I used to have a cheap *** mechanical (Autometer) gauge, but have since switched to one of AEM's digital gauges. I thought I had my MBC set at 21-22psi, but since the install of this new digital gauge, i'm only hitting 18-19psi.

Is is possible that Autometer was off or is this new gauge off?

Also, what gear do most of you use when trying to dial in your MBC? Third????

 

All gauges are going to be different, unfortunately. I'd probably trust the AEM, but the stock MAP sensor would be the most accurate. Higher the gear, the better for dialing in boost.

 

Thanks for the input. How do you read the stock MAP values?

 

I sure would like to know about the differences as well. I have one of the carbon fiber autometer mechanical 2 1/16 boost gauges that I am about to install next weekend. If it is better to wait and get an electric one, I will. I thought about either a defi, omori or a blitz instead but have a hard time with the price difference of my $60 autometer one. I could practically buy an exhaust for the price of the control unit and a boost gauge.

 

I would like to be as accurate as possible. I just assumed for the price I couldn't beat it. Buschur kits come with autometer gauges so they must not be all bad, right? I know they have been used with domestic cars for years.

 

my buddy has an autometer and peaks at about 19.5psi. I have a Defi BF and peak at 22psi. We have the exact same mods ( CATLESS TBE,FILTER,O2 HOUSING,LICP) and our cars were built within a month of each other. IMO my Defi is reading high because I'm not getting any fuel/boost cut which would likely happen if I was really hitting 22psi with no tuning.

 

That is the same gauge I had. I chose the AEM digital gauge because it matches my AEM UEGO wideband. I was originally going to go with Defi. Overall I love the AEM, install was a snap.

 

Heard many mechanicals reading incorrectly. Id trust a digital gauge over the mechanical.

 

The autometer gauges are notorius for reading higher. I am not going to generalized but I will off course add my personall experience:

My ex-WRX was reading 2 psi extra over the expensive boost reading device from the dyno Dynamic Dyno at Dynocomp (Phoenix).

This is not an insult or a hostil comment but autometer are mass produced gauges with mediocre quality. The best gauges in my opinion are directly from Japan Greddy,HKS,Blitz,Apexi,Defi and all of that good stuff. Remember, this is personal opinion.

Carlos

 

My Autometer mechanical read 2 psi high, but zeroe'd perfectly. I installed a Defi blue racer electronic, and that matches an AEM 3.5 bar mp sensor exactly.

 

I have both a mechnical defi gauge and a MAP sensor logging boost with the UTEC. The mechanical gauge always seems to read about 2 PSI higher. Common sense would say to trust a well calibrated MAP sensor over a mechanical gauge anyday.