5 Most Important Guages

[Agent M79]

Assuming you have an SC'ed MM and you could have only 5 guages, what would they be?

[David Morton]

Oil pressure, Transmission oil temperature, Voltmeter, Boost/Vacuum and Intercooler coolant temperature.

These five, assuming I could keep the cluster and am replacing the two faux guages currently under the radio.

[FiveO]

Oil Pressure, Tranny oil temp (a must in my opinion), boost, volt and one more...

Like David Morton said...a intercooler coolant temp would be fine...or a main water temp.

Or...an Air/Fuel ratio gauge. Your choice.

I'll probably go with the main water temp gauge.

[CRUZTAKER]

This is one Gage I couldn't do without.....:D

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/506/627Gage_BradentonMS-med.jpg


Sorry.....:nocomm:

[BruteForce]

This is one Gage I couldn't do without.....:D

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/506/627Gage_BradentonMS-med.jpg


Sorry.....:nocomm:

Is he doin' one of these?

:tmi:

priceless snapshot.

[MM03MOK]

Gage.....:lovies:

[dwasson]

If you are supercharged then a bank account gauge would help.

[FiveO]

If you are supercharged then a bank account gauge would help.
Why put a gauge in that would always read zero.... :lol:

[Joe Walsh]

Barry, by any chance was that picture of Gage taken while you were in the burnout 'box' at the dragstrip???

[SergntMac]

Assuming you have an SC'ed MM and you could have only 5 guages, what would they be?
GREAT question, Agent, thank you. Just when I thought we were starting to drive in circles, something new to discuss.

Only five? Okay, two on the A pillar, three across the console...What about two more with a Mustang pod on the dash ala BigJoeP? With that pod from Autometer, you can have up to seven, and there may be a few more functions you can monitor from the OBDII port, with the correct digital hardware. Again, thanks for the topic.

This is one Gage I couldn't do without. http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/506/627Gage_BradentonMS-med.jpg
I've met this young man, and he is priceless.

If you are supercharged then a bank account gauge would help.
LOL...True.

Why put a gauge in that would always read zero...
LOL...True again, and both of you keep me laughing more than y'all know.

Just when y'all thought this would be an easy swing, let me remind you that there are functions we can monitor, and gauges on the market to monitor them. Some allow you to monitor two important functions from each 2 1/16 gauge available, ala the SPA gauges. I'll also remind y'all that there are many places to add 2 1/16 gauges on our MMs, so, gauge to taste? With dual gauges, you can push it up to 14 functions and seven gauges...Tastefully.

Okay, enough of the "what if." These are things I want to know from my pilot seat, and in this order too...

Vacume/Boost pressure (the other tach)
Fuel System Pressure (from the very end of the fuel line)
Air Fuel Ratio (taken from, or, after the X-Pipe, or, from dual sensors reporting both L&R banks to one gauge, digital reads, please.)
Transmission fluid temperature (from it's coolest point)
Engine oil pressure (from it's lowest point)
Cooling system temperature (from it's lowest point)
Intake air temperature (OBDII stuff)
Engine oil temperature
Voltage (Altenator output, please)
Intercooler coolant temperature

There are many more functions to monitor and gauges for them too, you can shop and gauge like there's no tommorrow and I like that. There's rear end gear lube temp, brake bias and temp, even my dual JL Audio amps have temp gauges available...ack! It's gauge madness I tell you!

I gotta go lay down now...

[Warpath]

EGT, boost, fuel pressure, oil pressure, water temp.

[David Morton]

For me, guages are about preventing damage. So...

1) Transmission temp should be taken at it's hottest point (coming out of the convertor) so you know before you overheat it and start doing damage.
2)If I went with a turbocharger, then I would need an Exhaust Gas Temperature guage more than an Intercooler coolant temperature guage, but that more than a voltmeter so I suppose that could be relocated to the inside of the console.
3)The Voltmeter is actually pretty good, but it will have to match whatever's next to it and I think these guys have mentioned it's pretty much a "Marauder only" font. But if it wound up inside the console, so what?

[stevengerard]

I'll take the speedometer, I'd say Fuel Pressure would be very important. i do like BigJoep's pod on the dash. I'd like to stay away from the a-pillar stuff because it screams "I'm modified"

[FordNut]

Oil Pressure, Volts, Tranny Temp, Boost/Vac, Fuel Pressure

[Donny Carlson]

Interesting thing about Legal Knevil, which has a nice selection of Autometer gauges in the a pillar and lower cluster, is that the techs to a man said it didn't matter what you had in the car, you'll never look at them. Turns out to be true, too, because Marty said the only thing you look at is what's happening outside the windshield in front of you.

