Gauge placement?

Swifty1638 · 03-05-2005

Ok, I got some gauges that IF i get that dsm I test drove today, I will wanna put in. I got oil psi, voltometer, boost/vacuum, and a/f ratio. I also wanna get egt, fuel psi, and water temp..but, where all can you put these gauges? I have only seen 2 gauges on the pillar, and sometimes, i've seen some gauges in the air vents, or the a/c controls..well, i wanna keep my a/c, and the vents..so, what else is there?

-A. Swift

SuperSleeper · 03-05-2005

Why in the world would you want that many gauges? Half those are already built into the factory cluster.

Anyway,
You can get a triple a-pillar pod, a dual or triple vent pod, and plenty of options mounting into the stereo location. You could also try mounting them into the factory gauge cluster since you're doubling up some gauges anyway. That many gauges is extreme overkill though. Just get a boost gauge, and maybe an EGT.

A//// Guy · 03-05-2005

Triple guage pod on the A pillar and some gauges mounted in a bezel where the radio is.

I was going to get a few guages also but decided against it as I didnt want to tap into things for oil PSI (mechanical), water temp (mechanical) and A/F is pointless unless you have a Wideband 02 guage instead. If you dont know what it is do a search

Swifty1638 · 03-05-2005

I know what the wideband is. I like being informed. I have found that factory gauges are rather restrictive, or inaccurate. already, my oil psi gauge saved me, when i lost all oil pressure due to a bad valve cover gasket..

-A. Swift

Matt D. · 03-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty1638

already, my oil psi gauge saved me, when i lost all oil pressure due to a bad valve cover gasket..

If you lost THAT much oil because of a valve cover gasket, one of the easiest and cheapest things to repair on a DSM, you need to think twice about what gauges you want/need.

Swifty1638 · 03-05-2005

..actually, it was on my honda. I personally, am used to seeing everything and anything, in my uncle's stang, there is a custom panel where the dash used ot be, full of gauges..so, i wanna kinda give it that feel..

-A. Swift

**Halon** · 03-05-2005

So you want a custom panel to replace your dash, but retain your A/C vents? Okey dokey, looks like you answered your own question. You won't have your tach or Speedo any more, but atleast you'll be comfy on those hot summer afternoons with A/C vents.

And btw, most of the vent gaue pods have slits in them to allow air (A/C) to still pass through.

Swifty1638 · 03-05-2005

yea, after looking around, I saw that one setup, with 2 holes for a gauge, and the slots in it for the ac. I was just trying to see what other creative ways people have mounted gauges..

-A. Swift

Anduinlight · 03-05-2005

I think stright line specialties can get the radio bezel one. there is a slot for a single din radio and 3 guages below. Matt (alpinetsi) has one

Swifty1638 · 03-05-2005

yea, I was looking at that one, but this car has the safc there, so that would not work..I know that I can place a gauge next to it, so we will see..where can I get the 3 pod setup for the pillar?

-A. Swift

A//// Guy · 03-06-2005

gaugepods.com

Also what kind of gauges did you buy? Becuase the stock gauges for oil and water will be better that the cheap ebay imitations that come like 4 gagues for 100 bucks. Make sure your geting something decent like VDO, defi, greddy or maybe Autometer-even though I dont think Autometer is the greatest.

Swifty1638 · 03-06-2005

I run faze. I like their gauges, and have never had a problem with them..

-A. Swift

john · 03-06-2005

You can mount them in the glove box if need be like you should move the SAFC to hide it from curious eyes. Last year, my interior went from everything out and in your face --> three gauge pillar on a toggle for power, SAFC and AVCR in the glove box, removed lighted switch for the stuterbox, and moved the turbo timer. I had quite a light show at night before...

Swifty1638 · 03-06-2005

i like seeing the safc..i wonder if i could built like a plastic folding door or sumthin. I think that would look pretty slick. I am already planning out the placement. I can put the a/f, pyrometer, and boost gauges on the driver's pillar..if i find a 3 gauge pod. Then, the fuel and oil psi where the vents are, and the volt next to the safc. As long as you guys say that the stock water temp gauge is good, then i might not get it, but I dunno..the fan is hooked up to a switch, so I can control when it's on or off. So, I wanna keep track of it more accuratly..also, on a turbo car, should the water temp still be within 180-210? or is it higher? thanks to all who helped..I am getting good ideas here..

-A. Swift

Jakey · 03-06-2005

Quite honestly, if I were in your shoes I would look into modifying the original gauge cluster. I have seen it done before and have some information about it on my computer at home that I can post up later. I believe Nick Drake out at Pina Motorsports did it but I'll need to double check. I'd say the main reason for doing this would be since you want to replace a number of your original OEM gauges, there's no point in having a factory gauge plus an aftermarket.

Jakey · 03-06-2005

Well I thought I had information about modifying the stock gauge cluster but I can't seem to find anything, just a couple of pics....

Jakey · 03-06-2005

Ding Ding Ding: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/show...=gauge+cluster

Swifty1638 · 03-06-2005

wow, not bad at all..I think that it might get hard to do though..I dunno if I will do the water temp anymore. I will do the oil psi and the others, just cause I already have the gauges. Oh, do you guys think that the egt gauge is worth it?

-A. Swift

Alpine TSi · 03-07-2005

On the topic of EGT, most are split on them. I have one, but don't use it at all. I have a wideband display so that is mainly why. But when I didn't have a WB I wasn't really paying much attention to the EGT as my probe was piss poor slow(Autometer), now there are faster ones out there, but I still don't really feel they are required. EGT's aren't a for sure thing, temps for the most part imply the AF ratio, but not always.

Now that I have pretty much said that I don't think EGT's are worthwhile, you want to buy mine?

Swifty1638 · 03-07-2005

lol. I use faze..is it a faze egt? if not, then no. I'll be selling the oil psi and autometer boost gauge outta this car. So, don't worry about the egt gauge? I don't have a wideband sensor..but I have the A/F gauge..would that work, or do I need to buy them as a complete set?

-A. Swift