Bolt on turbo kit (11 Viewers)

[jjdeneen918]

I plan to do a boost and UEGO gauge mounted to the column, something like this:

Last time I mounted them down under the climate control and it was too low to look at without taking your eyes completely off the road.

We need to figure out what are necessary guages (oil PSI, water temp, boost, AFR, ect...)

Manufacturer of quality guages, but at a reasonable price point.

Photoshop skills of the guages mounted to LC interior. (Steering column, a-pillar, dash, ect).

I wish I was of help here, but I’m not. Someone probably has some good knowledge on the subject matter.

 

[alia176]

i'm really hoping to not drive by gauges so my plan is to mount it (them) slightly out of sight. So far it's the boost and oil temp gauges that sound like very important to have. The boost gauge sounds more like a giggle producer rather than a critical gauge

 

[cowboyjack]

We need to figure out what are necessary guages (oil PSI, water temp, boost, AFR, ect...)

Manufacturer of quality guages, but at a reasonable price point.

Photoshop skills of the guages mounted to LC interior. (Steering column, a-pillar, dash, ect).

I wish I was of help here, but I’m not. Someone probably has some good knowledge on the subject matter.

So, what are the minimum essential gauges and what are “nice to have”?

Recommended brands? Any really good “multi” gauges out there? Like AFR and Boost?


Essential:

AFR

EGT


Nice to Have:

Boost Gauge


An ultra gauge could handle coolant temp....

I’m seeking the wisdom of folks on this forum.

 

[danthman114]

the scan gauge has boost and a bunch of others but only 4 slots for readouts.

 

[Wompom]

We need to figure out what are necessary guages (oil PSI, water temp, boost, AFR, ect...)

Manufacturer of quality guages, but at a reasonable price point.

Photoshop skills of the guages mounted to LC interior. (Steering column, a-pillar, dash, ect).

I wish I was of help here, but I’m not. Someone probably has some good knowledge on the subject matter.

Id prioritize gauges in this order:

1. AFR - Crucial to know if you're rich/lean under boost.
2. Boost - If you suddenly are not boosting or overboosting it's easy to know theres an issue.
3. Oil pressure - Without it you go boom.
4. water temp - I'm not going to rely on the dash gauge with a turbo.
5. oil temp

I don't think EGT will be that important here but to each their own. This is just based on my experience running high PSI turbo'd subarus.

I'm planning on using a 2 gauge A pillar pod from subaru unless i can get my hands on one of the triple gauge LHD A pillar pods from aus. It needs to be easy to glance at without taking your eyes off the road or you'll never (safely) look at it while under boost.

I'm looking at the combination innovate gauges like these:

I've run this wideband (innovate MTX-L) in multiple cars. They're bomb proof, easy to log AFRs to an excel sheet and use a GM sensor i believe that's easy to replace at the local auto parts shop

Trying to find some of the older PLXs as well. I recall they had digital faced gauges that could display up to 4 sensor read outs.
Hoping to run AFR/Boost on one of those innovates and everything else on a PLX.

DEFI are top notch nice gauges that will last as long as the trucks if you can afford em.

I'll definitely be a part of this topic. Need to look into power source for gauges (may do a fuse block) or potentially if we have any open ports on the kick fuse panel and just add a fuse them since they don't draw much (not ideal though).
Also would love to know if anyone has tapped into the dimmer circuit on these to make aftermarket gauges dim with the dash knob.!

 

[Heckraiser]

IMO, EGT is irrelevant on a gasoline engine. AFR will tell you everything you need to know. EGT is critical for the diesel folks, not us.

 

[cruiserdan]

EGT would be helpful on long pulls in my view. The exhaust can still get plenty hot and it would be nice to know if you need to back off.

 

[Wompom]

EGT would be helpful on long pulls in my view. The exhaust can still get plenty hot and it would be nice to know if you need to back off.

Helpful to know, but not crucial i'd say. If you're limited to how many gauges you want to install it wouldn't make the cut for me.
I'm trying to figure out how to fit as many gauges as i can with the most minimal appearance.

I dont want this to be taken as I'm saying it's not important. I just think AFR/boost/Oil pressure are the most important for a force inducted vehicle. Due to the tendency to freak out about water temps on these as well i'd add water temp.

 

[Heckraiser]

Question: we all know the factory water temp gauge is useless, but how about the factory oil pressure gauge? I've seen many different readings in photos on MUD, but mine is pretty much always in the upper 80% of the range whenever the truck is on.

 

[alia176]

I think this Turbo thread is turning to a different but important direction. Should someone start a new thread regarding gauge topic? Valid info will be discussed as always, I'm sure.

 

[jjdeneen918]

Those DEFI guages look cool & quality.
I wish they came in green to match the LC.
Only red, blue, & white back lit.
Red may be good for a-pillar, if not splicing into dimmer.
Red display is less stressful on eyes at night when the guages would be considered too bright or distracting.

 

[NLXTACY]

I think this Turbo thread is turning to a different but important direction. Should someone start a new thread regarding gauge topic? Valid info will be discussed as always, I'm sure.

If it’s becomes it’s own thread it’ll get moved outside of 80Series forum. Best here for now.

 

[toyotaaddict83]

PLX makes a unit (DM-6) that can support every possible gauge needed, which is great for eliminating clutter, however the idea of having to scroll through the various screens while driving does not have me sold.

 

[Wompom]

If it’s becomes it’s own thread it’ll get moved outside of 80Series forum. Best here for now.

Hopefully not since i'm looking for 80 series specific mounting ideas..

80 series gauges thread

PLX makes a unit (DM-6) that can support every possible gauge needed, which is great for eliminating clutter, however the idea of having to scroll through the various screens while driving does not have me sold.

Exactly. I remembered an older version circa 2011? that had multiple read outs simultaneously. I do not want to scroll through each one.

 

[cavboy78]

FWIW, I've used Speedhut gauges in other builds of mine with great success. They have proven to be top notch quality and made in the USA. The best part is that they are completely customizable, to include font type, needle, backlit color, logo, etc... Although this does not necessarily apply for a digital gauge (prob best for the AFR), but would work for the others. Not affiliated whatsoever, just wanted to pass on for those who want the gauges to look like whats in the factory cluster. This will be the route I plan on going.

 

[Briano]

How many of you are doing the shift kit? Wondering about it myself now.

I already installed the recommended shift kit in preparation for this turbo, Not a hard install, but definitely be prepared for a much firmer shift, not 100% sure I like it yet, but if it saves my transmission from major failure down the line i'd say it's a mod that needs to be done and worth it for the turbo!

 

[NLXTACY]

I already installed the recommended shift kit in preparation for this turbo, Not a hard install, but definitely be prepared for a much firmer shift, not 100% sure I like it yet, but if it saves my transmission from major failure down the line i'd say it's a mod that needs to be done and worth it for the turbo!

you'll like it better with the added power.

 

[scottryana]

Yeah the more power you have the more you will slip the clutches and the shift will be a little more smooth. Report back after you have your turbo!

I already installed the recommended shift kit in preparation for this turbo, Not a hard install, but definitely be prepared for a much firmer shift, not 100% sure I like it yet, but if it saves my transmission from major failure down the line i'd say it's a mod that needs to be done and worth it for the turbo!

 

[Wompom]

I already installed the recommended shift kit in preparation for this turbo, Not a hard install, but definitely be prepared for a much firmer shift, not 100% sure I like it yet, but if it saves my transmission from major failure down the line i'd say it's a mod that needs to be done and worth it for the turbo!

Just more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to add up ... hahahah i'll look into it. Hopefully theres a DIY somewhere.

 

[snowglobe]

Order placed.