Boost Gauge Choices

Jakey · 02-21-2005

I'm looking to purchase a boost gauge and would like to hear people's opinions. The car in question is a '92 Laser RS, 100% stock. I am planning on purchasing the Pro Pod full pillar pod or the Stewart Warner pod which from the link, support 2.0625 inch gauges. I would prefer not to have to hone out one of the holes to support a larger gauge such as the Greddy 60mm (2.3622 inch) series or come up with a bushing to support a smaller guage such as the Greddy 52mm (2.0472) series.

I would like to stray away from an Autometer Boost Gauge as I am not satisfied with their quality. A couple examples of their quality control issues can be found in these threads:
http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showt...ht=boost+guage
http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showt...ht=boost+gauge

Greddy as well as Apex are out of the question since they only offer boost guages in metric units. I am leaning towards a -30 to 30 ranged gauge with the common "mechanical" readout, not the digital. I have read good things about Stewart Warner gauges and had this one catch my eye. Does anyone have experience with Stewart Warner products?

I should also mention I would like the gauge to be a white face gauge similar to the linked Stewart Warner gauge above however I am open to others. I am planning on setting up the gauge with a kit similar to what Erik describes in this thread.

Thanks!

EDIT- I will mention that I realize there are 6.02x10^23 threads like this out there already on Tooners and NABR, but I still would like the opinions of people here.

**JET** · 02-21-2005

I would highly recommend the VDO. I have a stewart warner now and it seems pretty decent too.

HondaKiller · 02-21-2005

I second the VDO. they come in black or white face and are pretty cheap.

A//// Guy · 02-21-2005

I know VDO is a very big brand and alot of factory guages on cars are VDO but how are they so cheap? I mean the boost guages and other simple mechanical guages are like 25 bucks.

MATCHBX · 02-21-2005

I would go either VDO or Stuart Warner. Both are as good as each other.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 02-21-2005

I have the Stewart Warner. I mostly like it because it goes up to 40psi. It seemed to read about the same boost as I got on my AEM EMS also.

Jakey · 02-21-2005

Well unless I find something else drastically better than a Stewart Warner, that looks to be what I will purchase.

02-22-2005

So far I havent had any problems with any of my gauges from AC Autotechnic. The only complaint is there is no egt gauge. They look great, day and night. www.acautotechnic.com the "s7" race guages

HondaKiller · 02-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by EclipseTurbo

I know VDO is a very big brand and alot of factory guages on cars are VDO but how are they so cheap? I mean the boost guages and other simple mechanical guages are like 25 bucks.

I meant cheap compared to Greddy or Apexi or Defi and other brands like that.

**scheides** · 02-22-2005

I bought a used vdo for $15 when I bought my car 2.5 years ago. Still works perfect, use it every day.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 02-22-2005

My first boost gauge was a VDO. It would only read up to to 7psi, even though it was a 20psi gauge. I replaced it with an Autometer soon after.

TrboVan · 02-22-2005

I like my Autometer gauges.

**JET** · 02-22-2005

Huh, I still use my VDO (in the red car) and it is 8 years old, still works perfect!

**1ViciousGSX** · 02-22-2005

I've never had any problems with any Autometer gauges. My boost gauge works great.

Or maybe it doesn't? HUM, let me think now, yes, that's the ticket. "That's right fellas, I ran 11.47 @ 122 mph on 19 psi because my boost gauge was off by 10 psi". hahahahahahaha

Bode · 02-23-2005

When can you get the new nexus auto meter, and if they are out, were can i buy it?

Jakey · 02-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bode

When can you get the new nexus auto meter, and if they are out, were can i buy it?

I haven't seen an official release date but I'm sure there is one somewhere. I would get ahold of SLS as they seem to move a large amount of Autometer gauges and can probably get you a very competitive price.

A//// Guy · 02-26-2005

Anyone with the Stewart Warner boost guages have any problems with visiblilty at night? It seems that the gauge is backlit but the needle is not. So how hard is it to see the needle?

Also summitracing.com now carries autometer nexus but the cost is not justifyable to me at all.

02-28-2005

Defi-D gauges all the way.. fits with the stock gauges 100%

Jakey · 02-28-2005

Well Shane is ordering me the Stewart Warner model I mentioned above so we'll see how it works.

Swifty1638 · 03-03-2005

I run nothing but faze gauges..they rock..my mechanical boost/vacuum gauge is 30/30 with a 270 degree sweep..I love it..i also have a oil psi, a/f gauge, and volt gauge..i am looking to get an egt, fuel psi, and water temp soon..

-A. Swift