Gauges

[turtl631]

Still doin some turbo KA research, and trying to figure out the most important gauges to run. I want a boost gauge for sure. AFter that, I don't know. I'm planning on some sort of ROM tune, so I don't need to monitor like I would if I were tuning myself. From what I've read, an EGT gauge is pretty pointless, since different combos of timing and AF ratio can result in hihg or low EGTs-meaning that its pretty inconclusive. I've also decided that an oil pressure gauge isn't too important since there is a stock oil pressure sensor/warnign light. Oil temp...same...shoudl be fine. This brings me to the water temp-my stock gauge is messed up, flutters always and drops to 0 once I give more than like 10% throttle (its weird, you'd have to see it). Also, I plan to hit maybe around 320-330 max on my setup, but stock radiator..so I guess cooling could possibly be an issue without extra ducting. Not sure on this, but it may be an issue. So, I figured a boost gauge and a water temp gauge woudl be more than enough for what I want to do. ANy comments?

[Drift]

From what I've read, the only thing about the stock oil sensor is that it doesn't tell you that there's a problem until it the oil is absurdly low. By that time the damage would probably already be done. I don't think water temp is a bad idea, but not a necessity either. I have the autometer oil pressure gauge. And to be honest, if the oil pressure did drop to unsafe levels I would never know because it doesn't have a warning light. I can usually tell if something is wrong with the car by the way it "feels" or sounds first - then I start looking at my gauges.

[IvanAtSPRacing]

In any boosted car, a fuel pressure gauge is important. Especially cars running FMUs. You fuel pressure drops and your motor is toast. I would shoot for that as a second gauge. An EGT as a reference would be a good idea. Oil pressure would also be recomended.

On my race car, I will be running a boost gauge, fuel pressure, WB AF meter, trans temp, NOS bottle pressure, and oil pressure. I will probably also use the AEM EGT senders and FP senders to datalog thru the EMS.

[turtl631]

I was thinkin maybe fuel pressure in teh engine bay, so I could make sure my base pressure is good. I don't see a case where there would be a problem though...I'm sure if my fuel pump went out or something, pressure would drop so quick that I wouldn't be able to respond in time. So I guess for in cabin gauges, boost is a definite, and maybe oil pressure as a second one. if I have overheating problems I can always pick up a water temp gauge.

[nizmo240sx_22]

From what I've read, the only thing about the stock oil sensor is that it doesn't tell you that there's a problem until it the oil is absurdly low. By that time the damage would probably already be done. I don't think water temp is a bad idea, but not a necessity either. I have the autometer oil pressure gauge. And to be honest, if the oil pressure did drop to unsafe levels I would never know because it doesn't have a warning light. I can usually tell if something is wrong with the car by the way it "feels" or sounds first - then I start looking at my gauges.

I second this. I destroyed my first motor this way. The oil dummy light is 5 psi. That's pointless. An oil pressure gauge can save your motor and your turbo. (especially when your pressure relief valve "jams" )

[turtl631]

Well, boost and oil pressure it will probably be then. I'd imagine that with some judicious ducting my stock cooling setup will be okay, so the water temp gauges is a little extraneous. And I'm still not sold on EGT at all. I should definitely get something to warn me about "intake manifold danger", wouldn't want my floorboard to pop out

[TheOne]

you trully trully want a fuel pressure gauge in your dash, unless you wanna do same as my brother.he has a 2k mustang gt, he put a supercharger but didn't put a fp gauge, he put new fuel pump in, after 2 months of runnin it, the engine was a toast......why? cause he didn't have a fuel pressure gauge and the fuel pump had just died.4 of the 8 pistons went down right away.

you sure would want a fp gauge. even though ka's are not as expensive as mustang engine's.

[DammitBobby]

OK I bought a boost gauge and AF gauge. I want to get a FP gauge but there is a mechanical and electronic. I am guessing I have to buy the electronic one to put it inside the car? If this is correct the cheapest I found was around 200bucks! Now everybodies got me worried about a oil gauge. Dam when is it going to stop?

[IvanAtSPRacing]

I am going to assume that you bought an inexpensive "tap into your stock O2 sensor" AF gauge. If so, return it and use that money towards the electric FP gauge. AF gauges that dont come with their own dedicated WB O2 sensors are basically a light show and give you no real usefull information.

[DammitBobby]

Hmm I might just do that. So I am guessing 200 is about right for a electonic FP?

[IvanAtSPRacing]

I believe we sell the AM electric FPG for about 250ish.

[turtl631]

Hey Ivan, I've seen on your site that you can add a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel package for like $25 or something, but its in the engine bay. Would something like that work with a stock FPR?