Hi fellas,

I got my bonus coming at the end of the month and and it's going toward a Magnacharger Radix (wife's not to happy). I'll be doing the install myself as i don't think it's too difficult and have been working on cars and trucks for years.

My truck buddies tell me that i "need" 3 gauges; boost, fuel pressure, and air/fuel ration. I understand the need for the boost gauge, but why the other 2? Is it really necessary? My friends can't give me another reason besides "cool factor" which i'm not really interested in. Also, how difficult is the install for all 3? I was just going to take it to someone to do while i'm at work. But if it's not too difficult i'd do it myself. TIA

 

All 3 gauges are simple to install.

The boost gauge is pretty much a "fun to have" gauge.

The air fuel (AF) gauge (Wideband) is great for tuning and it also can give you an indication of fueling problems that could hurt your engine (going lean). However, if you're going to stick with the handheld tuner that comes with the Magnacharger it isn't absolutely required.
The fuel pressure gauge is also helpful for the same reasons as the AF gauge. If you are haulin *** down the track and your FP gauge starts dropping you know to get out of it.

Everything else being stock I'd say none of the gauges are required but, as soon as you start messing with the tune or doing pulley swaps (And you WILL) then those gauges are a must. Get them now because they look cool and since you'll need them in about a month when you start changing stuff to go faster

 

Ditto.
If anything, they might help prevent an catastrophic issue or clue you in if something is inconsistant. + they have that cool factor.

 

i run a boost gauge, tranny temp, and coolant temp. Coolant temp because the stock one in horrible, tranny temp mostly for piece of mind, and obviously the boost gauge so i can tell how much boost im pushing.

I personally don't see much of a need for a FP or a/f gauge unless you are doing your own tuning.

 

I have the EXACT same set up as you, plus i have the triple overhead pod with Trans Temp, Oil Temp and Exhaust Temp...

 

Those overhead units are sweet. I swapped to a Chevy SS cluster to get the trans. temp. Pretty accurate when I checked it against HPT too. Oil temp would be cool.

Edit: Did you have to do the sheetmetal screw trick to keep it from sagging?

 

those look nice

 

I like your set up there. Looks sweet. I have the same gauges (boost, fuel pressure) exept I am still undecided on which A/F gauge to get. I want to get the best one I can for tuning purposes. One thing I like about the AEM gauge is the way it matches with the Autometer Sport-Comp's. I am only using the 2 gauge pillar mount though as I have my boost gauge already mounted on my steering column.

 

I did..

 

I'll probably get the gauges a few weeks after i do the install. I'm thinking of the autometer cobalt series because i like the way they match my cluster and how they light up with the dash. The boost gauge is easy enough, but i'll get them all done because i don't like the idea of tapping into my fuel lines for the pressure regulator and I don't have a way to weld a bung for the O2 sensor for the A/F ratio

How do you color match the A-pillar pod? Do they sell them that way or do you have to get it done? I have the dark charcol dash.