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GENERAL => How do I? => Topic started by: Tooky on October 07, 2002, 10:49:51 PM

Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Tooky on October 07, 2002, 10:49:51 PM
Anyone have a guide?  I bought a nice gauge, Autometer "Z Series" black bezel with black gauge and white letters (with red lens over bulb) to closely simulate the TGP instrument cluster.  -30 Vacuum to 20 PSI Boost.  #2601.  I bought a mounting cup 2284 to mount it.  What's the best place to tap in for the boost signal?  Any good locations to mount this gauge?  I was thinking right next to the HUD on the top of the dash.  Where do I wire the light to be in sync with the dimmer switch?  Thanks.

PS: I'm willing to post photos of my install if someone wants?
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Chris A on October 08, 2002, 05:15:31 AM
I need to get pictures of the install, but I just installed one on the cluster side of the dash right infront of where the factory guage is. Worked out very nicely. I ran the wires right through the side of the cluster bezel and the signal tube out through the grommet for the clutch pedal.  I used a metal coat hanger to poke through the grommet. I then "T'd" off the MAP signal line at the back of the manifold and attached the tube there, routing it behind the master cylidner. Hardly noticeable. For the dimmer i stripped the wire back and removed the blue retainers from the back of the headlight switch and pushed the end of the wires into the cavity where the black wire and the grey(Iirc) wire was. No wires to cut and it stays put.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Tooky on October 08, 2002, 12:52:57 PM
I'm not sure I want to Tee into my MAP sensor signal, it would seem like a sensor you want full signal going to at all times (rather than whatever's left over when the boost gauge has had its share).  Are there any other suitable lines I could use or should I just go with the MAP after all?
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: skalor on October 08, 2002, 01:14:13 PM
When I put a boost gauge in I used the extra port(uses a square drive) on the back of the intake manifold next to the MAP sensor.  I had to go to HomeDepot to get a 90 degree elbow and I had to find an adapter to fit the fitting that came with the boost gauge.  I think I spent all of $5 on the parts at HD.  I think the extra hole was for the vacuum assist line for the power brakes.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: idbeast on October 08, 2002, 03:37:23 PM
Here are a couple of pics on locations...
http://www.turbograndprix.com/boostgauge/
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: skalor on October 08, 2002, 09:20:26 PM
hey idbeast,  I mounted the boost gauge the same way.  A couple of zip ties on the column. :D
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Chris A on October 08, 2002, 09:35:45 PM
Quote from: TookyCatI'm not sure I want to Tee into my MAP sensor signal, it would seem like a sensor you want full signal going to at all times (rather than whatever's left over when the boost gauge has had its share).  Are there any other suitable lines I could use or should I just go with the MAP after all?

Eh, a signal is a signal. The MAP sensor already has the FPR t'd off of it. You could do like others and add an elaborate brass fitting to the plug on the back of the intake. I think the other vacuum source that comes from the throttle body also is a good signal line. It runs over the MC to the check valve under the cruise control. If you tap it before the check valve it should provide a good boost signal. I used the map on this particular car becasue the hose was already repaired at that location and made it easy to tap into with th plastic tee I had.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: idbeast on October 08, 2002, 10:27:14 PM
Just fuel for thought.... taken from this web page...
http://www.autoperformanceengineering.com/
Probably one of the worst things you can do to your Sy/Ty is install a boost gauge in either the MAP signal or the fuel pressure signal. Those two devices are very important to the proper operation of the ECM and the fuel system. If you install a mechanical boost gauge in one of those lines, that six feet of hose has to be pressurized before the MAP sees the true pressure in the system.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: eclipse5302 on November 28, 2002, 03:05:08 PM
Or you could mount your gauges here, like I did....

//www.turboste.com/pod.html

Jason
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: turby on November 28, 2002, 04:21:36 PM
Where did you get that gauge pod?
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: eclipse5302 on November 28, 2002, 05:57:46 PM
I made it.  The text on the page gives some detail on how it was done.

Jason
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Chris A on November 28, 2002, 08:14:43 PM
Like his page says, "that makes sense." I think I'll do a little test to see how much volume is in the line for the guage.  I think the FPR diaphram moving displaces more volume than the line going to the boost guage. I agree though, they are important to the operation of the engine. However, you'd be seeing the EXACT same vac/boost that the ECM is if its inline with the MAP.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: 1trucavalier on February 14, 2003, 09:16:12 AM
I am already T'd off my map sensor for the BOV.  Will it make a difference if you have more than one thing t'd off the map?  I got the dual guage pod that mounts to the pillar.  Its so simple to just take your heat gun heat it up until it exactly fits the mold of the pillar.  It fits snug like it was meant to be.  Now all I need is the guages.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: eclipse5302 on February 14, 2003, 11:18:54 AM
I don't know about that...I think it's just easiest to tap off of the rear of the plenum like I did.  I don't want to interupt the signal going to the map/fpr.  What happens if one of those things you added to the line develops a leak?

Jason
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: 1trucavalier on February 18, 2003, 06:38:19 AM
Not sure about long term damage but I will definitely change it soon.
Title: Install a mechanical boost gauge?
Post by: Chris A on February 18, 2003, 06:01:43 PM
Probably the same thing that any leak would cause. :)

The only problem being those cars that have vacuum brake conversion (not common), so where do you do it then? Break off the vacuum booster line?

I haven't tried the other vacuum line on the TB, the one that goes to the accesories. I wonder if it would give an accurate reading. I wouldn't have any worries about tapping that.

Chris