Are all gauges created equally?

[TJM]

Ever since noticing that the TRD boost gauge is back on the market, I have been planning my new mods. Naturally the boost gauge is one, but I was seriously considering a trans temp gauge too, which I think will be done in combo with a tranny cooler.

Once I started looking I was struck by the broad selection of gauges out there, from simple black and white analog to multi-color, digital, large, small, multi-function, etc.

I'd kind of like them to be similar in appearance, and the multi-function makes me a tad wary; other than that I don't know if there's a way to pick the winners from the losers, but I like the colors on the Glow Shift gauges - anyone know if they're good?

GlowShift | Boost Gauges for Cars and Diesel Trucks

Any opinions or experience appreciated.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

I chose to go with the AutoMeter 2640.

It's a simple Short Sweep Electric Sender gauge that has a similar look and feel to the OEM gauge cluster in the '97.

I'm doing the B&M 70268 install (bypassed) along with this gauge. I have yet to install it, I'm just waiting for warmer weather, but I have all the parts now.

I also purchased a second sender so that I can monitor the temps coming out of the tranny as well as going in (both senders are getting connected to an on/on switch to get both readings on one gauge, but not simultaniously of course). It's the next best thing to having a sender installed in the tranny itself since you can more or less just average out the temps.

I didn't require anything fancier than this setup. I don't do a lot of wheeling and do even less towing.

 

[TJM]

I hear you. I don't tow at all, but I do wheel now and then. I was wondering about the accuracy and durability of various gauges.

That having been said, is there a gauge install thread here? I hadn't even thought about that.

 

[MTD]

GS gauges are okay. A lot of my buddies run them in a variety of things and they like them. I have only heard of one failing and it was just a boost gauge that came out of calibration. That being said though certain companies make certain gauges better, for example Innovate and AFR gauges.

 

[TJM]

By better you mean more accurate or more durable or what? I don't mind paying for quality but I don't want to over buy, if you know what I mean

 

[MTD]

By better you mean more accurate or more durable or what? I don't mind paying for quality but I don't want to over buy, if you know what I mean

Frankly the AFR is the only gauge I would spend some coin on. In this case by better I mean that the response time for the electronics on the innvoate Afr gauges is much faster than others which is a huge deal. And of course quality is better, but that doesn't mean GS gauges are not good enough quality of course

 

[TJM]

Interesting. Thanks for the info, I was pretty much in the dark on that.

 

[02SE]

Gauges are not created equal. A higher quality gauge will have better components, accuracy, and durability.

There is also the ever growing problem of counterfeit auto parts, including counterfeit copies of gauges.

Make sure you are getting the genuine part, by buying from a licensed and reputable seller of the product. Some fly-by-night seller on Ebay, may very well be selling counterfeit parts.

Counterfeit Automotive Parts: Knock It Off - Rod Authority

 

[pattycakes77]

I bought my Autometer gauges about 8 years ago and never had any problems. I got the electric gauges and install was super easy. I bought the gauges from Jegs or something so I know they are genuine. I agree with the poster who said they match the factory look, that was the reason I got the Pro Comp II gauges.