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Which Boost Gauge To Get?

Peter

By Peter,
in Engines & Forced Induction

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Peter Community Regular

Peter

Posted
Posted

Hi!

I am going to buy an electric boost gauge for my car, and have narrowed it down (due to financial reasons) to either an Autogauge Shadow Boost Gauge 60mm, for $75.00 AUD, or an Autometer 3301 Gauge for $143.00 AUD.

I was wondering if anyone has used, or heard of the above mentioned brands/guages, in terms of reliability, accuracy etc., or if anyone can give me any other brands that are better, and around the same price?

Thanks for your help!

Pete

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RustyR32Gtst Mentor

RustyR32Gtst

Posted
Posted

Performance Wise has Apexi EL 2 mechanical boost gauges for $160 delivered if you can stretch your budget a bit more.

I got one for my Legacy, it's a good looking accurate gauge. :laugh:

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...p;#entry2422174

R31Nismoid Grand Master

R31Nismoid

Posted
Posted

I find generally stuff around $120-150 does the job for boost gauges.

1. They work well, and perform set task

2. They are a reasonable size

3. Is backlit for night use.

Much cheaper, unreliable and generally small

Much more expensive, only really gives you flashy lights, peak boost reading and that sorta thing. Nothing thats essential

abu Grand Master

abu

Posted
Posted

APEXi EL is the go.

There accurate and well priced, and also look way better than any Autometer gauge.

If you go to nissansilvia.com, and into the for sale section, there are a few APEXi EL boost-gauges for sale at very reasonable prices.

Thanks,

Abu

r3240sx Enthusiast

r3240sx

Posted
Posted

I've used an autometer boost gauge in a celica GT-four. With the car off, it was at 2 psi. I've used autometer a couple other times, never was I impressed by their quality or convinced that the readings were correct.

I bought GReddy electronic meters.. and one peak hold warn meter. They hurt my wallet but I dont regret it... Looking at a quality set of gauges everyday is really pleasing... I love my greddy's and am fully impressed by their quality and accuracy.

I also like defi, apexi, blitz.. they all seem to be nice gauges, although I have never owned them personally.

Beer Baron Grand Master

Beer Baron

Posted
Posted

I've had heaps of different ones. the Greddy electric meters with peak hold and warning are very good, but look a bit old school now. In my eyes since they play a big part in the interior it's worth spending a bit extra. and I would say Defi is the only way to go. very good quality, lightweight and so easy to wire up and use.

heller44 Mentor

heller44

Posted
Posted (edited)

With how cheap the apexi el mechanical is from nengun.. it would be very hard to pass up.

Had one of those cheap ebay gauges, autogauge, was about 5psi low in its reading. nasty.

Edited by heller44
made_guy Experienced

made_guy

Posted
Posted

i'm going with a saber boost - was gonna get a defi bf while they're on special at nengun, but then add in the controller unit and delivery...looking at about $300 and that's 1 gauge! i'll wait til i win at the casino or races or something (cos i certainly won't be getting a tax return this year:( )

i've heard people say saber are exactly the same as autogauge blackfaces - do the autogauge's do the start up dance?

i'll let you know how the saber goes this weekend hopefully if it turns up in time - they just sent it today. shouldn't take me very long to hook up, i already have the wiring set up from trying to install a second hand apexi el....(another story - can't trust anybody these days)

heller44 Mentor

heller44

Posted
Posted (edited)

My autogauge had the startup ramp.. Keep an eye on the needle position with the key on and the engine not running.

The gauge had drifted off and was reading ~5psi low.

Cheap crap. :)

james.

apexi el mech.. $118 delivered from nengun...

Edited by heller44
webng Experienced

webng

Posted
Posted
My autogauge had the startup ramp.. Keep an eye on the needle position with the key on and the engine not running.

The gauge had drifted off and was reading ~5psi low.

Cheap crap. :stupid:

james.

apexi el mech.. $118 delivered from nengun...

I'm glad i read this thread, was about to buy the Option Tuning boost gauge from ebay.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but do i need some sort of holder to attach the Apexi gauge to my pillar or dash? Or does it come with a bracket? What's the postage time from Nengun for one of these?

heller44 Mentor

heller44

Posted
Posted

Comes with a bracket, but I reused the one from the junker as I had mounted it nicely and it was the same size, just didn't have the little apexi logo on the base.

The option is where the one I had previously was from..

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