So I bit the bullet and picked up a STE PPD unit and I wanted to post up here with my review of the unit as well as a write up on the install process.

Overview:
So what is a PPD? It's a gauge solution that lets you interface a bunch of gauges all into your existing instrument cluster. It allows you display things like Boost/Vaccum, AFR, Oil Pressure, Intake Air Temps, Oil Temp, Wather/Meth flow, etc. It also has other great features such as peak boost recall & automatic AFR replay, automatic data logging, and a performance run monitor! The performance run monitor lets you get metrics like your 0 to 60, FATS time, etc. And for you guys using the N75 valve, it has user switchable boost maps that you control via your menu control stalk on your steering column if you get the extra module. There is a full list of features over at Supreme Technology & Engineering and this is just a recap of the coolest features.

Review:
Overall this unit is awesome. It really is plug & play and it makes the DIS in your instrument cluster so much more worth having. So far it is dead on accurate compared to my Zeitronix wideband readings and also right on the money when I compared the boost readings between it & my Podi stepper gauge (and my Zeitronix FWIW). It has a lot of really neat features that allow you to keep from hacking apart your dash or adding in a bunch of gauges in all of your vents. The unit also has upgradeable firmware so when new features become available, you can get a hold of them. One thing to be aware of is where you place your shift light if you spring for that option... not a con or anything but just keep in mind that thing is pretty bright since it has several LEDs.

Also, the customer service over at STE is really quick and personable. I emailed them and received responses back within no more than a few hours. For example, I was asking about taking in a voltage reading from an EGT probe and they were able to really help me out and even update my firmware if I wanted to go that route instead of using one of the inputs for oil pressure or something else.

For anyone who is looking for a reason to fix your missing pixel issue... this is it!

Installation Write up:
I put together a full write up with pictures and everything out on STE PPD Installation on B5 Audi A4. The installation is really straight forward and if you have basic hand tools you can throw this unit in your car in less than an hour. I timed my installation time and it took me a total of just under an hour and I was taking pictures the whole time for the write up.



P.S. - I'm not affiliated with STE in any way. Just a happy customer.

 

Very cool! I have a replacement screen waiting to go in, just haven't gotten around to doing it.

 

i bet the screen is in your trunk right now.

I've seen this mod on an S4 and it's cool as hell. highly recommended