Quick Boost gage question

[realfinn]

Since I am new to having a turbo I would really like to keep track of exactly what its doing. I am going to purchase a Boost gage but have a few questions.

Electronic vs Mechanical. Which is better. Which should I buy?
I am guessing that the boost gage is keeping track of intake manifold pressure. So does this mean that the only connection that I have to make is to the T vaccum line off of the intake manifold? Or is there another connection?

Thanks

[Bane]

i remember reading somewhere not to T it off the passenger side front intake "arm"... as this could cause problems with the MAP sensor or something to that effect.

The way that i did it, and from what i can see in a lot of the engine pics here is T off of the vaccuum line for the BOV/BPV.

As for which kind... i got a deal from someone with a wrx and got 3 gauges and the a-pillar pod cheap, so i ended up with an autometer mechanical one. Haven't had any problems yet.

If you go electric, may as well splurge and get a EBC gauge... boost controller and gauge in one? <- no idea what this costs.

most mechanicals are around $60?

[realfinn]

If you go electric, may as well splurge and get a EBC gauge... boost controller and gauge in one? <- no idea what this costs.

The EBC is a manual boost controller with a gage? Sorry I'm turbo stupid at this point. Where would I find something like that?

[IronMonkeyL255]

EBC = electronic boost controller.

The version he is talking about has a digital readout for boost, as well as the capability to change boost.

[Bane]

turbosmart e-boost = electronic boost controller/gauge. an electronic send unit sits in the engine bay and sends a signal to a gauge inside the cabin.

Other ones i know of are the Greddy and TurboXS systems

greddy e-manage system (i think NICO I WRX U, has one for sale) same principle as above, but with a squard LCD and mounting stand

Turbo XS uses a Gameboy Advance for their monitor.

if you are looking at budget though... just get a mechanical one... there easy to setup and pretty straight forward.

[realfinn]

Thanks a lot. This really clears things up for me.

[IronMonkeyL255]

I got an autometer mechanical gauge and haven't had any complaints.

Still have to hook it up correctly, though...... :\

[napphappy]

I have an Autometer Mech and a VDO Mech.

I have found that the Autometer is a bit slow to react, but there is a mod to fix this that involves replacing the included vac line with larger stuff.

The VDO was too fast reacting and would flutter. But All I had to do to fix this was, install a restrictor.

I would go with a Mechanical. But only because you often get better response for sometimes Alot less $.

[Legacy777]

You can tee off of the hose going to the MAP sensor, as long as you just put a tee in there. It shouldn't affect anything.

There are a few threads regarding gauges in the body & chassis section, including mine when I was looking at gauges. So you may want to look there.