84 grand national, Boost gauge instalation, **READ**

[87grandnational]

Hey guys, as some of you know I just got my 84 a couple days ago. Today i bought a few gauges. Boost 30-0-30, and A/F Gauge.
Soon to buy a Fuel Pressure gauge.

Can someone tell me were to hook up the gauges? Im quite confused over this new hot air set-up. Its strange to me.

Boost Gauge: Were would I find the best Vac line to hook the gauge up to?

Air Fuel Ratio: Were would I hook this up to (I have no clue!)?

Fuel Pressure: This one will be mounted on the hood. And do i connect it to a fuel line?


Thanks, I will apreciate the answers I get from you hot-air guys

- Cody
- 84 GN

 

[buickpower]

Probably the best place to put the line for the boost gauge would be the fitting that is right now filled most likely filled with just a pipe plug, that is on the front of the intake. This is the most direct boost signal, and would be most accurate.

If your air/fuel gauge is one of those LED ones, they are pretty much worthless, at least for our cars. They tend to be highly inaccurate and sample too slowly to be of much use. A much better measure of the actual air/fuel ratio would be a wide band O2 sensor, but they run alot more money.

As far as the fuel pressure gauge, connect it to the schrader valve on the end of your fuel rail. You will have to unscrew the cap on the shrader valve and then unscrew the core inside with a tool that is the same size as the one you would use for a valve stem in your tire. Then you will have to put the fitting for the fuel pressure gauge over the schrader valve where the cap used to be, and route the line under the hood to the gauge on top of the hood.

 

[camaro75racer]

Yeah, the fitting in the front of the intake works and is really easy to get to.

 

[87grandnational]

I got one of those near worthless boost gauges, made by Faze?

But i found the port you were talking to. Thanks.


Now how much does this wide-band 02 run?

 

[buickpower]

your boost gauge is probably fine, but your air fuel ratio gauge is probably not of much value if it is one of the many cheap ones. I believe wideband O2 sensors run about $350 dollars, plus 100 bucks or more for the cable. Usually the faster guys run them, they don't really seem to be a necessity with most normal street combos. Alot of people (myself included) get a scanmaster and tune the air/fuel ratio by the stock 02 sensor millivolt readings and watching for no knock, although the stock O2 sensor is not as accurate as a wideband. HTH

 

[ngianop]

ATR and Summit sell A/F ratio monitors. Summit sells an Edelbrock version w/O2 sensor and bung for $130. ATR sells one made by K&N but it's more expensive and they charge extra for the sensor and bung. There are probably other makes as well. If you plan to spend most of your time on the street, the Edelbrock monitor might satisfy your needs. Or invest in one of those laptop PC programs to see the O2 sensor readings. (OR, spend more & go the wideband route...)

I've installed an Autometer fuel pressur gauge on the A-pillar inside my car. But I had to install an isolator at the schrader valve. The line from the isolator to the gauge is filled with antifreeze. (don't want fuel inside the car)

I hope this gives you a few more ideas. Good luck.

Nick

 

[87grandnational]

ok i checked out the Boost Gauge, its apperentaly not in the right spot.... I picked the nipple on top of the throttle body assembly. the one thats supposed to be capped off. And that just shows vaccume. Whenever I get on it. It doesnt show boost. How come? I Know now that i dont have it hooked up right. So were can I hook it up? Someone tell me please! lol

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I had my mechanic install a VDO boost gauge several months ago. He tapped into the vacuum line going into the fuel pressure regulator. I can send pics. he also said that the vacuum hookup needs to be below the height of the turbo. Thanks- brad

 

[87grandnational]

I picked the line going to the accuator, would this work? I dont really have a way to test it. It reads 20 vaccum, but I cant get it to build boost. (Of course Im not flooring it, And the brakes wont hold due to the immense torque, And i cant get it on the street cause it has no Insurence YET).

So just any vac line would work? I thought the one going to the Accuator would work because the boost HAS to go thru that line.

Am i on the right track?

- Cody
- 84 GN

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Read my post. The waste gate actuator line is the same height as the turbo. Won't work. Brad