I have decided to add a boost gauge to my new MCS 06 ( DOB 11/18/06 ) but I am having trouble with the location. There is a how-to-do by darkmini with pics and it is great BUT... I have the chrono option and there is the trouble. most people seem to be mounting the gauge on the tach but that is out. The best place for the guage as far as being able to see it is on the dashboard directly in front of the driver and it looks so cool too.

The problem is that I do not like to drill holes in the car. The 06 car has 4 screws in the heater vent at the base of the windshield and the 2nd from the left is perfect to hold the mounting bracket. Now for the problem.

It will be necessary to drill a hole somewhere for the vac/pressure line and the power for the lighting. The logical place for the hole is through the heater vent at the end but I need to get the dash out to see where. The big question is how to get the dash out without tearing something up. Has anyone been able to get the 06 dash out? I know there are two screws on each end and 4 in the heater vent but is there something else to worry about. Also there is the passenger airbag to think about.

There must be someone out there who has done this. Can anyone help?

 

I'll Post a pix or two later but I have the Chrono Pack and I mounted mine off the left instrument (the Tach) at about 7:00. Fits perfectly and I can see it all right beside the Tach.

 

Or you could put it in the air vent....

 

I like the looks of the vent one, but need warmer hands...

As for running the vac/boost line, it's re-eally small, should be able to thread through like a wire.

I have the chrono pack and am considering mounting it between the gauges - it's not super visible but it'd be there, and there are mounting screws on the back... I don't know, other mods are higher on the list.

 

If you want to put the gauge(s) on the dash you will have to drill a hole somewhere in the drivers defroster duct to run the line and the wires...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=86989

 

Hey...thanks for the number of returns but the original question was how to get the dash out. If I get the thing mounted on the heater vent I will get a picture and let everyone see how it looks.

 

Partsman, nice looking setup!

 

I was about to go and dig this photo up. I like Partsman idea I know Rick has his on the A-pillar something I think looks good but we are in disagreement as to how it would fair in the even of airbag deployment. You might beable to fabricate a bracket and use the dash mount ing screw over the speedo (chrono pack in the OPs case) andback the screw out run the wires though a tiny drilled hole next to it (that is otherwise invisible and then have the boost guage hang slightly over the top of the chrono, would block some of the passenger view but everyhtin woul be easily visible to the driver.

 

Thanks. I just wanted it to be different.

ozarkroots, i'm not exactly sure how the '06 dash panels come off. I can't imagine it's a whole lot different than the '02-'04, other than yours being only 3 pieces, so it can't be that difficult.

 

Well I like your gauges on the dash and that's why I want my boost gauge there as well as the visibility. As to the dash easy to get out...that's another issue. So far I have found 10 screws holding it in and there are others that I have not uncovered yet.
Since I couldn't get the dash out I started looking closer for other ways to route the pressure line and lighting wiring. The easy answer is that there is a groove in front of the dash that goes around to the drivers door and takes the required lines OK. The left access panel lets you get under the dash with no problems. When I get it all installed I will post a pic as it is almost as neat as your setup.

 

Its three pieces and 20x harder to do because of it, all in the name of getting whiny cutomers out of the service bay withthe rattle issues.

 

Hey, I've got a question...

I've got the chrono pack as well. I'd really like to have a set of those Cooper S gauges (you know, boost and volt). My question is this:

Could you use the mounting plate for the non-S gauge package and put the boost and volt gauges in that area where the change tray is? I'm just wondering if that is workable.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

What a good idea! Looks good too, like it was factory built!

 

can't give up an air vent, (I live in Phoenix). Need as much cold air moving
as possible. :-)

cool idea though!

 

Yes there is a gauge mounting kit that goes in the change tray but you will have to do a "search" on the net because I can't remember where I saw it.

I am slowly installing my boost guage on top of the dash and it will be the most readable guage in the car. Pics when I am finished.