Accurate reading gauges

[redlightningsvx]

Ok, well the digital gauges were a fail as the faces cracked from the heat and were way off. I wanted to get some opinions on some gauges anybody here has used on our cars that read accuratly. Any input appreciated, thanks.

[redlightningsvx]

Bump..............

[redlightningsvx]

Anyone?????????

[sperry]

What are you looking for, a complete replacement of the stock instrument cluster, or just some ancillary gauges?

I've got Defi BF-R series gauges in the race car. They're very nice looking, have basic logging functionality, work great (accurate), but will run you over a grand for a set depending on what you're trying to replace.

For example: I've got a boost gauge, oil temp, oil pressure, water temp, and EGT gauge. I think the setup was around $900. That's still no tach, and no speedo. And I don't think they even make a fuel gauge in that line, if you're trying to replace everything.

Here's the best picture I can find off hand of the Defi setup (see the 4 gauges across the top):


Here's a video from a while back showing the Boost gauge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Ndk92iZW8

Autometer makes several lineups that have tons of gauge options. I had some autometer SportComp gauges before the Defis, but I wasn't happy with the quality of their products so I upgraded. I have heard they've got a new line of stepper motor gauges though that are on par w/ the Japanese offerings now though.

[redlightningsvx]

I only want a better coolant and tranny gauge to mount on the pillar. When you had the Autometers were they accurate at all? Thanks for the input.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by redlightningsvx

I only want a better coolant and tranny gauge to mount on the pillar. When you had the Autometers were they accurate at all? Thanks for the input.

I disliked the Autometer boost gauge I had because it was mechanical and required a boost line running all the was into the cabin to the gauge. That long line created inaccuracies in the response of the gauge IMO.

I disliked the other Autometer gauges I had because they weren't "full sweep"... i.e. they were just analog volt meters reading the voltage of the sensor with a 90deg sweep, rather than a 300deg sweep stepper motor driven gauge. I'm not sure what the accuracy was, but I do know that for my application in the WRX, they didn't have the range I needed (for example the AutoMeter EGT peaked at 1600F and I really needed to see to 2000F since I was willing to go as high as 1700F on track as long as it's not sustained).

If you're just looking for a water temp and tranny temp, take a look at ISSPRO. They're a little pricier than AutoMeter, but way cheeper than having to purchase a Defi Link controller or something. I use ISSPRO boost, EGT and tranny temp gauges in my diesel truck to keep an eye on things while towing. Full sweep and their readouts always seemed plenty accurate when compared to my truck's gauges and the display for my ECU chip. Also they're much nicer than the AutoMeters in that they have backlit text rather than just a ring of light around the edge of the gauge, plus the green lighting/red needles is a perfect match to the stock SVX instruments.


http://www.egauges.com/vdo_ind.asp?T...VA_R&PN=R5650R


http://www.egauges.com/vdo_ind.asp?T...VA_R&PN=R5659R

Probably should be able to pick them both up for under $200 out the door. I linked to egauges.com, but I have no idea if they've got good prices. You probably should shop around a bit for 'em. I ended up getting mine as part of a kit specific to my truck from DieselManor.com.

Edit: One more idea is to check out VDO. They've got a pretty wide line of gauges as well, but I've had no personal experience with them. I believe they're on par w/ AutoMeter as far as price/performance.

[LetItSnow]

I got my ISSPROs from egauges. Still waiting on that cluster to come back to me...