Adding an external boost gauge is a smart choice, especially on a modded car. I chose to locate mine on the dash just to the left of the instrument cluster. That was my highest mounting point and it allowes me to glance over and read it without fully taking my eyes off the road. It's an easy & safe read even at high speeds. I chose a VDO with a # read out instead of bar's because the 1 # marks are evenly spaced and ez to read. VDO painted the face silver to match my gauges for an extra $. It is illuminated for night driving. I agree, a gauge with a second, "max boost", needle would be benificial.

If you decide to add an external gauge you will be able to watch the boost ramp up and roll back in real time. You will likely make it your gauge of choice because of how the needle sweeps, matching the motion of your right foot. The digital readout tends to lag real time just a bit. Sorry the pic's are not the greatest but you get the idea.

 

Additional notes: Gauge was 2 1/8". Mounting was fabricated to fit the angle of the dash. Used heavy duty two sided foam tape to secure it, has held up great. No cutting or drilling, could be removed with no trace.

 

This is the issue I ran into. My gauges are 2 1/16" also, and they wouldn't fit where the pocket was. The lower space is just big enough, so I had to move the A/C up a slot. It's a fair amount of annoying work with the Dremmel to do it (after the modifications the A/C unit will go in either place so it's reversable), and you have to make some custom trim, but if you absolutely must have 2 gauges and keep your SatNav there aren't any other choices AFAIK.

Sonic, that looks SICK bro. PM coming your way.

 

Get something that has peak hold and datalogging. Personally I find just gauges worthless, although they do look cool as hell. Datalogging is the key as peak hold doesn't often tell the whole story. (microsecond boost spikes,etc will throw off what you're really doing)

I like the zeitronix. Check out their site. It does a lot of stuff for the money.

I have a very simple install, but you flush it up if you want, etc etc....

 

You should add the big tach on top of the dash to go with it.

 

My gauges were sold.

 

Jimmer,

My compliments on your setup install.
Craig, sent you a PM.
I need something to moniter AFR's.

MK

 

bad dog.... bad dog....

 

Thanks Marty!

The AEM is a great gauge and very accurate as all the tests show. With that said, it is tough to keep a good eye on when you're getting down to business - at least the boost gauge has warn/hold functions. I can really only look at it in 4th gear and above.

Autometer also makes a replacement steering column top cover (plastic molded) which can hold two 2 1/16" gauges. I had one on backorder but got impatient and just did what you see above. May also be a good solution, but I couldn't find anyone who had installed it or pics though (Summit has them in stock now I think, and it's only 50 bucks). Could make for an extremely clean install.

 

Looks good would you have the info so I could fabricate another holder the same way?.

 

are these still available

 

for you guys that installed boost gauges, did your gauges read differently from the stock BAR readings?

 

They are very similar..I have the OEM and a Greddy.