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Gauges?

2K views 20 replies 7 participants last post by  towerymt 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

I'm separating this from the other thread. So, I've finally decided to dish out some dough to get be some gauges. I'm definitely getting a boost gauge. The question is, should I have another gauge to monitor anything? I'm going to get them custom mounted on the A-piller so I don't know if I should get 1 or 2 pod gauge bracket? Also, what are some good gauges out there. I know about VDO (since they supply the old Volvos), but I also heard autometer was good too. Kai - you use Greddy/HKS? I'd like the gauges to look as close as OEM as possible (color/lighting etc). Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Re: Gauges? (mike_c70)

I have the Autometer boost gauge 2016 model #, I think. It has the black bezel, black face with the vacuum numbers in yellow and the boost in white. You can change the color of the bulb by using the little plastic cover, red, green or the normal bulb white color. It's kinda hard to see with the red but it looks cool.
Hope this helps.

Rafael
 
#4 ·
Re: Gauges? (mike_c70)

Mines are GReddy gauges. Wish I had gotten the EL ones from APEX'i, but they are a bit bigger than I really want and the blue could be too much to be mounted at visible spots.

I think Blitz has some fairly decent ones you might want to consider.
 
#5 ·
Re: Gauges? (The_one_n_only)

quote:

Mines are GReddy gauges. Wish I had gotten the EL ones from APEX'i, but they are a bit bigger than I really want and the blue could be too much to be mounted at visible spots.

I think Blitz has some fairly decent ones you might want to consider.
Kai,

how expensive are they (price range) and does one require a lot of labor to install?

Yannis
 
#6 ·
Re: Gauges? (GrecianVolvo)

I forgot,....I try not to keep track of the $$$, hurts sometimes to think about it.

The gauges were not that much more than say the ones from Autometer or any other brand, the labor was not clearly indicated since I was doing few other mods along with it.

Not really big of deal, one can tackle that w/o much of problem. It's just the effort, time, and energy..that's all. Not very difficult.
 
#7 ·
Re: Gauges? (The_one_n_only)

The EL series is a little bit too much for me (the blue is too strong). I want something that lights up green like the rest of the gauges in the car. I think that VDO has some sort of ahem* (condom) for the bulbs to make it look like stock.

But is 1 gauge enough or should I put in a second one to monitor another part of the car?
 
#9 ·
Re: Gauges? (mike_c70)

Mike, you should also check out Defi gauges ( http://www.nippon-seiki.co.jp/defi/ ). I have the BE series gauges (oil temp, oil pressure and fuel pressure) in my Scooby, and might change my Blitz boost gauge to the Defi too. They have black face with green numbers, which should match the Volvo. The best thing about Defi is that you can get a contol unit that can control up to 8 different gauges, with functions such as set warning level, check peak level, record and play for each individual gauge.

You can also check out Vividracing which has a list of Defi gauges for sale http://www.vividracing.com/prod_defigauges.php.

My setup is almost exactly the same as the pic below, except I don't have the center gauge pod (but still have 3 gauges), and I have a A-pillar gauge pod with only one gauge.


[Modified by Terence, 6:43 PM 10-14-2002]
 
#12 ·
Re: Gauges? (mike_c70)

quote:

Since we are on the topic, what's the difference between electrical and mechanical gauges?
Basically an electrical gauge like a water temp or oil pressure will have a sender with an electrical connection that sends a signal to the gauge. These are easy to install and are generally safer when dealing with oil/fuel/water.

A mechanical gauge like fuel pressure or oil pressure will have the fuel or oil running through the gauge where the pressure is measured. This is like your average tire pressure gauge that when you push it onto the valve stem, the air pressure is pushed into the gauge and causes the needle to move. You don't need a power source for the gauge to work, but the fuel or oil or whatever has to run through the gauge, so you've got it inside the car.
 
#15 ·
Re: Gauges? (mike_c70)

Mike, yea the prices are crazy because the ones on the top are the new BF series, which are induglo(sp?) gauges. The ones at the bottom should be the BE series which are cheaper. Depends on how many gauges you are planning to get, if quite a few, then the Defi route is a good choice. But if you are just getting 1 or 2 gauge, then VDO and autometer both have good offerings. I used to have a VDO in the 850, then changed to the autometer because the VDO only reads up to 15psi.
 
#16 ·
Re: Gauges? (Terence)

Those are some sick gauges~!!~! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

I like, I like...but I just don't have anywhere in the my car I can fit these gauges w/o looking like a high school kid's Civic.

No wonder I'm hearing more and more ppl using Defi gauges.
 
#18 ·
Re: Gauges? (The_one_n_only)

quote:

I like, I like...but I just don't have anywhere in the my car I can fit these gauges w/o looking like a high school kid's Civic.
So are you trying to imply that my car looks like a high school kid's Civic?????? http://********************/smile/emwink.gif

Yeah, but those Defi gauges are sick, they definitely get the attention of all my passengers when they got into the car http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
 
#19 ·
Re: Gauges? (Terence)

quote:

So are you trying to imply that my car looks like a high school kid's Civic?????? http://********************/smile/emwink.gif
http://********************/smile/emsmile.gif Nah, I wouldn't dare to.. http://********************/smile/emwink.gif

I just don't think Volvo goes well with pod-mount, unless something that really blends in with the overall theme.
 
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