VDO Guage Install

[Archive]

The VDO Vision Series Boost and Pyrometer were my first upgrade. The install was completed this SAT, and it was much easier than I had anticipated. My success was directly related to help I received from TDR Members.

The guages are high quality and all the movements are very precise. They match the OEM guages perfectly from the color of the back-lit dial to the fiber optic needle. They also dim at the same intensity as the other dash guages.

I compiled quite a bit of useful information from post on the RoundTable, e-mails from John of Enumclaw, WA and links from this site. A four page set of instructions was the result. Info includes a shopping list (incl. part #s), places to find the guages, parts, and special tools. It also includes very detailed instructions on the drilling/tapping procedure (courtesy of John, a machinist). Two wiring options, two thermocouple locations, etc. , etc. Sorry-no pictures (I don't have the technology)

Anyway, I had never attempted anything of this magnitude previously, but was successful because of the information given by friends in the TDR, and the time they spent. I offer the instructions to other novices in the crowd, who would like to feel the satisfaction of doing this job themselves. E-mail me at S1Golf@aol.com if you would like a copy.

Thanks again to John.

Andy

 

[Archive]

Andy, thanks for the offer. This is what makes the TDR forum great.

 

[Archive]

Andy... good post! If you don't mind, I would like to have more info on the VDO Vision Series gauges. If you could provide such, I would be grateful. Thanks

 

[Archive]

Good post Andy! I'll be writing you. What truck do you have?

------------------
David Dressler
(Ordered) 2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT Plus, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, YG7 (2 additional gallons of gas).
"Diesel, it's not just for breakfast!"

 

[Archive]

Here's a good site for viewing these guages:
http://continentalimports.com/vdo_vision.html


------------------
David Dressler
(Ordered) 2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT Plus, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, YG7 (2 additional gallons of gas).
"Diesel, it's not just for breakfast!"

[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 02-16-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

this thread seems messed up, let's see if this fixes it ??? i guess it did , onward and upward ...

andy what was the length of your pyro thremocouple ?

[This message has been edited by Mopar-muscle (edited 02-16-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

dresslered,
Thanks for the web site address! It's nice to see what they look like.

 

[Archive]

Well, the response for information has overwhelmed my ability to manage my e-mail. I intend to answer all who requested the instructions. If my response didn't make it to you, let me know I'll try again.

Some additional impressions of the VDO Guage set-up I used.

#1: don't use the same nylon tubing kit I used (offered from VDO). It is definetely the weak link in an otherwise durable set up. I am looking for the best tubing now. Any suggestions?

#2: The guages are VERY close to the OEM guages. The word perfectly implies 100%, and that is obviously an overstatement. The discerning eye will notice the difference. The boost and pyro are even a little different from each other. Noticeable under inspection, but not distracting, or distasteful. The selling point for me is the similarity in lighting, as most of my driving is at night.

#3: The boost guage I used goes to 30psi. This was satisfactory as I intend to culminate power enhancements with the VA CPC. (at least for now, hehe)

I hope for some feedback on the instructions I sent out. I have thick skin and am more interested in a good set of instructions to offer out, than my own techniques. Feel free to send back edits. Maybe Rob Spading can help find an easier way for me to get the instructions out.

Andy, 99 QC, 4x4, 2500,


[This message has been edited by Andy R (edited 02-16-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Andy R, I ran the oil and manafold press on my jeep in 1/4 copper tube with shutoff valves at the start of the run incase the line ever failed. You could proably get the tube in stainless but it would be pricy

 

[Archive]

AndyR, actually, VDO recommends the use of rubber vacuum hose as opposed to their nylon tubing kit, especially in turbocharged vehicles, so the turbo whine is shielded from telegraphing the noise inside the cab. This is a very real occurance, as I had a temporary pressure gauge hooked up to my BD exhaust brake for installation, back pressure evaluation. I could very easily hear the turbo whine being telegraphed through the nylon tubing.

I elected to use -3 AN braided stainless steel/Teflon core hose with -3 AN stainless steel fittings (usually used in the construction of brake hoses). I am very pleased with the results although, I would not recommend the use of this method of gauge/source connection if the boost gauge is in an A-pillar pod. Another point; even though the braided stainless steel hose is very trick, one must insulate it away from other hoses, lines etc. or it will wear right through (practically anything). It was an expensive addition (especially the s/s fittings) although, I'm really pleased with this arrangement, and it does not telegraph the turbo whine.

