Just bought a gauge pod that mounts around the tach. I want to install a boost gauge. What I am not sure of is what other gauge would be the most help. Also realy can't tell which gauge will match the tach color. Could use some help with which gauge manufacture has the best match along with good price.

Thanks
Dennis

 

Hey,

I would say Autometer's Ultra-Lite gauges. They have a silver faca and you can change the light bulb color also. As for what kind, definitely boost....and then maybe a voltmeter.

ZM

 

I agree with ZM that Auto Meter Ultra-Lite series will have one of the best match to the factory gauges. I currently have a boost gauge and a voltage gauge as I like to keep track of the battery due to the stereo system and electronics I have in the car. Here's a picture of the gauges showing illumination closely matching the factory orange amber color as well as the silver dial, silver bezel, and orange pointer. :smile:

 

Thanks Dave. Looks GREAT. Where did you find the trim rings.

Dennis

 

same question. and what gauge kit is that? Promini?

 

The trim rings are from RSpeed and the gauges are from Summit Racing. The ring on the accessory gauge is the same one for the tweeter. Although the diameter of the gauge is a little smaller than the tweeter, the ring fit snugly with an extra layer of double-sided tape.

Instead of buying gauge pods that are made for the MINI, costing $150+ for the pods alone without the gauges, I use Auto Meter gauge pods, which is only $12 each. The total cost of 2 ATM gauges and pods was under $120. Not bad!

 

How did you attach the gauge pods? I can't really tell from the picture.

 

How about an oil pressure gauge? I have the ProMINI gauges ( boost and oil pressure) they match very nicely in face color and lighting.

 

It's mounted directly onto the small plastic piece on top of the steering column. I also used those black license plate screw caps to hide the screws on the hinge part of the mounting pod. :smile:

Here's another view of the ATM gauges:

 

I belive ProMINI uses Auto Meter Ultra-Lite gauges as well, which is what I have. Ultra-Lite series offer many different type of gauges, including oil pressure gauge.

ProMINI Gauge kit with Electrical boost gauge and oil pressure gauge ($475.95)

 

That looks awesome Dave. You have a clean setup.

ZM

 

Dave,

How bright are your ProMINI gauges?

Mine seem to be dimmer than the other stock gauges, I do have them hooked up correct as they dim and brighten with the other gauges just look like the bulbs they use light up the edges of the gauges more than the center of the faces.
Not a huge deal if this is how they work but wanted to see if yours also work like this.

 

My gauges are not from ProMINI. I couldn't see myself paying $500 for the gauges. Instead, I have the Autometer gauges with Autometer pods for under $120 all together. In any case, they're the same gauges since ProMINI uses Auto Meter gauges. As far as the brightness, they're fine. They do appeared slightly dimmer than the center Tach, mainly due to the coloration as the ATM gauges are somewhat more orange than the OEM illumination. They do blend nicely nevertheless. :smile:

 

Dave,
I will be installing my Autometer gauge this weekend. I wanted to let you know that the ProMINI gauges are the electronic ones, not the $50 analog ones. One of my friends has them and they can replay your highest boost and other features.

 

For those who are interested in the Auto Meter Ultra-Lite gauges, here're some infos on a few popular ones with prices from Summit Racing.

Mechanical gauges
ATM-4321 oil pressure $39.95
ATM-4301 boost/vacuum gauge $44.95

Electrical gauges
ATM-4327 oil pressure $53.95
ATM-4391 voltmeter $35.95
ATM-4377 Boost gauge $189.95

Gauge pods
ATM-2204 black $12.95
ATM-2203 chrome $19.95
ATM-2121 carbon fiber $37.88

I have ATM-4301, ATM-4391, and two ATM-2204 pods. :smile:

 

I've wanted to do a set of electronic guages for a while. Boost as well as oil pressure. Can anyone tell me extra I need to install this if I were to order the autometer guages? What does the electronic boost guages need to connect to? What about the oil pressure guage?

Cheers,

Paul

 

Very nice and creative job.

Off to check out those trim rings.

 

Paul, the electrical boost gauge comes with a sender unit, which stores information for playback at a later time. It's usually mounted in the engine compartment and communicates information with the gauge. The only thing you'll need for the boost gauge connection is the T-fitting. Plastic ones will do and can be obtained locally at any auto store. In addition, small rubber tube to join the T-fitting and the clear plastic tubing that comes with the gauge. Another option is to replace the clear plastic tubing with a rubber one.

The T-fitting is connected to the vacuum line between the intake manifold and the fuel pressure regulator. Either end will work. The fuel pressure regulator is located between the #2 and #3 intake runner under the intercooler. The intake manifold is behind the #1 runner. Have fun!

 

Now that's a detailed answer! Now I've got to find some guages I like. I really want Boost, Oil Temp and Oil Pressure. Hrm, I wonder if anyone makes a dual analog oil pressure/oil temp guage?

Cheers,

Paul

 

[QUOTE=paulmon]Now that's a detailed answer! Now I've got to find some guages I like. I really want Boost, Oil Temp and Oil Pressure. Hrm, I wonder if anyone makes a dual analog oil pressure/oil temp guage?

---

Paul,

Here is a link on SPA dual electronic gauges: http://www.spa-uk.co.uk/design/dualtacho.htm

This is my 1st preference as yoiu get two gauges in essence for the envelope size of one gauge, if cost is not the constraint.

Good Luck,
SMKKVK

 

davecsumini, thanks for the great info. Had pretty much blown off guages till this. Is that good or bad?

 

[QUOTE=SMKKVK]Ya, these are sweet, I've seen them in the past. MY preference would be oil temp/pressure on one and boost/intake temp on the other. But you're right, they are pricy. I think I prefer the look of an analog gauge though.

Paul

 

Procrastination is not necessarily a bad trait. It will at least delay the damage to the pocket book. Now it's time to roll up the sleeves and get dirty! :smile:

 

hey davecsumini,

I like how you setup your gauges, especially the price , do you happen to have a picture of the actual mount to the black plastic piece?
just curious because i am thinking of going this route. Not so sure how you mounted it since the piece is a little recessed compared to the tach.
Also i know there isnt much room there so, is either of the gauges pointing outward to much?

Thanks for the help. :smile:

 

I just did the same install Dave has this weekend, same mount and gauge. They are mounted to the same plasic piece the tach is. IT's the half moon shaped bit of plastic that is on top of the steering column.
You slide the clamp ring on the gauge mount back a few inches and it will mount up nicely. It's a night fit but it works. The gauges don't point out to much at all. I will post pics in a day or 2.