find a dual F. P. gauge? How about the muffler elimination kit,I'm curious how these work out? Have fun, enjoy the task Jim G.

 

[Joe Mc]

Re: Gauges

Originally posted by RBSOB

Did you find a dual F. P. gauge? How about the muffler elimination kit,I'm curious how these work out? Have fun, enjoy the task Jim G.

Jim,



Didn't even ask about the dual FP gauge I'm sure I read in the TRD Mag or here that one can be had from westach. Maybe Geno's can get one didn't ask - figured I'd go with a single, monitor post filter @ bottom filter bowl and just change filter every other oil. I'll let you know how the M-eliminator kit goes. I may try it myself/take it to my friends Mineke - it depends on how it looks - I want to save the muffler - just in case.



Thanks for the heads up as far as wire routing & fuses.



Joe Mc

 

[jbone]

You might want to re-think not using the DD pan--most of the threads from the guys with AUTO's re-enforce the idea of cooling the transmission anyway you can--that DD pan really lowered by trans temps... . All the rest sounds right on... I went straight to WESTACH for there book and bought the twin EGT--really gives good idea pre/post turbo... ... . my 2 cents... ... . R, J. B.

 

[RustyJC]

You can get a combo dual fuel pressure gauge directly from Westach - that's what I did. It matches the combo EGT/boost gauge exactly. I believe my gauge part number was 2DC3-201, but you'd want to confirm that with Westach. Their website is http://www.westach.com if you wish to contact them.



Rusty