------------------
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (Black) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X bed liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights and Super White bulbs, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, "Scotty Air System", Hitco/Geno's exhaust blanket, Femco/Geno's EZ Drain oil pan plug, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, plus many other trick modifications

'00 Polaris 6x6

 

[Archive]

Sorry for the "double tap" guys but, I forgot to comment on CJs use of copper tubing or his suggestion of the possible use of stainless steel tubing. I would refrain from the use of either, as the use of the hard line method of gauge attachment will present problems with engine movement in relation to body and frame movement. Even if you were to use the coil-in-the-line method to allow for movement (the coil strategically placed will act as a shock absorber to the less forgiving, "straight" portion of the hard line), I would still suspect fatigue fracturing over time. I wouldn't even attempt the use of stainless steel tubing as the stainless would have to have every bend formed with a tube bending tool. Hard lines of either material could be fabricated and sucessfully utilized if a length (or lengths) of rubber or neoprene hose were used strategically to eliminate the possibility of the fatigue syndrome. In the case of the stainless steel tubing you would want to use flare fittings (applicable for hose connection), and compression fittings on the malleable copper tubing (also with the appropriate adaptor fittings for the hose connection).

 

[Archive]

Guys, does VDO make a boost gauge that goes up to 50 psi? Thanks

 

[Archive]

Doc, the nylon line is tough however, if it gets kinked. . it's toast! The sound transmission aspect of its use is what really surprised me.

 

[Archive]

Just received my boost and trans temp gauge, the pyro was back ordered. Read over the instructions on the boost gauge and don't see where VDO recommends the use of rubber tubing? #ad
To me for the amount of boost that is being generated I would think rubber tubing would be the ticket.

Whatcha think? #ad


------------------
99 QC/LB, ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, Westin SS Nerf Bars, Westin Grille Guard, Contico tool box, and CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel.
98 Dodge Stratus -- 72000 miles
89 Plymouth Voyager -- 201000 mile (original engine)
87 24ft Terry Resort 5th Wheel
86 16ft Classic 16 Alumacraft
00 Honda Rancher

 

[Archive]

Runaway, a VDO tech. made the suggestion to use the rubber vacuum hose in one of several telephone conversations I had with them.

------------------
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (BLACK) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X bed liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights and Super White bulbs, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Bosch 275 hp. injectors, VA CPC, DD Boost Module, Banks Stinger wastegate actuator, "Scotty Air System", BLACK '00 valve cover, Hitco/Geno's exhaust blanket, Femco/Geno's EZ Drain oil pan plug, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, plus many other trick modifications

'00 Polaris 6x6

 

[Archive]

Thanks John, think I may look at doing that when I get a chance to install. Still looking for the 3 gauge full pillar mount or pod that attaches to the A-pillar.

 

[Archive]

Anyone have a copy of the instructions that AndyR mentioned? Wanting to order the VDO Vision guages for boost, trans temp, and EGT. Trying to figure out what else I will need for the install. Anyone know if there is a 3 guage A-pillar setup for a 2001 yet? Thanks.

Steve


------------------
2001 2500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, AT, 3. 54 anti-spin, tow package, camper special, snow plow prep, travel group, SRW, RKE, fog lights, agate cloth interior, bright white exterior, Cody gooseneck hitch.

Looking to add guages, beef up the auto transmission, and add MORE power!

 

[Archive]

zman, I will e-mail you two different copies of the gauge installation instructions (different formats). #ad

 

[Archive]

John - Thanks for the instructions. They are very well done! #ad


Does anyone have any info regarding the install of a transmission temp sensor? Not sure where to install it. I have seen some posts that suggest buying a transmission cooling line from a '95 since it has a place to install the sensor. Does anyone know if the line from a '95 will fit a 2001? Thanks for the input.

Still looking for a 3 guage a-pillar pod for a 2001. #ad


Steve


------------------
2001 2500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, AT, 3. 54 anti-spin, tow package, camper special, snow plow prep, travel group, SRW, RKE, fog lights, agate cloth interior, bright white exterior, Cody gooseneck hitch.

Looking to add guages, beef up the auto transmission, and add MORE power!

 

[Archive]

<font color=blue>Well I don't know about that line replacement you are talking about but this thread might interest you Proper Place For transmission Temp Sensor .

As far as I know there is not a 3 gauge A pillar pod w/tweeter available. I suppose you could do a double and then a single together. I went with the AutoMeter #15002 that sits on the dash between the defrost vents up by the window (triple gauge). So a search there is a thread and a couple of pictures (I don't have time to find them because at work at the moment).