Gauges: What should I get?

[Safety Guy]

I've wanted more gauges for awhile now. I think it's time. I had that oil pressure problem (loose pickup tube) recently and I'd like more info on my engine, preferably before things get hairy.

I'm thinking of the Sunpro "Styleline" of black gauges:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunpro-CP8216-StyleLine-Mechanical-Pressure/dp/B000FJS4PO/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1308605288&sr=1-4

I'd probably buy them separately and then decide how and where to mount them.

Oil pressure is a must. What other gauges would be best for a work Festiva like Aqua (B6 swap and 5 speed with tach cluster)?

Since I already have a water temp gauge, how about voltmeter and ?

Karl

[perucho]

I agree that oil pressure is a must. I would also get vacuum, oil temp, and pyrometer (exhaust temp).

[91mcnasty]

X2 on vacuum

[TominMO]

OP fer sher, dude, and voltmeter. The rest all strike me as of decreasing importance. Why would vacuum be important, for example? (Altho I have one as part of my boost gauge.)

On the principle of you get what you pay for, I'd go with a better-quality gauge set like Autogage, which I think is Auto Meter's low-end line. Or Jeg's in-house line, which I suspect is really Autogage but a little cheaper. I notice in the review for the Sun-Pro gauges, one guy said the voltmeter wasn't very good.

[Zanzer]

Check out Summit's house brand gauges too. I've had good luck with them and they're reasonably priced.

[sasquatch]

water temp... the stock one sucks...

oil temp and pyro is not needed... unless your putting the engine under high load for a long time... (loaded up with camping gear and going up a big, long hill ect...)

vaccum is ok to have i guess... its a good tool for getting better mpgs...

[Safety Guy]

Sas wrote:

"water temp... the stock one sucks..."

Why? John has mentioned that you need to clean off the bullet connector to get a better readin on the temp gauge. Or is it that it doesn't have a good measuring scale that you dont like? I might consider getting a better one with a nicer temp scale.

I'm thinking the following now, in order of importance:

1. oil pressure
2. voltmeter
3. vacuum

What about an ammeter? I looked this up, so my answer is pretty clear:

http://www.egauges.com/ATM_Tips.asp?TipPage=voltmeterammeter.htm

Forget an ammeter. Now I'm thinking fuel pressure.

Revised trio:

1. oil pressure
2. voltmeter
3. fuel pressure

(Alternate: better temp gauge.)

Agree or disagree? Anything else I should consider?

I won't be turboing Aqua, and the B6 will remain fairly stock. Like I said, she's more a general purpose work car and winter beater.

Thanks,

Karl

[links56]

Oil pressure, water temp, and volt meter. I like the glow shift gauges and thehave several universal pods for mounting.

[91mcnasty]

A vacuum gauge will help you hone your driving habits in to get more MPG

[eurotiva]

I have a set os autometer (phantom) gages. Boost/vacuum, oil press., and water temp. If interested pm me. I'll make you a good deal on them.

[Safety Guy]

Here is what I've come up with, and I have some questions to see if anyone knows the answers.

First off, I think the 2 1/16" size is right for me. I prefer the white face gauges for easier reading. I could get by with only oil pressure and voltmeter, but these three gauge panels seem like good buys.

From Jeg's, the Auto Meter Auto Gage 3 gauge panel:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto-Meter/105/2366/10002/-1

Does anyone know if these are stuck in the panel, or will they come out if I want to make my own panel? I'm thinking of putting them where my stock radio is and installing an aftermarket radio elsewhere. If not, will they rotate in the housing for on top of dash installation?

Here is almost the same thing, only black face gauges and slightly different range specs:

http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Meter-2348-Mechanical-Three-Gauge/dp/B00062YVSE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1309220357&sr=8-13

I prefer the first, due to the white faces, which I could pick up locally from Jeg's, so neither choice will incur shipping charges (Amazon free shipping over $25).

(Summit has the same as Jeg's with same price only I'd have to pay shipping.)

Any downside to these? Will they have enough accuracy and quality for AquaMutt?

Thanks,

Karl

[TominMO]

I too think the first gauges would be best. I've had white aftermarket gauges in the past and really liked the contrast. Mine are Autogage, and I've been happy with them. Mine are 2 5/8" and black faced, but the lighting is good; they are not hard at all to read, day or night.

Those black-face gauges aren't full-sweep like the white ones are for oil and water temp. I much prefer full-sweep.

[Safety Guy]

Yeah Tom, I like the full sweep style too.

I just found instructions:

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/atm-2324%282%291.pdf

Looks like the guages do come out individually, if I want to mount them in something else.

However, how would this connect to my water temp? Does it just hook up to the stock sensor at the upper rad hose inlet to the thermostat housing or do I need to replace something like in the oil pressure hookup?

Karl

[getnpsi]

on ebay they have a piece with a 1/8 npt to mount an autometer temp gauge, splice into radiator hose. i thought it was pretty slick, since i have to cut my rad hoses for my engine swap anyway i picked one up.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/3j6dy9e

[Safety Guy]

Thanks for the parts tip!

Karl