msh441 you are the perfect situation to make a how to in installing gauges. If you have the time and want to please take a few pics in explaining how you installed your gauges! We will all be waiting breathless to see how you got along!
I hope all goes well and make a good job mate!

 

MSH441,

The adapter's you have listed look like an excellent idea and one that I would be more willing to opt for than drilling into the coolant reservoir. If you find out the answer, please advise by post or PM me.

I ordered and received the same gauges (water temp & boost/vacuum) MiniJayhawk installed on his Mini:

Stewart Warner Competition Series.

The water temp is electric - Part Number: 114273
http://www.sw-performance.com/index....tails&p=114273

The boost/vac gauge is mechanical - Part Number: 114380
http://www.sw-performance.com/index....tails&p=114380

I ordered the gauge pods (2 required for '08) and boost/vacuum adapter and was fortunate enough to speak directly with Adam when my call/email was returned. GREAT SERVICE!!! Adam is an obvious Mini Enthusiast, a true gentleman, and has an intense desire to ensure customer satisfaction. He CERTAINLY DID with me!! Many Thanks ADAM!!

 

http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...roducts_id=128

A little pricier than I had hoped... but it'll do the trick. Alta carries M7 parts, too (if anyone wants to order their stuff from the same place).

 

Don't know if you've installed the coupler yet, but I used the same product. It should go in the top hose that you see when you pull the reservoir off. If you look straight down with the reservoir moved, you'll see 2 hoses coming from the radiator. Put the coupler you bought in the top hose, replacing the coupler that's there.
My temps on the highway in FL hold about 195. Stopped at a light it'll go up to 205 or so. I've set the alarm on the guage at 220, but that might be a little low.

 

those are the same exact temps that I get with sensor in the bottom of the reservoir. it's good to know that it's reading as accurate as being in the direct flow.

 

Just wannaa thank masterd78 for the pics he posted earlier in this thread! It really helped me allot in getting everything done in the engine bay for the boost gauge setup. I'll be working on the interior stuff today.

I hope to have pics tonight of the boost guages along with my PLX LCD guages fully installed and operational.

 

All done:


Peak boost after a quick test drive:


My mods list: http://www.mini2.com/galleries/member.php?uid=10046

 

Looks NICE!! I'm installing new gauges this week. I'm replacing the Prosport gauges with the Defi Link 2 gauges! WOOT!!

 

Cool. I have that setup on my 300ZX Z32. Love the record and playback capability. Please post pics when you're done.

Pic from my Z:
http://z32racing.50megs.com/Z/_photo...2006070405.jpg

 

Well done to all for the pictures and clean installs! I can't wait to do this now! Where can I get those glare guard things on the gauges?

 

If you buy the gauges from Alta they come with the glare guards. I bought my Defi gauges and paid extra for guards for them.

 

Thanks for that info. I'll make sure I purchase from Alta then.

 

Is it me, or is the Alta boost gauge beep during the start-up process too loud?

I do like to hear it. Is it possible to lower it?

 

You can mute it at start up. If you need the instructions, PLEASE e-mail tech@altaperformance.com and we will send them to you ASAP!
Thanks again!

 

I just found it in the instructions PDF file. I guess muting is the only option. I'll try it tonight. Thanks, Adam.

 

Anyone have a link to how to wire the gauges (power, ground, accessory)? Im trying to install these tonight thanks!

 

CLICK HERE then on instructions.

Inside are the wiring that we use for the R56. Hope that helps! Good luck!

 

Thanks Adam

 

Okay, i've gone round and round looking at all gauge options out there.

I think the Alta look to be the nicest quality to me, they don't match the OEM gauges in the sense that they aren't white and look exactly like the Tach gauge, yet I think they compliment our tach gauge very nicely. I also like the fact that the Alta gauges seem to be high quality and allow an alarm setting. The price (w/ their 20% percent off sale that is currently going on) also makes them a steal compared to the other options out there.

So, I too will be placing my order this weekend for a few gauges.

Here is a question, I am considering installing my water temp sensor into a hose coupler as suggested in some earlier posts, ...how much water is lost when doing this? Is it possible to crimp the hose on both sides of where the new coupler is to be installed -before you install the new coupler to avoid losing radiator water??

 

eR1c: Thanks in advance for the purchase! I know you will be happy with the decision and as always if I can help let me know!

On the water temp coupler, I haven't tried that so I don't know how much you will loose. That is the reason I mounted the sensor in the bottom of the coolant tank. No water loss, no mess and no guessing. BUT I understand why you are considering the other as well.

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks Adam,
placing order a little later today (to get that 20% off discount).

yeah, i may put the sensor in the resevoir tank ...my rad' water is fine and don't care to change/flush it or replace it.

 

Dude, where did you tap for the constant power?
ALTA's instructions says to use the line to the OBD but mine is a RHD MINI, and that's be running a wire all the way from the left of the car to the right.
Is there a constant power among the wires under the ciggie lighter/DSC buttons?

 

u can tap it to the cigrettret plug....that's what i did

i want to know - the illumination wire, does it mean it got power when turn the headlamp light on?

 

So there is a constant power supply in the ciggie lighter?

The illumination wire powers on when the headlights gets switched on.

 

hello, what is the difference betweent he 12V switched and 12V constant?