The Three most important gauges!!!

[Tony T.]

I think I have narrowed it down to the three most important gauges that would work best for me running a stock truck. I'm planning on keeping it stock as far as engine mods go. Being auto, I would want a trans temp gauge and a fuel pressure gauge and one for the EGT's. I have also read post on the debate between pre-turbo and post-turbo probe placement. Since I'll be stock, do you think post-turbo would be fine. And have not yet decided on where to mount or what type gauges. A-piller not a opition.

 

[rbattelle]

If you remain stock and want the EGT for shutdown purposes, I recommend post-turbo. I know I'll get flamed for saying that, but I believe the turbo has more thermal interia than the manifold, and hence will remain hotter longer. Then there's the fact that your owners manual and the service manual both contain charts that provide recommended idle times for the turbo to cool. How can you tell what your turbo temperature is with a pre-turbo gauge?



Many will tell you pre-turbo is the only "real" EGT, but I think it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish by installing a temperature gauge.

 

[Steve M]

Mine have all been stock and post turbo. Take a peek to the left in my reader's rigs photos.

 

[abledog]

On a stock truck the three most important gauges are 1)the two round things stuck on the front of your head 2) the hole on each side of your head and 3) the thing that sits behind the two round things and between the hole on each side.

If you use them you won't have any problems!



Terry

 

[WeirCummin]

Yeah, but Terry, there ain't nothin common about common sense



On the ISBe, I wouldn't waste my time and/or money on a fuel pressure gauge. The transfer pump is only there to make filter changes easier.



Dean

 

[JohndeereG]

Originally posted by Tony T.

I'm planning on keeping it stock as far as engine mods go.

Tony unless you like getting informative feedback from your truck. . you don't need gauges. Yes, you might be surprised how warm your truck will get but you will be well within safe limits.



Disclaimer:



I have installed gauges

I have made some mods

I will make more in the future

I would have installed the gauges whether I needed them or not



Its your truck... have at it



If the A-pillar is out of the question, Geno's sells the steering column mount that doesn't obstruct the view of the dash gauges.

 

[Dean Upson]

I have 2 gauges and chose the boost over the fuel gauge, I also have the EGT gauge.



Dean

 

[abledog]

OK! OK! I agree with everything everyone has said. On a stock 03 with an auto I would consider an EGT,Boost and trany temp as the basics.

This will prepair you for when the BOMB Bug hits. After your first ride in a modified truck you will get the urge for more performance. Unless your like me, I out grew all of this silliness a long time ago. It's that other voice in the back of my head that keeps me in trouble.

Terry

 

[Rosco]

Considering the oil pressure gauge on the dash is useless it may be wise to consider a REAL oil pressure gauge.



Personally, when I start towing heavy I will purchase the X-Monitor. I like how you can set it to provide an audible warning when it reaches a preset number. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road more instead of the gauges. Also it takes up less room than a triple gauge pod.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Rosco



Personally, when I start towing heavy I will purchase the X-Monitor. I like how you can set it to provide an audible warning when it reaches a preset number. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road more instead of the gauges. Also it takes up less room than a triple gauge pod.

I didn't know how much I would like the A-pillar pod until I got them on. They are great and very readable and are not in the way at all. I have the 2 gauge pod and the Di-Pricol gauges that match our dash instruments. I personally prefer the analog gauges over the digital. The audible warning on the X-Monitor admittedly would be a plus, however.



Dean

 

[Rosco]

Dean, did your gauge pod require the removal of the grab handle? Also, did you do the install yourself or did you farm it out? I ask this because when the time comes I will be looking for a shop that does top notch work to do my install and you are somewhat in my area.

 

[Dean Upson]

Yes, no and I PM'ed you . Here is my gauge set-up.

#ad




Dean

 

[Tony T.]

From what I see here that some say fuel pressure gauge is really not nessecary or a primary basic for a stock engine. Would this be due to the cost, or something else. Also I really like the look of the A-piller mount gauges, but I have a problem with losing the grab handle, I use it.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Tony T.

From what I see here that some say fuel pressure gauge is really not nessecary or a primary basic for a stock engine. Would this be due to the cost, or something else. Also I really like the look of the A-piller mount gauges, but I have a problem with losing the grab handle, I use it.

I think that the boost and egt gauges should be included with the towing package and as an option on any trucks, transmission temperature should be included on the automatic trucks. I think that we are in the minority, I'll bet most people would not know what a pyrometer is or have any idea of it's use or what manifold pressure has to do with anything



Part of the reason surely is money, and I would guess that cosmetics play a part in the absence of these gauges. A friend of mine had a Probe that came with a boost gauge on it, go figure



Dean