gauges, gauges and more gauges (opinions and facts please)

[TurboSE]

It's about time for me to get into wiring up some new gauges in my 240. I've been looking at several styles of gauges from several manufacturers, and I've come up with one burning question:

Why the hell are the "JDM-style" gauges so expensive?

I've looked at companies like Defi, HKS, Blitz and Greddy...and while they all look great and provide that "JDM-style cool"...at an average of $250 each, are they that much better than (the good-old-time-tested) Autometer?

I come from a domestic/circle track/drag race background and everyone I know uses Autometer.

I guess my real burning question is: At nearly 5 times the price, am I paying for the cool opening and closings and the "JDM-style coolness"?

If you wanted reliable, electric gauges on a modest (read: not Faze or SunPro) budget...are the more expensive gauges worth the money?


PS - This is not a show car, more like a weekend-drag car with moderate street duty, running a built RB26DET...and I'd really like to have accurate info about what's going one with it.

C'mon guys, let me have it!

[TurboSE]

Not sure if it matters, but I'm planning on going with the Autometer Pro-Comps if nobody convinces me that another manufacturer is worth the money.

[Erjay1]

Prosport gauges are good, look good and dont cost as much as Defi, HKS, Blitz and all them other gauges.

[usdm180sx]

Manufacturing costs are higher for jdm gauges. This thread might help you out: http://zilvia.net/f/chat/93275-picture-request-interior-guage-setups.html

[Sileighty_85]

Defi is the best.
Alot of helpful functions intergrated into the system, and can add on other accessories.
Easy and simple to install.

I own some and I Love them.

[TurboSE]

Manufacturing costs are higher for jdm gauges. This thread might help you out: http://zilvia.net/f/chat/93275-picture-request-interior-guage-setups.html

Wow...those are really nice and not too pricey...thanks for the tip...I'll have to see if anybody give them good reviews...

[TurboSE]

Defi is the best.
Alot of helpful functions intergrated into the system, and can add on other accessories.
Easy and simple to install.

I own some and I Love them.

I know I can (and will) research the additional functions on my own...but which ones have you used/found to be most valuable?

[Sileighty_85]

I know I can (and will) research the additional functions on my own...but which ones have you used/found to be most valuable?

The warning system (for Coolant and Oil Pressure ect...) You can set it at a certian Degree or PSI and when the engine reaches that value the Defi System will set off an alarm to warn you, (low pressure or Over heating)

Has a peak function, Gauges will record the highest value they reached.

Recording Fuctions allows you to record engine readings up to 3 mins for races/tuning to check engine parameters.

Cople of other things too.

The warning system saved my engine a few times before I upgraded the cooling system.

[TurboSE]

Autometer (although you need to buy a $50 warning light...and worse find somewhere in the cabin to mount SOMETHING ELSE) and Prosport have the warning function. They also both have the peak function built-in. I'm not doubting Defi's quality...just trying to find the value.

[dat411kid]

Done my research and....
1st.Defi =Extremely Reliable,Accurate & JDM Approved...
2nd.Stri= Best Alternative for the Money Damm good quality & Jdm look...
Who Cares.Autometer= Not so good with tuners (JDM) as poor accuracy seems more common with there gauges....

[Om1kron]

A SHITLOAD OF GAUGES IS RETARDED.

get a stack or get a aim sports and call it a day.

[TurboSE]

Done my research and....
1st.Defi =Extremely Reliable,Accurate & JDM Approved...
2nd.Stri= Best Alternative for the Money Damm good quality & Jdm look...
Who Cares.Autometer= Not so good with tuners (JDM) as poor accuracy seems more common with there gauges....

I love the reliable and accurate parts of the Defi...but JDM approved...wtf is that? Kinda worries me about the validity of your post.

Good quality...and they are nice looking gauges...once again, JDM look...who cares? Strike two.

Autometer, not so good with tuners, I know a few STi guys and 3 or 4 SRT guys that swear by them...strike three, a car is a car. Poor accuracy, a lot of high dollar cars rely on their gauges...strike four...your post is out.

[TurboSE]

A SHITLOAD OF GAUGES IS RETARDED.

get a stack or get a aim sports and call it a day.

I have been researching those options also...but I think I like the simplicity of gauges...

[ZenkiCam]

autometer phantoms. thats all you need. im doing a full across the board gauge setup on my drift car im building from differential temperature to boost and i pretty much got most of the catelog added and a speedometer and Tachometer and it came out to 609.99 shipped. thats the price or rougly 2 defi gauges...



AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Boost - Full Sweep/Mechanical
Color/Style 35 PSI $57.95 SKU 3174410 Part # 5704

AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Differential Temperature
Color/Style Short Sweep/Electric $56.95 SKU 3174469 Part # 5749

AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Fuel Pressure - Full Sweep/Mechanical
Color/Style 0 - 100 PSI, without isolator $54.95 SKU 3174431 Part # 5712

AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Oil Pressure - Full Sweep/Mechanical
Color/Style 0 - 150 PSI $56.95 SKU 3174435 Part # 5723


AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Oil Temperature - Full Sweep/Mechanical
Color/Style 140º - 280º F $75.95 SKU 3174441 Part # 5741



AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Speedometer - In-Dash/Mechanical
Color/Style 160 MPH $87.95 SKU 3174450 Part # 5893



AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Tachometer - In-Dash
Color/Style 10,000 RPM $99.95 SKU 3174452 Part # 5897



AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Voltmeter
Color/Style Short Sweep/Electric $46.95 SKU 3174406 Part # 5791



AutoMeter Phantom Gauges
(http://www.autoanything.com/gauges/65A4126A0A0.aspx) Water Temperature - Full Sweep/Mechanical
Color/Style 140º - 280º F $71.95 SKU 3174460 Part # 5731




$609.55

[TurboSE]

autometer phantoms. thats all you need. im doing a full across the board gauge setup on my drift car im building from differential temperature to boost and i pretty much got most of the catelog added and a speedometer and Tachometer and it came out to 609.99 shipped. thats the price or rougly 2 defi gauges...

That's where I'm at...but I want electrical...

[DMaxUSA]

I just dont like how autometer sensors are wired up. Plus, the fittings that come with their gauges are standard sizes, and you will have to either retap your fittings, or get a conversion adapter.

I dont know about you, but I dont like having unnecessary fittings or modifications near an oil source (i.e. oil temp/pressure gauge), just to get a gauge to work.

JDM gauges = metric sizes

[da8o8santaclauz]

im not sure never ran mechanical gauges before but would running mechanical gauges pose any problems? (running hot oil lines, etc into the cabin)

[dat411kid]

I love the reliable and accurate parts of the Defi...but JDM approved...wtf is that? Kinda worries me about the validity of your post.

Good quality...and they are nice looking gauges...once again, JDM look...who cares? Strike two.

Autometer, not so good with tuners, I know a few STi guys and 3 or 4 SRT guys that swear by them...strike three, a car is a car. Poor accuracy, a lot of high dollar cars rely on their gauges...strike four...your post is out.
Whatever dude....Yes some ppl care about the look of there gauges :duh: ...And JDM approved means its time tested with jdm cars, or cars in Japan....Noob...Good luck with your search...

[fromxtor]

I have used autometer in the past and like my STRIs better, w/ the built in warning lights, and affordability.

[ZenkiCam]

Whatever dude....Yes some ppl care about the look of there gauges :duh: ...And JDM approved means its time tested with jdm cars, or cars in Japan....Noob...Good luck with your search...

dude quit being a fanboy. for real.

all you need..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z174/driftbrothers/DSC01528.jpg

[SlideWell]

im not reading any of this shit. your gauges wont be nearly as accurate as your readings from your EMS, say a Power FC. its quick looks and checks. you pay for a good looking meter.

[TurboSE]

I just dont like how autometer sensors are wired up. Plus, the fittings that come with their gauges are standard sizes, and you will have to either retap your fittings, or get a conversion adapter.

I dont know about you, but I dont like having unnecessary fittings or modifications near an oil source (i.e. oil temp/pressure gauge), just to get a gauge to work.

JDM gauges = metric sizes

Never thought about that, that's a good point I'll have to check into.

[TurboSE]

im not sure never ran mechanical gauges before but would running mechanical gauges pose any problems? (running hot oil lines, etc into the cabin)

That's exactly the reason I'm trying to avoid running mechanical gauges, but I have heard as far as accuracy, they're superior.

[TurboSE]

Whatever dude....Yes some ppl care about the look of there gauges :duh: ...And JDM approved means its time tested with jdm cars, or cars in Japan....Noob...Good luck with your search...

K, dood...I said I wasn't really worried about the look. As for noob, why don't you check the join dates and see who's been around Zilvia about 3 years longer. Just because I don't post doesn't mean I don't read. Thanks for your opinions.

[TurboSE]

I have used autometer in the past and like my STRIs better, w/ the built in warning lights, and affordability.

