Which aftermarket gauges to go with?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Oct 9, 2006
Threads
122
Messages
2,824
On my 2H...

I am looking to buy a pyro (EGT), oil pressure, coolant temp and eventually boost (for when I turbo) gauge.

I'm looking for advice on makes, models and who to purchase from (e.g. any smoking deals?), with quality and cost (of course) being the primary factors (not so much appearance, bling factor, etc.)

Please keep in mind that I am looking for the easiest install that will give me accurate readings. I am likely to go with an A-pilar pod install, but if there's an excellent and affordable larger multi-gauge, I can and will consider other install options (including replacing the OEM multi gauge).

So, what say you?
 
I've used autometer gauges for some time and think they are well made.
 
It really boils down to whichever gauges you want..

If you buy the cheap ones they will not be as accurate tho. Autometer instead of autogauge.

The VDO units have some good matches for the factory gauges (similar looking)
 
I personally like the Isspro gages. Probably not the cheapest but they are OEM on some big rigs so they must be decent quality. I've had them in the '60 since installing the turbo over 5 years and nearly 200,000 kms ago.
 
Big fan of Nordskog Pro Analog. I run oil pressure, water temp, oil temp and tranny temp in my fj-62.
 
This helps. Thanks. Now, let's turn this thread into one that will stick:

PICTURES (installed)!!!

Also, I have having trouble finding combination gauges other than speedo/tach. Does anyone make a water temp, oil pressure and Pyro in one unit? Or a pyro and boost combo?
 
Last edited:
This helps. Thanks. Now, let's turn this thread into one that will stick:

PICTURES!!!

I am in the slow process of installing a trans temp gauge (VDO)... I will post some pics of the gauge (unmounted) next to the stock gauges this evening. Once I get it installed I will post some more pics... from my understanding the gauge I have is backlit green, like the stock gauges.
 
They will probably be fine, but you are really paying for the color change ability, not the quality of the gauge.
 
Start with Stewart warner, Autometer, VDO gauges and go from there.

There also are some prety neat digital scrolling gauges for diesels out there..
 
I have an Autometer speedo and fuel gauge. Not a big fan. Both of them fog up at random, and don't seem to be well built. My tach, temp, voltmeter, and oil pressure is a four in one unit from summit racing that is built way better.
 
autometer

IMG_0065.jpg


Autometer 'Pro Comp' Ultra Lites...I think

I had the A Pillar, but I just didn't like the look of it. I was having a hard time drilling into the headliner, and trying to get the top part faired in as well.

All of the gauges light up at night

Vac, Oil, Water
 
I used a Westach combo EGT/Boost gauge on my VW turbo diesel. I liked it and it uses a Type K thermocouple so that sensor is a standard industrial part.

IME and reading on the topic price is pretty directly related to the gauge's accuracy and repeatability. Some fairly well respected folks (Gene Berg in ACVW circles being one) claim that most automotive gauges are neither accurate or repeatable.
My own SOP experience doesn't jive with this exclusively, but it is something that I keep in mind. For a lot of the things that folks put gauges on I'd rather have a light. That way I can set the trigger point by the switch's set-point (Summit carries the VDO sensor-switches in a wide range of temps & pressures) and I don't have to worry that I might have missed the beginning of some bad event because I was paying attention to something else important (like not mowing down the kids in the cross-walk or not running the RR 1/4 into that tree or...... )
 
Here is a VDO temp gauge next to the stock gauges, I think it looks pretty good and near OEM.
VDO.jpg


Edit: Adding pic of VDO temp gauge illuminated with stock gauges (VDO gauge is mounted above the shifter)
3914.jpg
 
Last edited:
Kind of a highjack....sorry, but since its been brought up...

I know next to nothing about gauges, but
What can you use to replace the stock gauges in the dash?
Is there anything that will be a direct replacement?
Id like to keep the gauges there in the dash as Im not too keen on having excessive crap hanging around the drivers space.

Chicago
 
Best bet is to try to see if something like this will fit..

sum-800104.jpg
 
Back
Top Bottom