For the rest of us who run at less than Warp 10, we have the luxury to scan gauges, which are a lot of fun (those with digitals know the entertainment value, especially at night). I run with real oil pressure, volts, engine coolant temp, tranny temp, and tire presure/temperatures. I intend to install another A pillar pod, probably boost (if my SC plans work out) or oil temp.

I saw a pretty cool digital battery terminal made by Tsunami....
http://www.tsunamionline.com/i/products/full/BT10MP.jpg

[JohnE]

Oil Pressure, Volts, Tranny Temp, Boost/Vac, Fuel Pressure

Making sure you're not having a fuel problem is very important on a blown car. Even with forged internals, it'll go south quick if you lean out. There would be no other warnings except maybe EGT or wideband. A plugged fuel filter with bad gas/water or a failing fuel pump can happen.

The Boost gauge is really just entertainment if you don't have the capability to make enough boost to need a blow-off valve.

A tachometer is a must on a performance car. At least Ford took care of this one for you already.


I would like to have a small PDA sized real-time data logger. And setup alarm parameters for it to watch all the time, even if not displayed. It could automatically alert of a developing issue. Customize the display to show whatever I feel like watching at the time. Maybe even sequence through several items, while always displaying others. Many times, I've watched and logged OBDII data to get what my gauges can't. This is where I get tranny temp, Intake Air Temp (after intercooler), closed loop fuel stuff, etc. Sure would be nice to have this real-time and small enough to velcro to the dash.


John

[Dennis Reinhart]

Right now I am working with a companie out in CA we are going to install the below digital setup in the panel that the B Models use that had the OEM clock. This display can pull EEC codes and clear them monitor Fuel and oil preasure and Boost as well as Maf voltage and TPS virtualy any data that can be pulled from the OBII diagnostic connector, can be displayed this will also work as a trip computer, right now it looks like we are 2/3 months away from the finished product.

http://www.scanguage.com/big_gauges.jpg

http://www.scanguage.com/big_home.jpg

[martyo]

Anticipated price Dennis?

[SergntMac]

Way to go, Dennis!

Having seen the prototype myself, I can tell y'all that this will be one slick enhancement to any Marauder. You 300A owners will lose your clock, but I think y'all can deal with that. Maybe by Xmas?

[Dennis Reinhart]

We want to keep it reasonable we are thinking some where in the 300/500 range. I am not sure as of yet, yes there will be those to say its to much, but take in to consideration the cost of just a Autometer Fuel preasure guage for our car, its 240.00 so again I should have a idea next month, the pictures here show a orange LED display I want one that will match our instrument panel. That is what they are working on now also this will be upgradeableand will also allow for external inputs that are not associated with the OBII conector.

[Warpath]

For me, guages are about preventing damage. So...
2)If I went with a turbocharger, then I would need an Exhaust Gas Temperature guage more than an Intercooler coolant temperature guage, but that more than a voltmeter so I suppose that could be relocated to the inside of the console...

The leaner the engine runs, the higher EGT gets. So, and EGT gauge is a good indication of when the engine gets too lean - S/C, turbo, or N/A. I think it is better than an intake temp, water temp, or A/F gauge since it notifies you soon. I've been warned the A/f gauges are not very accurate. I haven't seen proof either way. But, its safe to assume they are not accurate until proven otherwise IMO. If I had too much money, I'd get one for each cylinder. Otherwise, put it on the cylinder most likely to be lean (#7 on Cobras).

[Agent M79]

Let me tell you what I am thinking of and you feel free to comment about it here. This is a project I'd like to take on at some future time and someone here probably already has to some extent.

The gauges under the climate control are well away from where I typically find myself looking while I am driving. I will not "monitor" those gauges and certainly can't scrutinize them while I am trying to stay in my lane.

I'd like a tire pressure/temputure monitor there, along with one or two other informative gauges.

I would like to put some gauges there that will get my attention when something is out of parameter. The rest of the time I would like to be able to read them quickly when interested. The Dakota Digital gauges like Donny has can do this by flashing when they are outside of a set range.

I like the digital gauges better than analog as well. I can read them faster and I think I can set all of them with an upper and lower ranges to add a flashing to warn me when I am not being as attentive[cough:idiot].

I do not like the pillar pods. It an aesthetic thing for me, just don't care for gauges there.

I was thinking that the more important gauges need to be close to line of sight. From my seating position, the steering wheel intrudes ever so slightly above the edge of the dash. I have a clear 2.5 to 3 inches of sight clearance from that point to a point that is visiually equal to the leading edge of the hood.

