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Alternate Gauges?


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I hadn't considered adding gauges to my brat until I was advised to check my oil pressure with a mech gauge by folks up here. Now I am wondering, do you gurus run any separate gauges? If so which ones and what kind? On a side note I'd be interested in some nice options for mounting them. Anybody got pride in a gauge install? Any warning or tips on heading down this road?

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If you are running an EA81, there really isnt any great spots for an AUX gauge. I found the best spot is in the pocket under the little vent on the far driver side (in some cars its a speaker). Both of my EA81s had faulty oil pressure gauges. I tried all kindsa crap to get the factory gauge working but couldnt get it right. I bought my gauge on EBAY (cheapo equus or whatever) and it came with a mount. I had to go to a hardware store to buy an adaptor that didnt come with the kit. The supplied adaptors were too small for the stock hole in the oil pump. I also had to trim the sides of the bracket with a grinder a bit to fit the little pocket. Its a piece of cake took about 2-3 hours.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Equus-PRO-SERIES-2-Black-Oil-Pressure-Gauge-6144-NR_W0QQitemZ230402585359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35a510730f

If you search a little more you may find one with free shipping. I seem to remember paying less that $8 for mine shipped. I think walmart used to carry them too. Good luck!

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Some folks have used Honda A pillar pod mounts with varying degree's of success - do a search and you'll find pics and part numbers, etc. Some of the installs look ok.

 

Personally I only have gauges on my off-roader and for that install I just covered the clock/tell-tale because I don't care about that portion of the cluster. When on the trail you NEED specific and accurate gauges. I did a three-gauge cluster with volts, temp, and pressure. I got an Autometer set with electric sender's for like $65. I also moved the oil pressure sending unit to the fenderwall running off a stainless braided 36" pressure line from the pump.

 

For the rest of my cars, I test the metric's that I'm interested in, note where the factory gauge reads and then if I see a radical difference in the reading I retest with a shop gauge. Typically, while the stock gauges aren't accurate, they are reliable enough that their inaccuracy is consistent :rolleyes:

 

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Altho my setup is the A-pillar of a EA82 rig, I think its possible to find something that will work on a EA81.

Heres what mine looks like...

gaugecluster.jpg

 

The gauges are from Glow Shift, got them on Ebay. Dont buy a oil pressure gauge, they wont last a year.

I went thru 2 of them before buying a different brand. I also had to tap out the the holes for the sending units for water temp and oil pressure. They are now SAE fittings.

Edited by Turbone
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Altho my setup is the A-pillar of a EA82 rig, I think its possible to find something that will work on a EA81.

Heres what mine looks like...

gaugecluster.jpg

 

The gauges are from Glow Shift, got them on Ebay. Dont buy a oil pressure gauge, they wont last a year.

I went thru 2 of them before buying a different brand. I also had to tap out the the holes for the sending units for water temp and oil pressure. They are now SAE fittings.

 

What did you use for your A-pillar pod, Turbone? I need to add a couple gauges (reliable ones) and would like to do a very similar thing.

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