Guages are good to indicate the *normal* operation and if you actually pay attention you'll know when something is off. a leaky BOV might not be aparent but it will show lowers numbers. I dont look at my gauges when racing though. Just during 5th gauge WOTs, just to check if things are still *normal*

 

To me, gauges are a must have. It's nice to have a boost gauge, Oil temp and pressure gauge, and a wideband. Lets you know vital things about your engine.

Plus, to people that aren't used to these cars, it makes them think your car is even faster.

Taylor
OAKOS Automotive

 

I don't see the need in having them for anything other than tuning.

To those that think that you will save your motor from having gauges, I don't think they will save you...if you drop oil pressure during a hard turn or something such as that isn't the damage already done?

Also, if you are going WOT and your AFR goes full lean at 4500 I think you would feel that the car isn't right and would abort the pull.

I rarely ever look at my gauges, the only reason I actually have them installed is for tuning purposes. Not for me to monitor while enjoying driving the car doing pulls.

 

I tend to agree. Most 'normal' drivers may be unaware of what some gauges should read.
I think certain gauges are useful, boost and afr.
Safeties can be tuned in also

 

Not necessarily. Like some have already said, its a merely indicator that something may be wrong, not prevent it. For tuning purposes, its still just an indicator of engine activities. What's important is you know what levels are alarming, and what is not. Even OEM gauges are merely indicators, and not preventative. You need the speedometer to see if you're passed the speed limit, fuel gauge to see if you're low. They don't prevent you from gettign a speeding ticket, or running out of gas. It's important to look now and again to see what the car is doing. You can't just set the tune and forget it. Environmental changes can affect the way the engine runs with the same tune. An unknown leak can also change the way it runs. Gauges help indicate potential issues.

 

I disagree about the tune part changing with the weather, ect. I run the same tune year round. I tuned my car myself and have been doing it for several years now and have switched the car over to speed density.

I autocrossed the car for a couple years without ever batting an eye at the boost gauge and didn't have a visual on AFR until this past Sept. And this is with already having the car for 7 years

But back on point, I think the only necessary gauges are the fuel level and tachometer.
Everything else can be datalogged or listen for anything out of the ordinary when driving.

 

Oh yeah, autox. 2nd gear cone dodging speed demons who spend 8 hours to get 4 minutes of seat time. I didn't say environment changes the tune. I said the engine may run differently in changing evironmental conditions. Say fuel differences between winter and summer. Weather difference in 90 degree heat vs. 30 degree winters. BTW, get on a road course, and see if you pay attention or not.

 

Naw, you can never have too many gauges dawg! And you spelled ridonkulous wrong.




Seriously, who actually looks at their gauges? I know some of you will (OCD much? ) but if I'm WOT there are only two things I'm watching, road and RPM, sometimes not even RPM. Now if something didn't feel right then my gauges will draw my attention. They become useful for trouble shooting problems, doing a log is more effort than you need if you already have the gauges installed. I currently have a boost gauge and intend to install an AFR sometime.

 

iirs they are in the glove box.



A couple are ok as long as they aint plastered all over the dash

 

Andy that picture is awesome.

I have been known to check my gauges when at WOT.

Just sayin'

 

DEER LAWDY!

 

More information never hurts, and basic guages are fairly cost effective and reliable, so if you have a modded car, not sure what the escuse is of not having them.

 

8 hours for 4 minutes of driving? We would get 10-12 runs per day and only be out there for 5 hours and only have to work for maybe 1.

Pay for a track day and I'll jump on a road course ASAP, I would love to have the opportunity to be on the track. The only tracks around here are oval so please include travel expenses to Atlanta or Virginia :grin:

I wouldn't spend any time looking at the gauges especially if I am going 100mph+ just based on the fact that I would be driving like a madman having fun.

 

IKR?

Yeah, you're one "those" people (jokey jokey). Yeah there are people who will be keeping an eye on the vitals regularly, whether you track your car probably has an influence on that. I don't, the wagon is simply a street car (ATM) but when the MR2 is ready for the track I'll be glancing at the gauges on occasion.

 

Your region must be small then. Here in Philly is another story. Depending on the sites we go to, we're lucky to get 6 runs. They at least guarantee 4 runs.

As for track, I can guarantee you'll be hooked, and won't take autox as serious anymore. I'd paid for you, but I'm saving to try to get to VIR at Road Atlanta myself.

Sorry OP for off topic post.