Yea, so im way amatuer. I'd like to run a boost gauge but what all do i need to buy and what are the differences? do I need extra tubing or will the "included" tubing be sufficient?

I have no clue how boost works. I don't know if 15lb of boost is something I achieve with mods or something I have to get a "controller" or "adjuster" to achieve.

Currently have an APR ECU chip (93 Oct)
On the Way:
SAMCO turbo inlet hose
Modshack VTDA
Forge DV 007P DV

I'd like a boost gauge at least so I know where my boost is... not that I would know what it means when I see it. (I'm more of an audiophile. Im interested in the mechanical side, but have little knowledge. I'm a helicopter mechanic, so I suppose Im able)

Any info or link to tutorials would be awesome if anyone knows of any.

-Chris

 

The tubing that comes with your boost gauge should be enough. Its a pretty easy instal. I would recommend the vent ring install from modshack.info. There is a little grommet in the firewall to run your boost line to your fpr. If you have a chip you should be boosting around 18-20 i'm pretty sure.

 

When you purchase the boost gauge it should come with 6 feet or so of tubing, which is usually more than adequate. You connect it via a Tee on the line that runs between the manifold and the Fuel Pressure Regulator.

DIY install instructions here and here.

A stock 180 will give you about 10 psi and a stock 225 is around 15 psi. Chipped with most standard programs from APR, REVO or GIAC will result in about 15 psi for the 180 and 20psi for the 225. You can play around with those numbers using a Boost Machine which maintains the protection of your MAP sensor and the N75 valve. There are others here and on Vortex that will tell you to use a Diode and a Manual Boost Controller, which will work to increase boost as well, but remove engine protection from overboosting.

 

Ok... so dumb question... What size Gauge do I need? 2 1/16" or 2 5/8"? Steve's vent kit says 52mm which is pretty close to 2 1/16". -shrugs-

 

2-1/6 works in the vent kits.

 

Got it. Any particular gauges to stay away from or are they pretty much all the same?
I mean, is it just a matter of aesthetic preference?

 

It's really just a matter of what you like. I have an AutoMeter Pro-Comp in my gauge cluster, but I'm moving to a vent mounted boost gauge. I picked up a Revo REV2... Best inexpensive match to the TT style gauges I've been able to find so far.

 

Yea, I ordered the Vent Ring kit from Steve when I bought the VTDA this morning. I'm hoping I don't have too much trouble putting this vaccuum/boost gauge in. http://www.ttstuff.com/Merchant2/mer...t_Code=AM-4303

It appears to be a moderately difficult task, but not anything I'd consider to be over my head.

****************Edit************
Thanks for all the help. I decided to go with the 2 1/16" Auto-Meter Ultra-Lite 30psi Vaccuum/Boost Gauge from TTstuff.com.
Now that all the stuff is ordered, I guess I'll sit and wait.