Boost Gauges

[Khabel]

I'm wanting to buy a boost gauge and was wondering if there is any difference in brand etc or are they pretty much all the same so just get the cheapest?

[Hanaldo]

Depends how accurate you want it to be. If you just want it as a pretty moving gauge that attracts some attention then go the cheapest. If you actually want it for monitoring your boost then you will need to spend a bit more.

[R33 Sleeper]

Can the cheaper ones actually be that bad and inaccurate for street use though?

[Munkyb0y]

it doesnt have to be an expensive gauge to be accurate, just as long as it's a decent brand.

i'm using a vdo mech gauge right now. have been using it for a while. it's always spot on.

had a splitfire in the car when i bought it. seemed pretty good. autometer was also good.

i hooked up a calibre gauge. it was out by a couple of psi. autogauge, same crap.

[ClutchBurndout-:(]

if they are inaccurate it wont be by much, if your only running stock psi or there abouts, just get a cheapo one, if your pushing pounds then you need a good one, as its important to know exactly whats going on with the boost at higher levels.

[Hanaldo]

Yeh it's not so much that they are out by much, although my old cheap vacuum gauge was out by 6 in/HG, it's more that they are prone to random inaccuracies which leaves you wondering if something is wrong or if it is just your gauge. If you are going to buy cheap then I would recommend getting a mechanical gauge, they tend to break easier but are more accurate than an equivalently priced electrical gauge, the cheap stepper motors just don't cut it. If you want electrical then I would spend a little bit more and get a decent gauge.

[scotty nm35]

My mechanical gauge is always out by 3psi, shows 23 when i'm on 20. The only time it had random inaccuracies was when the pipe crimped due to the engine bay heat.