I want to get a boost gauge and have some questions.

1) Where has everyone been tapping into for accurate pressure (Tap into intake manifold?!)

2) Are these (autometer, HKS etc) gauges electrical or pressure sensing. In the pressure gauges I'm use to, the actual pressure is what moves the gauge. Or is there another sensor in the engine compartment that converts pressure to voltage for a reading? This way there arent any line losses and the tube won't accidentally get crimped by being run throughout the car.

3) Surely pressure is already being monitored by the ECU. Is there nothing out there that you can plug into the diagnostics port to get a pressure proportional voltage from. This seems like it would be the easiest way to go about things, but I've never heard of reading boost this way.

Thanks,

Milton

 

firstly...once you get a boost guage...those answers come with the instructions....but here's a peek...

1 & 2) ur source for pressure needs to come off your intake manifold(i.e, bov vacuum line, fuel pressure regulator(be sure u tap the side between the actuator and the manifold...the other side will give u faulty readings...), various other lines off the manifold). the readings will come usually off a sensor in the compartment with wires running into the guage in the cabin, but in autometer's case, they have a boost line running straight from the source to the guage, at least their non-electrical units.

3) sounds fun...but then u'd have to figure out the voltage range of the sensor in relation to pressure...then 1) find a guage that can translate that into a useable figure 2) find a box that can translate than...then send the new signal into a guage...both of which is a lil more trouble than a $90 electrical guage u can get from any vendor....

enjoy =)

 

Great question Milton. Dave, thanks for the tip on which line from the fuel pressure regulator. I am currently trying to install my Omori boost gauge.
1. I'm going to tap into the fuel pressure regulator hose were it comes directly out of the manifold (Right??).
2. I need to get the wire through the firewall. I read that behind the firewall padding behind the front right strut tower there is a rubber plug that leads into the interior behind the glove box. Today I found the plug and will try to use it tonight.
3. Electricity: juice for the light optimally should be hooked up to same source that dims and brightens the dashboard lights. I NEED HELP ON THIS! Juice for the boost can go anywhere pretty much. I can use suggestions on this as well.

Any help will be much appreciated.

 

smogrunner,

1) yep...any source off the manifold...i used the bov source for both my boost guage and boost controller line
2) yea...that works...there's also a wiring grommet in the driver door jam you can use...wire the stuff through a hole next to the i/c sprayer resevoir and over the wheel well cover...nice location...but sometimes a little long...
3) for power, i used the acc wires off my turbo timer harness. you'll notice that the harness has 3 additional wires that are open...constant 12v, ignition 12v, and the third i have yet to figure out cuz i'm too lazy... as for the lighting, look to the left of the dash and you'll see the switch for the dimmer. locate a white wire with a green stripe...that's the power to the lights. if you hook up the lighting source to that, you can also dimm ur guages along with the rest of your dash....when the lights are on. enjoy =)

 

Dave,
You frickin' rock! Where in Cali are you from?
Regarding #3: You talk about a turbo timer harness. I don't have a turbo timer. Do you mind giving me a alternate suggestion for a source.
Tom

 

smogrunner,

i'm in rancho cucamonga. without a turbo timer, you'll have to splice into the factory ignition assembly. look under your steering column(u'll have to remove the lower cover...3 screws i blieve and it'll pop off) and u'll see a group of wires going to your ignition switch(the thing u put ur key in). there are a number of wires going to it, the black wire with a white stripe powers your ignition system, accesories, and ecu. that's going to be your 12v ignition source, meaning its only on when the key is in the "run" position. if you look at the same set of wires...there's also a white wire. that is your 12v constant...meaning it gets power straight from the fuses from the battery...it will always be a live wire( has power). the ground, you can just unscrew one of the bolts where the dash mounts to(make sure its a metal base) and put it there...it'll ground itselt to the battery.

now..for guages like the greddy ones, you need 4 connections, a 12v constant, a 12v ignition, an illumination, and a ground. just follow the previously stated and u can hook it up easily. for guages like autometer mechanicals, where you're only looking to hook up a light...just go straight to the illumination wire. for parts like elec boost controllers, you don't want the thing on 24/7...so hook the power to the 12v ignition, and ground the ground. and...apart from that...as always...enjoy =)