The STRI's and the ProSports are definitely looking like good options to Autometer.

[TurboSE]

dude quit being a fanboy. for real.

all you need..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z174/driftbrothers/DSC01528.jpg

Nice set-up that's kinda what I'm planning...Is that yours?

[TurboSE]

im not reading any of this shit. your gauges wont be nearly as accurate as your readings from your EMS, say a Power FC. its quick looks and checks. you pay for a good looking meter.

I will also be running a PFC, but the commander isn't great (screen size) for checking vitals on the fly...

[garagelu]

I have had bad luck with one autometer boost gauge in the past. I think it was just a mechanical phantom gauge.

It was calibrated wrong and was reading 4-5 psi lower than what I was actually boosting. When I thought I was boosting 18lbs, I was actually at 24-25psi which cost me 2 sr20 motors.

Would have never known it but luckily the new tuner I went to after my second engine had a boost hookup on his dynapack. So that is why I will never buy an autometer product ever again. I have a defi boost gauge now and I love it. Stri, prosport, etc are all good stuff. You guys should check out stack gauges. They finally came out with an affordable line of gauges.

[smelly240]

defi = sexy ball juices... i love em. it tells me if somethings wrong - audibly and by blinking out all the freakout lights... plus it logs.

[usdm180sx]

dude quit being a fanboy. for real.

all you need..

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z174/driftbrothers/DSC01528.jpg

I would never run that shit. Autometer a/f gauge? It's not even a wideband.

[fromxtor]

^Yea I noticed that also, I thought about doing a setup like that but I need a speedo.

[TurboSE]

I have had bad luck with one autometer boost gauge in the past. I think it was just a mechanical phantom gauge.

It was calibrated wrong and was reading 4-5 psi lower than what I was actually boosting. When I thought I was boosting 18lbs, I was actually at 24-25psi which cost me 2 sr20 motors.

Would have never known it but luckily the new tuner I went to after my second engine had a boost hookup on his dynapack. So that is why I will never buy an autometer product ever again. I have a defi boost gauge now and I love it. Stri, prosport, etc are all good stuff. You guys should check out stack gauges. They finally came out with an affordable line of gauges.


I've heard of a few problems with various brands of boost gauges...Autometer and Prosport, both electric and mechanical...

[TurboSE]

I would never run that shit. Autometer a/f gauge? It's not even a wideband.

I didn't look at what gauges he used, but that's about the type of set-up i want to run, and I also need a speedo.

[awesomenick]

Eh. Autometer is pure shit. I used them with my KA-T. I also, will never use Autometer again. I had the same problem with my boost gauge being wrong.

I have a few Autometer's I'll sell you if you want them. HA!

[Teknolust72]

I know that some people love mechanical gauges because they are supposed to be more accurate, but it sucks when your mechanical oil temp/pressure gauge decides to pour hot oil into your cabin.....BOO!!!!

[TurboSE]

I know that some people love mechanical gauges because they are supposed to be more accurate, but it sucks when your mechanical oil temp/pressure gauge decides to pour hot oil into your cabin.....BOO!!!!

No doubt...that's why mechanical gauges aren't even an option.

[turtl631]

Gauges (http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Stack_Gauges2)

I'm pretty sure Autometer bought Stack, or vice versa. Either way, they offer gauges now that look to be a little better made than Autometer. I've got a set, but nothing is hooked up yet so I don't have any input about accuracy. Warning features are sorta useful, but if you have a good cooling system you shouldn't need it, and by the time oil pressure is low enough to trigger an alarm you probably have done irreparable damage. The price is pretty reasonable on these, and if "JDM approved" was an argument before, we can say these are UKDM approved. That's what matters!

[jr_ss]

I run Defi and I like the gauges and capabilities they have... Very good craftsmanship and I've never had a problem with them. I bought them for the sole purpose of the 3 min logging, the peak/hold and ease of use. Sure, looks aren't for everyone, but I prefer a clean looking and functional interior, the Defi's fill that need. There really weren't that many choices for good gauges when I was looking, and I wasn't about to spend even more on HKS/BLITZ/and what have you.

Just because you run Defi, doesn't make you a fan boy.

I ran Autometer in my last car, I've heard on numerous occasions that they weren't all that accurate. So I opted for a better quality built gauge. You get what you pay for...

[zaquanh]

i use prosport , have ben for almost 2 years never a problem , very accurate to me , all mine are electronic boost, water temp, also had oil temp and oil pressure

[turtl631]

How do you know they're accurate? Unless you've compared them with a known standard, you have no clue.