I'm looking for some advice. My Diablo Predator will be here in a few days. My question is: what type of gauges should I install on my truck. It's obvious I want to watch my egt's (I've done alot of research on this site)so I know I need a gauge to do that, do I need to keep an eye on the boost. If I do, why?

I will be pulling a 16.5 foot fiberglass fishing boat (whatever that weighs) alot in the summer. For the most part, this will be the heaviest thing I tow. I plan on keeping my Predator set on 65.

So, I know I need gauges. Which are best (as far as accuracy) the digital gauges or the standard type gauge? If I need to keep an eye on the boost, can I get a boost/egt combination gauge?

Basically I'm looking for recommendations. Something easy to install is plus for me. Thanks for your patience, this is all new to me.

I definately want to support a "supporting vendor" here on this website.

Thanks everyone.

The quest for guages could be really just a personal thing. Do you like digital or analog. The fact of the matter is without them you really don't know what your engine is doing and sounds can be misleading. So your already one step ahead by planning on installing guages. EGT let you know when you are aproaching dangerous temps for engine components. Boost lets you basically know how much extra air (added power) your turbo is putting into the engine, so to speak.

Here is a really good article on EGT guages and sensors.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/EGT_EVAL.pdf

I went with autometer phatom II's recently in a pod above the mirror. It's not the fanciest pod but it made the most sense to me. Easy viewable location, Doesn't really block view like corner post does. I like the one's in the overhead console however found that I would really have to crank my head over to look at that location for guages. Attached are some pics of my install. The one problem with this location is that the kits do not have sufficient length of connecting media (wires or hoses). My kits were 10ft kits and really needed about 12 feet for my method of installation. Hence I had to extend wire for EGT and hose for boost. Lots of info available on how to install on the site. I did engine side install one day and guage side install the next.

I picked power and lighting for the guages from the relay block under the dash. I uploaded pictures on a different post previously.

Kinda depends on what exactly you're looking for.

I went with Pricol guages for that "stock" look on my 04 and I havent yet bought any for my 07. I will here soon but I havent decided yet which ones catch my eye. I want something with a blue LED backlit but on the other hand, I kinda like the look of the digital style.

Pretty much 90% of our vendors sell guages. One night I went through the entire list to see who had exactly what.

Have some pics of my AutoMeter SportComp II gauges...which have the stock look.

Check "My Garage": http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/garage.php?do=view&g=276

With the stock wastegate your boost will stay with-in "factory" spec's.
The predator will push up your EGT's so you need to keep an eye on it.
I have a SPA egt/boost digital gauge that I really like. But..........they had (may still have)back lighting issues. The gauge is very easy to see during the day in all lighting conditions, but at night with out the back light you see nothing.

http://dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1197&d=1105763828

I run Autometer Ultralights on the A-Pillar. They don't look stock, but I like the way they look a lot better.


Andy