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If you are going to stick to stock boost levels and ECU, an additional boost gauge, air-fuel ratio gauge, or exhaust gas temperature gauge are all going to be just toys. I think the ones you mentioned may have more use in an otherwise stock car.
On the other hand, if you are going to be adding an upgraded ECU or turbo, you may indeed find a better use for at least the turbo gauge and EGT gauge.
My preference would have been boost, air/fuel, and EGT, but when I saw the $130+ price of the EGT setup (not counting labor to have the probe installed in the exhaust manifold or downpipe!), that was out. So, I did go with the voltmeter. As you say, it's redundant, but it also means I'm freer to leave my EDU reading MPG or temperature and still have a voltage readout.
I prefer the Autometers over the VDO, but I think it's more of a style issue than a performance one. There must be some reason the VDO are so cheap, but I didn't experience any problems with the VDO gauges I used for a few months.
There will be those, particularly on the performance board, who'll tell you that the Autometer or similar inexpensive LED type air-fuel ratio gauge is completely useless - pay them no mind. Nobody will deny that it is far less accurate and useful than a wideband O2 sensor, but I was able to identify several problems with my car with the use of my Autometer. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Like I said though, not much need for that type of gauge if you aren't cranking up the boost.
As for mounting the gauges in the dash, yes it can be done, though I am not the one to ask for current sources of the panels. How difficult the installation is will depend on which gauges you end up using. Some require more wiring/plumbing than others. As for a shop that could do the install, I bet Scanwest could, though I don't imagine it would be very cheap...
Oh, for online supplier of VDO gauges, try Imports Parts Specialists in Boise. http://www.importpartsspec.com Actually, I doubt they have the gauges online if that's what you meant, but they have or can get them quickly if you call.
Aaron Gilbert
1987 9000T 281k miles
posted by 205.215.216...
, Wed, 11 Sep 2002 19:54:49
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