SPA guage install questions

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I ordered the SPA guages and have so far only installed the thermocouples in the exhaust manifold and post turbo positions. The directions are not very detailed and I have a few questions:

1) Boost - The pressure port (24V) appears to be a 3/4" hole and the pressure sensor that came with the guages seems to be 1/8 NPT (I think). Do I need some adapter no one told me about?

2) transmission temp. - I expected the guages to come as a complete kit (for that price!), but soon realized I needed more parts... I ordered BD's line coupler so that I can install in-line from the transmission to the cooler, but again the hole in the coupler where the sensor goes appears to be 3/4" and the sensor appears to be 1/8 NPT. Where did you put the coupler and what is the proper procedure?

3) How did you wire for lights and power?

Thanks for your help. The painful part (taking a drill to my new exhaust manifold is over!) Now I'm still waiting for my a-pillar mount and I can finish up... can't wait! #ad



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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, every option but running lights! To come: 19. 5"s (?), lift, Line-X, Exhaust brake, 4" turbo to tail, etc...

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

 

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Scooby,
I had some of the same questions and HVAC sent me an email answering one of them today.
The boost port is the 3/4 hole and you need a 3/4-3/8 bushing to install the sensor.
I would think you need the same type of bushing for the transmission temp.




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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 and Leer 160XL Topper
Power Edge on work bench awaiting install. Gauges and 4" Exhaust in planning stages. Dreaming of transmission
up grades and injectors... ... and some type of Airbox mods.
See My Truck
2000 Skidoo Summit 700

 

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Thanks for the reply... .

Are these bushings pipe thread or machine thread?

 

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Update:

BD messed up the first time and simply sent me the wrong part. They are shipping the correct part (with threads on the inside) out today.

 

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Hey Scooby, check your E-mail, I have addressed your questions in detail, but for the general public I would like to answer them.

Since we are a bit new at these packages we have learned a few lessons in which we need to include some other parts. Yes the boost port is 3/4" and you do need a 3/4-1/8 NPT reducing busing, also I am glad that BD has sent you the correct tee, because I was a little surpised about it being a 3/4" fit.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights, Diesel Dynamics Stage-3's, DD Boost Module,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed.

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz. 20m.com

Add on's to come: Exhaust Brake, Torq-Loc, Line-X bed-liner, and any other Ram Runner required modification...

 

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Mike,

Thanks for the response. I have not received your email at either account (although I am receiving email regularly from other folks... could there be a problem at your end with my address? Are they being returned? Is Nowel having the same problem?)

I'm looking forward to seeing your email... please direct it to the "other" account as well.

 

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You may have already thought of this one, but I added a switch in-line on the power lead for my SPA dual boost/pyro gauge. Since accessing the menu is done by powering on the gauge while holding down the red button, if you ever want to access the menu while the truck is running without shutting down your engine (like to turn on the backlight, for example), then you need this extra switch.

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2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Dual Gauge (Pyro & Boost)

 

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FYI:
SPA (USA) supplies equipment to racing cars and is based in Indiana. The gauge hardware is developed by SPA in the United Kingdom.

We recently got SPA's attention and they are eager (surprise surprise) to support the diesel truck user.

SPA's first contact with the TDR was via Mike and myself who bought into the product as soon as we saw it. (since we both are gadget freaks)

IMHO, The price is more supported by the quality of the guage itself, internal electronics and programming, and the R&D for the racing industry that should provide us with a great product.

IMHO, The 'kits' for Dodges will get ironed out quickly. The information is available and Mike can help the buyers insure they get what they need. This is cutting edge stuff and thus some backwards steps are unavoidable with regards to kitting for every variation of our RAMS.

If you are looking for a good gauge and like the features in the SPA gauges, go for it. You will not be dissapointed.

I live in 'BFE' Vermont and was able to find the few extra bits I needed in local small town hardware stores for minimal $.

( I don't get a dime for the above, I am just a satisfied SPA user )


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Green Monster has the HOT EDGE on those PSD's
Green Monster's cyber garage (& multimedia sandbox)
Yahoo messenger: davidc3y

 

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HC,
Great minds think alike.

I mounted my SPA in the little dashboard hole (some are filled with heated seat controllers).

I made a small plate, mounted the gauge in it with two switches (one for toggling the power whilst driving).

David

 

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MCrossley,
Mike good info for guage install for everyone. Can you copy your detailed e-mail and post it so we can all take a look.

FYI I installed my stage III A's and the installed the PE module yesterday #ad
#ad
#ad
Not wasting fuel on PSD's anymore, looking for Corvettes #ad
#ad
#ad


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2001 4X4 ETH 6 spd, QC, SLT,SB, 3:54, Flame Red, 4" exhaust turbo back, EGT,boost guages

 

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Corvettes,
Right on, I like that!!

 

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HC or David_VT,

Since I haven't powered up the guages yet (honestly, I haven't even read through the operating manuals in detail #ad
) , I haven't discovered the need yet for the switch you both mentioned. What kind of switch are you using?

Also, can anyone give some advice on the best way to mount the transmission temp. sensor coupling in the line to the cooler without making a mistake or mess?

ANOTHER NOTE:
I have to say that Mike Crossley (with HVAC and Performance Diesel) have been great to work with on this project. Mike is sending me the reducer overnight along with the a-pillar mount. Both Mike and Nowel have spent their fair share of time on the phone with me and I wanted to let them know I appreciate it... and encourage everyone to talk to them regarding "upgrades". It's hard starting up a business and in the days of the internet (and pricing being essentially equal), customer service is always going to be the real differentiator.

[This message has been edited by Scooby (edited 07-06-2000). ]

 

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I just added a momentary normally closed switch of about the same size as the programming button.

The switch is wired into the power lead and allows us to cycle the power on the SPA gauge while you are driving. Doing so while holding down the programming button puts the SPA gauge into programming mode (which is explained in the manual).

David

 

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David,

Thanks. So if I'm running two combo guages, would you recommend two seperate switches... . (I guess it'd be difficult while driving to hit the momentary switch and the two buttons all at the same time... while talking on the cell phone, switching CD's and eating a Big Mac) Then again, if you put them all close enough together... .
What would happen if you hit the momentary switch and only one of the red buttons? Would the interruption in power do anything to the functionality of the other guage?

 

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I believe no harm would be done by wiring both gauges through the same "on-off" power lead. The gauge that you DIDN'T hold down the red button on would just turn off momentarily, no different than every time you shut off your engine and then turn it on again later. But it would power right back up normally without entering the menu mode.
I like David's "momentary" button idea. My approach was less subtle - I just bought an on-off toggle switch and installed it under my dash where I could reach it. I liked this approach, 'cause only I know where it is, so if someone else drives my rig they won't have a clue as to how to reset the "peak recall" feature, and I'll always know if they drove with the hammer down when I wasn't around.

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2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Dual Gauge (Pyro & Boost)

 

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HC,

Yes... I kinda like that hidden switch too! "Trust but verify!" #ad