If I found/modified/built a gauge pod to fill that "no road" space between my steering wheel and the edge of the hood, that would be a good place for 4, 5, maybe 6 gauges.

So theres what I am thinking.

[martyo]

Interesting thing about Legal Knevil, which has a nice selection of Autometer gauges in the a pillar and lower cluster, is that the techs to a man said it didn't matter what you had in the car, you'll never look at them. Turns out to be true, too, because Marty said the only thing you look at is what's happening outside the windshield in front of you.

For the rest of us who run at less than Warp 10, we have the luxury to scan gauges, which are a lot of fun (those with digitals know the entertainment value, especially at night). I run with real oil pressure, volts, engine coolant temp, tranny temp, and tire presure/temperatures. I intend to install another A pillar pod, probably boost (if my SC plans work out) or oil temp.

I saw a pretty cool digital battery terminal made by Tsunami....
http://www.tsunamionline.com/i/products/full/BT10MP.jpg


Listen to this guy, or at least look at his instrumentation. I have ridden in his car both during the day and night. The set up Donny has is awfully sweet and sure is cool to watch under different driving scenarios.

[GordonB]

Sweetest guages I have seen are in Haggis' car -- digital, split guages, 2 per guage (top diff. than bottom half), BUT they go in the standard guages spaces down below.

GordonB

[Donny Carlson]

We want to keep it reasonable we are thinking some where in the 300/500 range. I am not sure as of yet, yes there will be those to say its to much, but take in to consideration the cost of just a Autometer Fuel preasure guage for our car, its 240.00 so again I should have a idea next month, the pictures here show a orange LED display I want one that will match our instrument panel. That is what they are working on now also this will be upgradeableand will also allow for external inputs that are not associated with the OBII conector.
$300 - 500 skins, it better look better than that box they show on their website. I presume you are working on something similar to what was posted up last year? Something that the display will fit within the stock 300A clock trim piece? Where would the control buttons be located?


http://www.scangauge.com/big_under_pod.jpg
http://www.scangauge.com/big_on_dash.jpg

The present Scan Gauge unit (the housing) is huge.

www.scangauge.com (http://www.scangauge.com)

[David Morton]

The leaner the engine runs, the higher EGT gets. So, and EGT gauge is a good indication of when the engine gets too lean - S/C, turbo, or N/A. I think it is better than an intake temp, water temp, or A/F gauge since it notifies you soon. I've been warned the A/f gauges are not very accurate. I haven't seen proof either way. But, its safe to assume they are not accurate until proven otherwise IMO. If I had too much money, I'd get one for each cylinder. Otherwise, put it on the cylinder most likely to be lean (#7 on Cobras).Good point. But I look at it like this, EGT is for letting me know when I'm pressing too hard on an engine that is otherwise OK. And, I can use it to fine tune the fuel curve, something I understand is a lot harder to do well with a turbo than a supercharger. BTW, I get two for a dual turbo setup, cause I want to see them both at the same time.

As far as the fuel pump/regulator failing or an injector or two going south, these are things that will set a code and I will notice a driveability change that will point me to a service center. But, if this kind of thing goes wrong on a turbocharged or supercharged engine when I'm pushing too hard, the motor's going to be making unrecognizeable metal parts long before I notice a guage. A very good reason why the boost kits include a bunch of higher quality and capacity stuff in the fuel management area.

And my opinion on A/F guages is they're for guage maniacs. A tuner will be using one, but probably knows he doesn't need to be taking up his guage pods with it, so he'll be using a hand held like a scanner for that. A/F guages don't do anything more than sit there taking up space until the PCM sets a code and the guy looks at it says, "huh?"

[Dennis Reinhart]

$300 - 500 skins, it better look better than that box they show on their website. I presume you are working on something similar to what was posted up last year? Something that the display will fit within the stock 300A clock trim piece? Where would the control buttons be located?


http://www.scangauge.com/big_under_pod.jpg
http://www.scangauge.com/big_on_dash.jpg

The present Scan Gauge unit (the housing) is huge.

www.scangauge.com (http://www.scangauge.com)


Donny this box is a example of the display that will be mounted in the Bezel that the B models had as a clock,

http://web.iwebcenters.com/reinhartautomotive/images/Mvc-002s.jpg

I am just showing this to let you have a idea of what we are working on, this diplay was one of the first we started with the end product will look great, and nothing like as shown.

[SergntMac]

$300 - 500 skins, it better look better than that box they show on their website. I presume you are working on something similar to what was posted up last year? Something that the display will fit within the stock 300A clock trim piece? Where would the control buttons be located? The present Scan Gauge unit (the housing) is huge.

