Boost Monitoring
Do not attempt to raise the boost on your car without first buying and installing an aftermarket boost gauge. The stock gauge is utterly worthless. It is an electronic type, relying on an electronic sensor/control unit to indict boost-only conditions. It is slow to respond to boost increases, and not a reliable way to measure the boost level. Most owners recommend installing a mechanical type boost gauge. A gauge of this sort can be had for not more than $60. Autometer is a generally accepted gauge manufacturer across the turbo community. Expect to pay more for a Japanese gauge, such as Greddy, HKS, Blitz, and APEX’i. A mechanical boost gauge operates by way of a thin vacuum/boost hose that runs from an intake source in the engine bay to the gauge. Any puncture or pinch point in the line will create a faulty or no reading. Most owners install their extra gauges with an a-pillar mount. A-pillar mounts are typically molded plastic that matches the stock interior well (at least if you have a black interior). A single metal pod can also be used and installed to the top of the dash. The stock boost gauge can be swapped out and replaced with an aftermarket gauge, however, you will have to modify your instrument cluster. Gauges can also be set into the dash, specifically in place of one of the center vents. Mounting the gauge in the glove box is possible, although not really practical. |
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