Which gauges are most important?

[coach]

Hi Guys,
I just installed my new down pipe and boost controller. I also installed my new boost gauge. I have 6 pods in the 3 gauge holders I have. I have a boost gauge and just bought a Turbo6 knock gauge from Postons. I will also run a water temp and oil pressure. What other 2 are best for these cars? Is the knock gauge worth running? I should have asked before I ordered it. I thought it looked cool with the 6 on it.
Thanks
Coach

 

[Dabigguy]

A 2 1/16 tach is a clean addition, but isn't really useful at the track. An electric fuel pressure gauge is nice too.

 

["Turbo-T"]

There seems to be a mixed emotion on the knock gauge.

They are nice but for most it's a bear tying to keep tabs on them. Plus they have been known to be inaccurate.

A replacement would be the beep sensor they also sell, it can be mounted in a hidden location, and it beeps in the event of knock.

As far as important gauges besides the aftermarket boost gauge would be an oil and water temp.

 

[t-typex1]

I have a boost and knock gauge in mine with a scan master. Oil pressure and water temp would be the next two. Maybe a trans temp and WB gauge for the other two.

 

["Turbo-T"]

Yeah I almost forgot.....definitely get a Scanmaster. That thing really comes in handy telling you all sorts of useful info....MPH, RPM, water temp, block learn....most importantly 02 volts and knock retard. A must have for any turbo Buick or TTA. (aside from a Turbo Tweak chip and Alky injection)

 

[85HOT-T]

depending on your applications, an egt is nice so is a wide band 02. If you race a lot or like to drive very fast down highways, a transtemp would be worth having.

 

[coach]

I forgot to mention I have a Scanmaster. It is not installed yet, but it is on the way from Mike.
What about air/fuel? I like trans temp, electric sender I guess. I am a mechical gauge man myself, but this car if different than my others.
My 62 Chevy has 13 gauges in it. Brake pressure, volts, amps, etc.
Is it best to run a mech water temp gauge? I was going to run a mech oil also. I think electric fuel pressure is a good suggestion, thanks Dabigguy.
Is there a mounting kit for an aftermarket tach that does not mess up your interior or need holes drilled? I have shift lights in my other cars so I do not watch the tach. Does anybody run MSD ignitions and rev limiters?

 

[Dabigguy]

What do you plan on doing with the car, racing, showing it....... in a 17,000 mile car, I believe less is more.

I prefer mechanical gauges. Just my .02

 

["Turbo-T"]

I like mechanicals myself but I also don't like putting big holes in the firewall to fit the bulb sensor for the temp gauge. Plus some also do not like their oil coming into the engine compartment, but that's your call.

Electric fuel pres. i think is better because underhood temps have been found to give false readings of true fuel PSI.

As for mounting a tach, some of the g body owners have taken a piece of flat metal and cured it around as to allow you to mount a gauge next to the gauge cluster in front of the center a/c outlets, I believe someone on here might even be making them but don't quote me on that.

Your other option is the cigarette lighter mount, one of the vendors here sells it, I forgot who.

 

[coach]

Thanks to all. The car does have 17000 on it, but I have a garage full of "sitters", I wanted a driver. I will put 1500 a year on it and I am adding bolt on mods only. I am saving all OEM equipment. I bought it from a close friend who is the original owner. It has been very well maintained. I just want to street drive it and have some fun with a few vettes and stangs. I do not plan on wrecking the value of the car as I have replaced only bolt on mods. I can't take my cars to the grave, so I'm gonna drive it .
Thanks
Coach

 

["Turbo-T"]

I can't take my cars to the grave, so I'm gonna drive it .

That's what I'm talking about. You live once, enjoy life and your cars.

 

[NJ Torque]

All I have is a boost guage...

 

[coach]

So let me get this right. Mechanical oil pressure, water temp, and boost. Electrical knock, fuel pressure, wide band O2. That would fill my pods. Where is the best place to tap into a light source? Is there a plug by the oil filter to get oil pressure from? Where do you set temp probe for water?
Thanks
Coach

 

["Turbo-T"]

There's a spot on the fuse block labeled "LPS" that is a port for gauge lighting. Or you could tap into one of the grey wires that goes to the lights on the back of the heater control or radio plug.

There is a spot by the oil filter where an oil pressure sensor would go.

Not real sure on the temp sensor but I think mine is on the left side of the block. I do know there's a sensor or two at the intake but not sure if they need to be there. (I am guessing so, perhaps they're for the ECM to kick the fan on..???)

 

[Hot Air]

I would vote for a tachometer, (mechanical) oil pressure, water temperature, VOLTMETER, knock meter, and exhaust gas temperature.... in that order! If the alternator is not up to snuff, bad things (lean) will happen if the voltage drops. The fuel pump won't deliver the fuel pressure. Don't injectors stop working properly when voltage drops? I would mount an external fuel pressure gauge on the hood.

Of course, a Scanmaster or FAST EFI are needed to monitor the engine but I don't consider them to be gauges.

For the record, I have all the above gauges in my GN plus gauges for fuel level, transmission temperature, intercooler temperature (switchable for inlet and outlet), and a Casper audible knock warning unit. I can also keep track of O2 with a FAST XFI....a guage for that would be great.
Conrad

 

[coach]

Thanks Hot Air and 87 Regal, I will install tach eventually, but I do not come close to redlining the car on the street anyway. I just play alittle. I did not think of voltmeter. This dash is going to start looking like my 62 chevy. I went over to it and double checked what it has. 2 Brake pressure gauges, fuel level, tach, 160 speedo, volts, mech fuel pressure, mech water temp, mech tranny temp, mech oil pressure, and a oil pressure light, water temp light and also shift light. On the front of the blower are 2 fuel in line fuel pressure gauges and on the side of the rad is another temp gauge, and also a firewall mounted oil pressure. I will have to do some thinking about where to mount some of these. Does anybody make a 3 pod A-pillar for 2 1/16 gauges? I only have the console and T-top pods right now. I was going to order the 2 pod A-pillar.
Thanks Coach

 

["Turbo-T"]

Yes someone does, TR custom parts sells them as a 1 piece design.

 

[Hot Air]

LoTech makes a 3 gauge A pillar gauge holder. Most of the Buick vendors have them as well. If you want one painted the correct interior color, check with the vendors.
Conrad