SPA Gauges

[DUBSTER]

Those of you out there with SPA Turbo temp/boost gauge, how do you like them ??
I seen a few trucks in Tenn a few months ago and thought that was "good to go" any trouble?
Where did you get them from. I plan on putting my truck to work in a few months and want to keep a eye on the vitals.
For those that put it in themselves how much of a PITA was it??
Thanks
See Ya
Chris

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2001. 5 2500 Intense Blue Sport 285-16 BFGs mounted on 8x16 Baja
6 speed 4:10 limited slip heavy duty everything, Cab lights, Xenon flares, Linexed Nerf bars, Linexed OTR bed, Brush/grill guard,
no heated seats or leather.

 

[David_VT]

I was probably the first to start talking these up (not the first to get, that goes to MCrossley I suspect). Being a gadget person, I liked the technology.

I am happy with the gauge and did the installation myself. There were some early bugs with the TC, but that was the supplier getting to understand our trucks.

I sometimes think the pressure sender might be having a problem, but it is one of those 'feelings' that I've not taken the time to nail down.

Given the opportunity to do this again, I would. Enjoy!

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99' SB 4x4 : DDI's, HOT PE, SPA dual gauge, ESPAR, Line-X OTR, Ladder bars, AMSOIL, etc (GPS,Cell,CB,... . )
Green Monster

 

[GSchlegel]

I have a SPA gauge in my 96 and love it!!! It was easy for a first timer to install and like usual it took me twice as long to install than it should have.

I do have 2 problems with my gauge though (and I haven't heard any one else have these problems). I have contacted SPA 2 months ago and they said send it in. I just haven't wanted to take the time to pull it yet, I'd miss it. It won't show 7 lbs. of boost. It shows all the other numbers up to at least 33 lbs. The second problem is when my gauge gets warm, segments of the display that should be off and invisible become visible and at times make the gauge unreadable. Their intensity seams to be dependent upon cabin temp. and not reflected light. I thought the problem solved it's self until on one of our warmer days 2 weeks ago it warmed up to the low 40s and on a 20 plus mile run the cab finially got comfortable and the problem reappeared. I like the information it provides - like on a cold, calm (teens) morning with the block heater plugged in my exhaust manifold, and therefore the upper block, is 80 degrees. I like to know precisely what boost and EGT I'm running instead of guessing. Once I send it in and get it repaired, I'll be totally satisfied with this gauge.

Like I said I haven't heard of anyone else with these problems, I'd reccomend the SPA to everyone.

I know, too long a reply.

Gene

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'96' 3500, 5-speed, 3. 54 LSD, Ext. Cab, 180,000 plus miles, relay controlled back-up alarm and rear facing fog lights, K&N air filter, TST #11 plate . 010" forward of stock, AFC spring kit, SPA digital EGT and boost gauge,20 yr. old marine air horns, bed liner, 5" monster exhaust tip.

 

[Mad Max]

I've got a DG111 in my ETH. Installed it myself. I am pleased with operation and performance.

Only grumble I have is needing to buy a harness release to install it... should have come disassembled as far as I'm concerned. Tool is a "minifite jr. ", got it a digikey. And its cost in nominal compared to the satisfaction I derived from doing the job myself and having it right the first time.

Max

 

[Little Bill]

The liquid crystal displays on my pillar mounted gauges will black out when cab temperature gets too high, like when parked in the NC sunshine with the windows up on a summer day. Thats a limitation of LCDs. My calculator does the same thing.

Had a problem with intermittent connections at the boost sensor. Showed itself as momentary overboost on the order of 200-300 psi in the gauge memory. The overboost alarm light, which was set at 32 psi, also flashed.
Disassembled the female harness connector and found the pin clip clearances were sloppy. Reformed them to tighten clamping on the male pins of the sensor and life has been good ever since.


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2001 QC SLT SWB ETH 6SP JRE Spa Fabritech Practical Solutions

 

[Steve G]

I agree with everyone else's comments. I like my gauges and haven't had any problems with them.

Steve

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Y2K 3500 SLT+ 4X2,auto,3. 55,VA,275s,PS mod/elb,K&N,DTT TC&VB,SPA Boost/ETG&Tran Temp/Pres,JRE 4" exhaust,Mag-Hytec Trans Pan,Roadmaster Susp,Rhino-liner,Eagle Series 58 Wheels

 

[Spyke]

I have the Spa's and really enjoy them I am thinking of using a combo temp/pressure with some switches and sending units and really wiring this truck up.
Davit_VT I thought the boost side on my setup was acting up and it turned out to be the connector doesn't like sitting sideways on rough roads. I took and bought a connector at an electronics store and soldered the wires to the pressure sending unit for a more secure setup.

 

[JR2]

I have em, I love em. They were not any harder that any other gauge to install. My Dad also has em, he likes them, but he has a problem with his boost sensor. The wiring harness does not seem to want to stay connected to the boost sensor. Even with the screw nice and tight. I think the trick mentioned above would solve that problem.
Overall I am happy with them and would (will be) buying more of them.


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John D. Rathert Jr.
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01 2500 SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end, Forrest Green Sport with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Gard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DDT's torque converter - valve body combo, 275 RV injectors and Diesel Dynamics 4" Exhaust.
Airbox Mods, new turbo and SS fuel lines in planning stages... .

See My Truck

Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4
Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck)

See 5 Diesels and a Gasser
Winter fun: 2000 Skidoo Summit 700

 

[Brandon]

you cant beat the spa dual gauges,
i have put in a few, and have had great luck


best reason for buying spa is the unbeatable service given by Ron Mathis at SPA


B... ... ... .

 

[Jack in Alaska]

JR2,

You are supposed to be working up there in the oilfield, not surfingTDR... ha... ... JR1

My boost connection came apart again.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Like mine. Only problem was my boost sensor went toes up a couple of weeks ago. Diesel Inj in Lubbock sent one right out, I sent the old one back and I'm back in bidness. I like Spyke's idea of a different connector. I actually bent the prongs in on the new sensor to snug up the fit and used a dab of grease as well to avoid corrosion and maintain continuity in that connection. Mine won't display 8 lbs. I figured its part of the analog to digital conversion and don't worry about it.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Running Boards, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Running Boards

 

[kevin1]

Hey Brandon a few gauges come on hey how did the install go on the three gauge deal #ad

 

[DUNE RACER]

I've been happy with my SPA's. Make sure to put a little dielectric grease on the connectors when you assemble them, mine had wierd fluctuations until I did. My only gripe is the brightness at night, I have mine pillar mounted and they can be a bit distracting on a dark road. Other than that they're great.

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2001 black dually,4x4, 6 speed H. O. ,loaded up and then some!