I think I'm gonna end up getting the Defi D-gauges - the black background and amber glow/red needle go really well with the stock clusters.

Anyway, I was looking at Defi's site (http://www.defi-shop.com/product/dg/dg_top.htm), and they mention this:


"c. Freedom of installation(Except Boost Gauge)
�@ �@ There is no "dumping of oil." The meter can be installed at any angle. "


What is "freedom of installation"? And why does it not apply to the Boost gauge? Sorry if this a newbie question.. I'm just starting to get acquainted with the aftermarket stuff.

 

I think "freedom of installation" just means that the the Defi gauges in question can be mounted in any configuration, or angle. Some gauges are oil filled to damp the needle action.The Defi's don't use this kind of construction, and therefore can be mounted in any position. Oil dumping doesn't apply to the boost gauges period, so I think they are just stating the obvious, even though they do it in a confusing way.Obviously the boost gauges can also be mounted in any configuration as well.

I had the 60mm Defi "link" system with boost, EGT and oil temp gauges. I loved those gauges! From the start-up self-check sweep, to the peak hold, record and alarm features, these gauges were well worth the money. Watching the gauges do a playback of a 0-60 or 1/4 mile run after the fact allowed you to really analyze how the engine was functioning in a real-time mode....only while you were sitting safely off to the side.

The DG gauges are a more basic gauge, but are great looking gauges. I was not aware of these as an option so thanks for the info! Man you are correct, they really match our main gauge cluster! The new BF guages are also looking good too!

Have you found a good source for the DG series gauges yet?

 

Some gauges are liquid filled.. But I suspect they are referring to the fact that the gages aren't mechanical.. I'm an old school motorhead, and occasionally Oil pressure gauges would leak from the fitting on the back where the capillary tubing (Nylon or copper) would leak or come off, getting oil all over the interior of the car. Also, mechanical temp, pressure, etc. gauges have lines that run from the engine compartment, which means things like temperature gages have a limited distance that they can run the sender to the gage.. Not to mention limitations because of the fittings and diameter of the "Sender assembly and cable" sometimes won't fit through small openings, or in tight clearance... and many mechanical gages have depth issues because of the fitting and cable on the back of theg gauge which makes some types of mounting impossible or impractical.. (Pillar mount gauges are a good example because the depth required to mount the gage, is sometimes more than the room in the pillar mount)

I personally like the NordStok electrical (Analog) gages, look very similar to the OE optional gage pack. However the Defi gages look nicest, and don't they have that 1 wire module that lets you daisychain a bunch of gages together? I can see that being the easiest option for mounting and the control unit with all the wiring and senders can be mounted somewhere out of the way or hidden.

 

Hm, call me stupid but I'm still confused.. haha.

So when it means freedom of installation it means you can mount the gauges anywhere without a problem, correct? But how come the boost gauge is an exception?

Yeah, I really like the idea of the Defi-Link system, but then you gotta shell out the extra $200 or so for the actual control unit too.. and the defi-link gauges cost more Plus, the DG's are "made for USA" so the boost is in PSI rather than bar, and there's also an A/F gauge too, wherehas the link system doesn't have one. And I've always liked the amber backlit.. its a rather "classic" look that you don't see too often these days, though I must admit the BF link has a pretty cool blueish backlit that reminds me of the VW stock clusters these days.

 

The 60mm Defi's I had were imperial (with the exception of my oil temp which was metric). I do like the new DG though, particularly if I am just in need of a simple boost gauge that matches my stock lighting.If you shop around the link can be found for less money, but yes they are expensive in comparison to the DG but you do get a lot more feature-wise.

BTW Malibu Jack you are probably right on the mechanical vs electrical....I can remember having an oil pressure gauge leaking onto my carpet back in the good old days!

 

I'd go with the explanation that they're talking about mechanical gauges... or it's just marketing hype.

 

I have had defi on my wrx boost,etg and fuel P. and they were way off... Boost was off by 2psi and ext was off by 55c. I would suggest getting the Greddy or HKS or Blitz units. Defi's are great and use a dazy chane that make it much easyer to install but what is the good of having gauges that are off.

Blitz are in my car now and are dead on.

Eric

 

Defi makes THE BEST guages! forget AutoMeter.. Defi is the ****!!

 

Autometer work well, As long as they are not dropped. I have had a lot of luck with them as well. They are ugly thow and the Jap. gauges are just so cool.

Eric

 

We should have an article on Defi Gauges along w/ install info sometime in the near future.

The D-Gauges shouldn't need a control unit. They're meant to be a more cost effective set of gauges. The Defi Link Gauges require the control unit, which makes wiring much nicer and also offers few nice features like storing peak values, etc.



Mark

 

Cool!! who needs a CD player anyway.

 

The Defi gauges and link system are actually very simple to install once you get the link wiring installed.I do think a nice DIY for the EVO would be a cool thing to help make the install more straightforward. Finding the best location for power connections and lamp isn't a major issue for someone with an electronics background , but for many this is a major stumbling block.

I like the idea of being able to run a two gauge CF a-pillar pod from carbontrix, and perhaps a single gauge CF steering pod from RMR for a total of three gauges(Boost/EGT/oil temp).

The Defi link would allow all three to be daisy-chained together using a set of regular stepping motor gauges or the new BF series. The link module would go right in the cubby as in your picture. This set-up could also be done in 2 stages with the boostgauge, link device, and steering wheel gauge pod purchased initially then adding the pillar pod and added gauges at a later date.

The DG series appear to be a very basic gauge set alternative to the likes of an Autometer or VDO, or one of the basic electronic gauges from HKS, Blitz or Greddy. I prefer the nicer "smart" gauges but the simplicity, lower price, and color match of the DG series makes them worth a look.

Unfortunately availability seems to be an issue.
I made a call to Mach V yesterday and found that they had no inventory to speak of for the DG or BF gauges. They did have a few of the original stepping motor gauges in 52 and 60mm, but the choices were limited. It sounds like the Defi gauges may be a little difficult to aquire right now.

I know Godspeed handles them an I am going to call Dan today, any know of any other good sources as well??

 

gruppe-s.com !! great prices and service.

Eric

 

Thanks Eric!

 

There seem to be an abundance of the DG gauges on ebay - they're also pretty cheap IIRC. I dunno where those sellers are getting their stock, you might want to try there too.

I really like the look of the DG gauges, but the functionality of the link system is pretty tempting. I kinda of want to the above setup too except I want to keep my head unit somehow! If only we had 2DIN...