We're Back On Gauges!

[Jay666d]

OK, so I've been playing around with my Boost Gauge for a bit and I'm not keen on how low I have it positioned. I'm still in need of an EGT gauge.

I also run two Voltmeters. One for main battery, and one for the Aux.

So thats four gauges.

I'm going to have a shuffle round on the dash, so before I set my plan in stone I need to consider if I need to add any more gauges?

I know theres a whole bunch more out there for Temps and Pressures, but do you guys think theres anything worth keeping an eye on.

 

[solarman216]

Why do you want all these gauges? your concentration should be on the road in front of you, not all this shit stuff, Rick

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

I have 2 voltmeters(1 per battery), but they do not need to be in the normal line of view, as you only really need to check them out before you start the car, and the odd glance once running to make sure everything is working as it should.

I have a boost gauge on the A pillar, as I found it useful when I was fault finding a while back, and it did show up the leak in the intercooler, but I find I only check it intermittently, as when everything is running fine, you do not really need it.

The only other useful addition is an inside and outside air temp gauge, especially if you drive long distances, many a time I have got into a car on a clear hot day in Leeds, and by the time I have got back to Kent, the outside temp is well into minus figures, but being in a warm toasty car means you do not always notice it until you spot a bit of ice on the road, hopefully in time.

In the old days we used to fit an Ammeter, but that was OK in the days of 35amp charging systems, but now with 100amp plus, the cabling gets too dodgy to wire it all in nicely, and the cheap remote sensor ones do not really suit the off road environment.

Other than that, most other engine info only really helps if you have an engine tuned to within an inch of it's life, and need the advanced warning a miriad of dials can give.

Also, depending on your cars age, it is worth checking out and ODB11 reader, as you can get a lot of info from the engines built in sensors for the odd occasion you do have a fault and want to look further...Mind you, it's worth taking some readings when everything is working as it should for future reference.. I got a Bluetooth one, and a free app on my tablet, which works a dream.

 

[Jay666d]

Unfortunately the port in my Patrol does not use OBDII... I read it online, but bought a Bluetooth connector anyway. (Felt I needed to see it not work with my own eyes!)

You're right about the Volts not needing to be in line of site... I tend to only use them when I've stopped and I'm using the car while not running.

Why do you want all these gauges? your concentration should be on the road in front of you, not all this shit stuff, Rick

In an ideal world, I would like to do without all the gauges. As part of the Nissan Patrol (ZD30) NADS Mod - (Nissan Anti Detonation System) I'm well advised to have at least a Boost Gauge and an EGT Gauge...

If there is nothing else that is important to this Mod, then I will happily leave it out... If I don't need to monitor Oil Pressure or Intercooler Air Temp etc, then thats great! :thumbs

 

[don simon]

Why do you want all these gauges? your concentration should be on the road in front of you, not all this shit stuff, Rick

What are you trying to say Rick? Can you just get to the point, please? :lol

 

[Banshee]

Why do you want all these gauges? your concentration should be on the road in front of you, not all this shit stuff, Rick

They are useful gauges Rick!!! Some performance orientated sports cars etc come with all the gauges as standard so they serve a purpose and are only ever looked at very rarely for reference.

I think Jay is doing a great job installing as many safeguards as he can to look after his ZD30 and a very professional job he's doing too, Crack on Jay!!!!!!

 

[macabethiel]

Essential Gauges for me !

The below are my must have selection of gauges in no particular order.

1) Engine Coolant / Water Temperature.

2) Engine Oil Pressure.

3) Fuel Gauge.

4) Battery Voltage.

I hate cars that just have just a light for engine temperature and oil pressure. When there is no volt meter fitted I use a cigarette lighter voltmeter.

My Jeep has the above as standard.

 

[johnb5177]

Why do you want all these gauges? your concentration should be on the road in front of you, not all this shit stuff, Rick

Defo +1.....

 

[Barrbeast]

Given the tendency for ZD30 oil pressure switches to go on the fitz I would fit an oil pressure gauge bud, for peace of mind if nothing else.

 

[Jay666d]

Thanks for the responses and support guys. :thumb2

I'll add oil pressure to the list... Cheers Rob

 

[Barrbeast]

Meant to say bud, can't lay my hands on the original door bracket but this is the ebay link for the extension (they have to be sent from Oz).

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Barn-D...%3A8a2aeb3415a0a6a8eee9035cffe5a740%7Ciid%3A1

 

[Jay666d]

Meant to say bud, can't lay my hands on the original door bracket but this is the ebay link for the extension (they have to be sent from Oz).

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Barn-D...%3A8a2aeb3415a0a6a8eee9035cffe5a740%7Ciid%3A1

Cheers Buddy! :thumb2

 

[elty001]

Right best behaviour now fellas :lol

 

[Davey Boy]

Meant to say bud, can't lay my hands on the original door bracket but this is the ebay link for the extension (they have to be sent from Oz).

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rear-Barn-D...%3A8a2aeb3415a0a6a8eee9035cffe5a740%7Ciid%3A1

That's what I ordered, and made the difference for me. Left door stayed open and I could slide my fridge out!:thumb2

 

[makeitfit]

The main thing is to get gauges with warning lights included.
I recently fitted an EGT to keep an eye on my modified engine's output . As Rick says, keeping your eyes on the road is important and that's what happens. The gauges wiggle about while I spy on the track. However ones with warning lights will grab your attention when things go wrong. Enjoy by