I had the SMK installed in my EVO shortly after I bought it and I kept it on the lower position. Mine glow white and matches the rest of the center illumination pretty well. The oil temp gauge is very important since you shouldn't boost with cold oil. The boost gauge isn't very accurate, but I tapped off the boost line and put in an Apexi EL series boost gauge on the dash so I have the mitsu for a backup.Look on ebay for the SMK. They are on there from time to time and much cheaper than the dealer. You'll also need the CD Changer install kit (about $60.00) to install these gauges.

 

Yeah, maybe just a bad gauge. I have had no noise coming from mine. Like Killasweep said it is not that big of a deal when changing the oil. If you prefer the other way you just need to get the right sensor or the right connector to fit in the block. I cannot be positive about the sensor going in the oil pan but that is the one I got and the one Killasweep got so it is a possibility.

 

Emre - Evan from 42 here.

You chose to go with the Cockpit International gauges. The CI "turbo" gauge only reads to 20psi. The Vision series gauge goes to 25psi.

The buzzing sound is common thing with the 1.8t VW. The small turbo puts off a ton of oscillations in the boosted airstream which the gauge sees as vibrations in the air. The gauge is sensitive and the inner coils vibrate together. We make a restrictor T fitting which we now include with all boost gauges. I'll send one out to you for nothing, just email me.

The kit comes with 2 sending units. The temperature sending unit is threaded M14x1.5 and takes the place of the oil drain plug. As Brian said above, it's no big deal to change the oil.

The pressure sender is threaded 1/8" NPT. We've created a 3/8" BSPT - 1/8" NPT adaptor which will take the place of the blank plug on your oil filter flange and allow you to install the pressure sender there. The extra fittings I provided you with are there to move the sender away from the front subframe.

Hope this helps,

Evan

 

Hi Evan,

I see. It would have been helpful to have known that ahead of time. I was just looking for a set of gauges that used a metric scale since that's what I'm used to. If I had known that there was a substantive difference between them, I would not have gone with the International series.

Anyway, the wiring and everything should be the same, right? If it's a direct swap, I'll just go ahead and order a Vision series or whatever it is I need.


Cool. I'll contact you about that.


The pressure sender was no problem. The gauge works perfectly.


I see what you mean, but I don't like the idea of hanging the temp sensor off the oil drainplug hole. Sure, it may work...but it's definitely a compromise solution. It would be ideal if there were some sort of adaptor that would allow you to use one of the plugs in the block.

Emre

 

Nice to see you checking out the Evo Forums.

 

Just curious Kayaalp...why do you think this is a compromise solution?...People who have the Mitsu factory gauge package, I believe, uses the oil drain plug for the temp sensor...

 

Because I change my oil before and after each track event. And sometimes during the event if it's a 3-day weekend. Constantly pulling the sensor on and off is sure to damage it eventually, leaving you without a temp sensor.

Anyway, it's not that big a deal. But I would prefer it in another location.

Emre

 

So, I just installed the oil temp sender in the drain plug hole. Works perfectly. I guess I'll have to learn to deal ;P

Anyway, the 42 Draft Designs kit is very nice overall. I was a little cranky about the some little niggles...but then again, I was one of the first guys to order one and had a lot of demands that Evan tried hard to accomodate. If that restrictor T-fitting will take car of the buzzing boost gaue, then I'll be a happy man I may pick up a regular 25psi boost gauge soon.

The VDO gauges are very simple and easy to read. They integrate nicely into the Evo's interior and are a very close match to the factory gauges cosmetically. I don't see a reason to drop hundreds more on fancy gauges when the 42 Draft Designs package works so well.

Emre

 

I agree...that's why I'll be purchasing one soon as well...