Since the turbo project appears to still be a go, and the guages will likely be sourced individually, what is the best bang-per-buck method of monitoring AFR and boost?

Dashdaq w/ Zeitronix is nice and all, but it's $$$.

Looking at gauges this morning, the figures are all over the place. Simple mechanical gauges start at $50 w/o sending units, but quickly jump into the $200's (each) when it's a gauge you'd actually want to use. I think the N/A guys would definitely want to monitor with a wideband device.

The problem with gauges is mounting, finishing the pillar pod to look OEM, matching the gauges, and doing all of that for less than simply buying a Dashdaq.

What are some good gauges to use? Can a decent gauge combo be obtained for a price that wouldn't simply push you to the Dashdaq? I realize that the Dashdaq monitors the most info most thoroughly, but I don't like having to look down while doing 100mph at a 3" screen jam-packed with data, when I'd much rather 'glance' at a gauge near eye-level that is providing instantaneous data.

Also having a fit trying to find boost gauges less than 30-60 PSI, 0-15 would be perfect. Looking on Summit, they only had a handful of gauges in that range.

What things MUST be present? What wiring must be done?

Pointers from the pros greatly appreciated.

 

I have an AEM wideband in my mustang, they sell for under $200 and work well.. For the boost gauge I would stick with an autometer mechanical and put a braided line on it. The only down side of a mechanical is having the line in the car, meaning it may leak. If it were an oil or fuel gauge I would go electrical. I would recommend a boost gauge that incorporates vacuum as well (vacuum - 30 psi boost)

 

[quote=JHM2K]Since the turbo project appears to still be a go, and the guages will likely be sourced individually, what is the best bang-per-buck method of monitoring AFR and boost?

Dashdaq w/ Zeitronix is nice and all, but it's $$$.

I went this route. I had the pods, the guages, but the Zeitronix does so much more all in one, it is just a clean set up. Rudy will do the install once I have everything he needs. Rob is putting it all together for me. Once she is installed, I can monitor just about everything. It is probably another $300 over the price of individual guages, but, I think I will be much happier with the look...

 

wideband, timing, boost, would be the must have parameters. look at the zt-2 with the small led panel. not expensive and you log it then read it on the puter. once your tuned no need to mess with it. just monitor on the fly