I've seen the prototype, Donny, and it's very well done. It looks nothing like what you see at Scangauge. It will provide more data than what you have read about too, including data collected from sources other than the OBDII port.

BTW y'all, in the exchanges ^ there, there is mention of AFR gauges. They have been around for years in one form or another and there is quite a variety today. Was a time when they were slow, inaccurate, and of little value. It's not like that anymore.

DynoJet (yes, the dyno builder) has a "Wideband Commander" (analogue gauge) and WMS has a similar digital system. Both are wideband AFR gauges that deliver the accuracy of a professional air/fuel study such as done when you dynotune. They are pricey, yes, but deliver live 411 from a wideband .02 sensor in real time. Instantly, you will know if and when you're running lean, and prevent engine damage.

Trust me, if there is something you want to know about what's going on with your MM, there is a gauge out there that can supply the 411.

[Warpath]

...As far as the fuel pump/regulator failing or an injector or two going south, these are things that will set a code and I will notice a driveability change that will point me to a service center. But, if this kind of thing goes wrong on a turbocharged or supercharged engine when I'm pushing too hard, the motor's going to be making unrecognizeable metal parts long before I notice a guage...

EGT is the same as A/F, fuel pressure, oil pressure, or any other gauge. You need to know what it is supposed to be under the correct operating conditions. These measurements change with rpm, ambient temp, engine temp, etc. With EGT, for discussion sake, say the temp is 1500 at WOT. Next time at WOT, it is 1600. The next time 1700. Well, something is going south and a code may never be tripped. EGT can give you an earlier warning than a code or a sound. With stock internals, it is usually too late by the time you hear or feel anything. Knock is not alway audible or detectible (by the senses). In the end though, we each have our opinion. My opinion is that I learn a lot from EGT.

BTW, if you aren't looking at your gauges, then there's no point installing them.

Mac - I heard A/F gauges were not that accurate not too long ago. But, it could be a biased opinion about run of the mill A/F gauges. I just haven't seen anything yet to show me they are accurate. I'm not saying they couldn't be.

[Kramer]

I'd be interested. I have a 2004 model though.

Could I be hooked up with someone in my area who could install it?

[SouLRioT]

Where are you located?

[Kramer]

Duh. I'm Sorry.

I am in Gaithersburg Maryland.

[Bluerauder]

Duh. I'm Sorry.

I am in Gaithersburg Maryland.
You can add the location (and other info) in your profile under Preferences. :D

Welcome :welcome: and don't forget to check out the Capitol Area Marauders (CAM) group under the Northeast Marauders Forum. Next meet is tentatively planned for 4 November at Big Bat's on Kent Island in Stevensville, MD (1st exit of the Bay Bridge). The "official" announcement should be posted soon. :D

[Haggis]

You can add the location (and other info) in your profile under Preferences. :D

Welcome :welcome: and don't forget to check out the Capitol Area Marauders (CAM) group under the Northeast Marauders Forum. Next meet is tentatively planned for 4 November at Big Bat's on Kent Island in Stevensville, MD (1st exit of the Bay Bridge). The "official" announcement should be posted soon. :D

That's 4 December 2004.

[Ross]

I would love to have a gauge set like that. 300-500 doesn't sound too bad, especially since I have been wanting to put in a "real" oil gauge, anyway. If this setup has the real oil pressure gauge, along with other goodies, that's a good deal, assuming it can be installed for a reasonable price. I won't need the gauges that are just for SC cars, but there should still be some other goodies on there for me to play with. And BTW, I am one of those few who actually look at my gauges!

[Haggis]

I would love to have a gauge set like that. 300-500 doesn't sound too bad, especially since I have been wanting to put in a "real" oil gauge, anyway. If this setup has the real oil pressure gauge, along with other goodies, that's a good deal, assuming it can be installed for a reasonable price. I won't need the gauges that are just for SC cars, but there should still be some other goodies on there for me to play with. And BTW, I am one of those few who actually look at my gauges!

Go here and check these out.

http://www.spatechnique.com/dualgauges/tachometers.htm

[SergntMac]

Mac - I heard A/F gauges were not that accurate not too long ago. But, it could be a biased opinion about run of the mill A/F gauges. I just haven't seen anything yet to show me they are accurate. I'm not saying they couldn't be.
I agree, it's relatively new, last June or so? But, it's the same technology used when dynotuning, and that's good enough for tuning, should be good enough for monitoring. Just wish they had included a digital display.
Check this out War... www.widebandcommander.com