I'm seriously considering getting a 15% pulley for my '02 MCS supercharger. Before I do, though, I'd like to install a boost gauge so I can get some before/after observations over the course of the project.

A lot of threads indicate a big preference for mechanical boost gauges, but I have been unable to ascertain why this preference exists. What are the advantages and disadvantages of either?

Thanks,
Don

 

Good thread, Iv'e wanted to know this also.

 

The boost gauge is the one gauge that I have that I prefer to be mechanical.
It is plumbed directly into the vacuum port/line on the engine to get a true, instantaneous reading, as opposed to going from the vacuum port, through an electrical sender and then to the gauge.
My water temp and oil pressure gauges are electrical, because I would rather run wires inside my car than tubing carrying oil or a fixed length sender tube that is usually attached to the mechanical water temp gauge and can't be cut to fit.

 

Never seen gauges mounted like that How did you do it? Do they get in your site line to much?

 

Another thing to think about when considering electrical versus mechanical gauges is that mechanical gauges usually have 270° (or more) of sweep, like this:




While electrical gauges usually only have 90° of sweep, like this:



Note that both gauges cover the same range (0-100 psig), but the electrical gauge can be harder to read accurately, since the range is "crammed" into a smaller sweep.

There *are* full-sweep electrical gauges, (like PARTSMAN's oil and temp gauges pictured in his post above), but the price jumps up considerably. For example, an Autometer mechanical boost gauge is about $60, while their equivalent size/range of electrical boost gauge is closer to $200. (Strangely, they don't seem to make a 90°-sweep electrical boost gauge, so it looks like the $60 mechanical or $200 full-sweep electrical are your only choices from them.) For most gauges (oil pressure, water temp, etcetera) you have the choice of a 90° electrical version for not much more money than the mechanical version, if precise readings aren't important to you.

 

I've had two mechanical Boost gauges and both made a 'chirping' sound because of vibrations. I now have an electronic one of which the scale and units are programmable. Much better.

 

It's a custom pod I made from aluminum tubing. They are right below my line of sight. Just a quick glance down and I can see them perfect.

Nice setup, the carbon fiber looks great!
A small RC car bronze gas filter plumbed inline to the boost gauge will dampen the airflow enough to eliminate any noises or erratic gauge readings.

Nice post ScottRiqui, very informative to those not familiar with the different types of gauges.

 

Nice gauge layout Partsman. I'm too short to run a layout like that though.

Jeremy

 

Thanks man. Yea, you definitely want to be able to see over them.

 

At this years Vancouver International Auto Show I sat in the new 2009 Civic Si and I couldn't even see over the tach/speedo pod waaaaaaay up front near the windshield.

Jeremy

 

Very Nice !

Now a days it is how much you want to spend. The gauges by Inovate are electrical and more accurate and faster responding then the Autometer or similar type gauges. But you will spend the $$$$

If you stay with a quality gauge like Autometer or Stewart Warner side by side the response difference between a mechanical and electrical is negligible any way. It boils down to the looks department. Most like myself like the 270 degree look of the mechanical gauge. The nice thing with electrical is you do not have to worry about running pressurized lines into the cockpit.

 

Whatever happend to "VDO"? They used to be the ones to get along time ago.

 

VDO you are right. I don't think I have had a VDO in years. I liked them because the old style for cars looked so much like old WWII plane gauges.

 

I was thinking about the STRI gauge set for my Mini, with these three gauges:



I know they will be a bit costly, but it is a one-time expense, has a nice clean look, and has a very similar illuminated lighting to the Mini. What are your thoughts on these?

Also, is there a clean A-Pillar mount available for a Mini? I've seen a carbon fiber add-on which I wasn't too fond of, and a complete custom fab one. Any off-the-shelf items out there eluding me?

Thanks,
Don

 

Hmm? different What color are the lights?

 

It says Amber.

Not sure about this supplier but they have some more info on them, including what I've found to be a representative price.

http://www.optionimports.com/stdswhmobome2.html

 

how many pods are you looking for?

 

Either 2 or 3. I definitely want Boost and Oil Temp. I'd like Battery Voltage too if I can get a 3rd, but it isn't the same priority the others are.

If there are no A-Pillar gauge pods out there I'm likely to do the tach-mounted ones.

D

 

lol well there are NO 3 pod's on the market i've looked for awhile and all i came up with was custom ones. it sucks. but there are some 2 pod mounts that you could possibly double up on the pillar and have four but i'm not sure how'd that look. g'd luck!

 

Can you link a source? Thanks!
Don

 

here's a custom one that gnaster built

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=106240

here's the two gauge pod i was talking about. they offer it in a LHD too

http://www.minispeed.co.uk/new_mini/...duct&id=mrb164