I was wondering if its worth adding a boost gauge when my car is basically stock? Ill be getting everything Dinan makes when they release in a couple month, will the boost go up when I install more parts?

 

The boost gauge would be nice because you can see if your Dinan mods actually work (which I'm sure they will). I would hope your boost increases with more mods.

 

A boost gauge is just as important as most other gauges in your car. IF you notice that boost is either erratic, or dropping or rising it can indicate any number of potential issues, stock or otherwise. From catalyst failure, to leaky boost tubes, poor ignition etc. ETC. Any performance mods (in my opinion) should be complimented with a good set of gauges. I recommend a minimum of boost and water in the R56, followed closely by oil temp ad EGT.

Hope that helps with the decision! Regardless enjoy the car!

 

ok good to hear all that. Adam are you going to make a pod for the pillar? I rather have everything on one side. And ill be calling in today or tomorrow if your open on weekends to order the boost gauge.

 

I'd be carefull of that one. Arn't the side curtian airbags in there? I'd hate to see them go off and have guages flying around the cabin.

 

oh man, i forgot about that, good lookin out, dont want gauge in my face!!!!

 

If the car is mostly stock no need for a boot gauge, but it can be kind of fun to watch. Once you start doing tuning, a boost gauge is pretty critical.

 

I disagree, I work on stock turbocharged Saab's all day & even the factory boost gauge (equipped on some models) is a great diagnostic tool. Likewise I can't believe there's no factory water temp gauge.
& don't get me started about tapping into the reservoir for a temp sensor, that's about as useful as a pre-throttle body boost/map sensor. Coolant temp should be taken from the coolant IN the engine, ie. running the gauges/piggybacking off the factory/existing sensor signals.

some sensors like oil temp, inlet/outlet air temp, egt, afr, are pretty much overkill if you're not racing it on the track or changing/tuning the maps.

 

nope, the air bags are in the overhead. There is nothing behind the A pillars except maybe tweeters. I've had them off when changing my tweeters.

 

I had Dan at GrassRoots Garage put in this boost guage b/c the wifey didn't like the air blowing on her right hand when she drove the car! It's not only functional for diagnostics, it's fun for passengers to watch, too.

Just remembered, this sometimes starts a debate, I was at a traffic light, foot on clutch, revved it up and took the shot.

 

all my mini has for right now is an intake but i already ordered my ecu from alta and intend on getting an exhaust in the next month or so ...so i installed one. you can check here on the forum under a different thread or you can check my gallery and you can see pictures. its definately great to have it!

 

this may be the case but those panels might still come off when the airbags deploy. either way they dont make any gauges for us to mount there (Trust me i looked this is what i wanted to do also).