Check this out - the guys at Cool New have boost and other gauges that replace the center vents... looks sweet, and you can aim them. I guess you'd lose the air flow from the center vents, anyone think this would be a problem?

They said that you can replace your center vents (no mods to the car, so you can go back to the way it was).

 

Seems like a good idea if you don't mind it. Did they restrict airflow to those particular vents?

 

Where does the hot air/cool air go then? I would think that the hot air might nuke the gauges if they are constantly being hit from behind by the air flow (especially if you live in arctic temps like me).

Looks cool though!

 

They look like gauges sitting inside of vents. If there were larger gauges with bezel sizes closer to those of the vents, then they could replace the vent bezels altogether. That would look cool.

 

I think the reason they're using that size is they said they kept the gauges on a gimbal so they could swivel just like the vents do... so they can be turned to face the driver or passenger, etc. I think if they were bigger they wouldn't be able to do that. I'm going to ask about the heat issue though.

 

I've thought about doing this mod myself. There isnt too much of an issue about blocking off the middle air vents, since the air would bypass to the top-of-dash center vent (go out and close the two center vents while you have air coming out of them, you'll see what happens). As for the heat affecting the gauges themselves, it's not a problem at all for mechanical gauges, and today's electric gauges can handle extremes of hot and cold pretty well (think of the tach sitting atop the sterring column soaking in extreme heat and cold with no problems, and it's a far more sophisticated gauge than the single function aftermarket ones).

 

Hmm, in a car that already gets some complaints about the AC system not being very good, I'd say this mod doesn't make sense.

 

I like the look and am not that concerned with 'where the air goes'. Very functional looking. Much more than having to look down, away from the road, to see your additional gauges. Where can I get some more info?

Cheers

Geoff

 

>>Hmm, in a car that already gets some complaints about the AC system not being very good, I'd say this mod doesn't make sense.

I agree...being in South Florida we need more vents, not less. How bout replacing the speedo with a large vent and using the two smaller ones as gauges??

 

Go to their website located here: http://www.coolnew.co.uk

_________________
2004 MCS DS/B, Black leatherette w/ anthracite interior, premium, sport and cold weather packages, HK Sound, Driving Lights, Alta 15%pulley,Webb Powerchip, Milltek Catback exhaust, Nology Wires, Alta CAI

 

Would condensation become an issue with the rear of the vents being hit by AC and the lower airflow for cooling the remainder of the car interior? Just a concern, especially in humid FL.

 

I just talked to them... they supply a temperature resistant foam with the kit to keep the air flow off the back of the gauges too. They said that the heat didn't seem to be a problem in testing, but the A/C made the gauges very cold, so they thought the foam would make sense to redirect the air.

Apparently the first deliveries would hit the UK in a week or so, and the US about 10 days later. I think I'm in :smile:

 

Hi All, first time here.


These look great, Guess I would want Boost and Oil Temp for my new MCS

Saw the Mini option of Volts and Oil Temp but they are mounted to low, you would not see them driving along.

 

Wonder if these come in any other trim colors. I have the anthracite interior and the patina color would look goofy in contrast to the anthracite.

Check these out all light up though.

 

That looks pretty cool, but it must block quite a bit of airflow, or at least redirect it. I have a 45 mm Omori boost gauge (little guy) that I am in the process of mounting in the vent to the left of the steering wheel. It seems like an odd location, but is right in the line of sight. I'll post a write-up and pics when I get it finished.

 

>>Would condensation become an issue with the rear of the vents being hit by AC and the lower airflow for cooling the remainder of the car interior? Just a concern, especially in humid FL.

Did you find out about the condenstion !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sorry 2Cool

Did you find out !!!!!!!!!

>>Would condensation become an issue with the rear of the vents being hit by AC and the lower airflow for cooling the remainder of the car interior? Just a concern, especially in humid FL.

 

Yep - I talked to them, and they include temperature resistant foam in the kit... the foam goes behind the gauges to redirect the air flow to the other vents, and keep condensation off the gauges. Haven't got mine yet... :smile:

>>
>>Sorry 2Cool
>>
>>Did you find out !!!!!!!!!
>>
>>>>Would condensation become an issue with the rear of the vents being hit by AC and the lower airflow for cooling the remainder of the car interior? Just a concern, especially in humid FL.
>>

 

SWEET! I'm on the list for the first set to get to the US. Maybe that makes me "bleeding edge", but I like 'em :smile:

 

A friend of mine got these and they are great, will get my on order as soon as the car arrives

 

i like the traditional A-pillar pods better (my personal preference). anyone sell that for the minis?

 

think about it....

the pillars have airbags. airbag goes off, guages go into your face.



that would hurt.

 

I emailed these guys and asked about purchasing just one gauge. They were happy to oblige for a lesser price if anyone wants to go that way. Then I got in the car and drove to work and came to a realization. The view of the vent is completely obstructed by the steering wheel. Maybe its just the way I sit in the car, but it doesn't seem like a good place to put a gauge if you can't see it.

 

>>think about it....
>>
>>the pillars have airbags. airbag goes off, guages go into your face.
>>
>>
>>
>>that would hurt.


If you are 'lucky', the gauges might bounce off the backside of the front airbag.

 

>>The view of the vent is completely obstructed by the steering wheel. Maybe its just the way I sit in the car, but it doesn't seem like a good place to put a gauge if you can't see it.

How far back do you sit in the car? I am one notch from the back and I can see all of the vents just fine... but I would imagine that they would be hard to see from a position a few notches forward.