jschaefer7406 Posted September 28, 2010 Report Share Posted September 28, 2010 Hello all, Currently running a VDO vacuum/boost gauge. 15 psi Max, installed long before I was tuned for 15 psi. Now considering a 20 psi vac/boost gauge for a little cushion and would like to stick with VDO. Always liked the looks and styling of the VDO gauges, nothing else looks quite as "at home" in these cars. Here is the gauge I am considering: http://store.42draftdesigns.com/VDO-Cockpit-International-Series-30-20PSI-Boost-Gauge_p_77.html Anyone used this gauge before? I know some dislike VDO gauges due to slight inaccuracies when the engine is off. Never had any experience with other brands, but Autometer gauges pictured on several different vendor sites show the needle off zero as well, so they must not be much better. Thoughts? Thanks, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrbrightside2009 Posted September 28, 2010 Report Share Posted September 28, 2010 don't know about vdo, but i have a glowshift boost gauge and it works great, led back lighting too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iloveboost Posted September 29, 2010 Report Share Posted September 29, 2010 don't know about vdo, but i have a glowshift boost gauge and it works great, led back lighting too. i have had this gauge in two of my cars and i love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reximus Posted September 29, 2010 Report Share Posted September 29, 2010 i have had this gauge in two of my cars and i love it. not to mention the "oem" fit... matches with our dashboard, unless if you have the yazaki ones :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted September 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2010 Thanks for the replies fellas. Not to ask for advice and not take it, but I ended up ordering the above VDO gauge before reading this (was sort of on a whim, as the eBay auction was ending and price was too good to pass up ). I know a lot of guys here complain that the VDO gauges don't always read zero when the engine is off, but searching revealed that Autometer gauges have the same anomolies (as said, pictures on vendor sites also show off-center needles on the Autometer line). Anyway, love the current VDO, so hopefully this one will be just as promising. Think 20 psi is sufficient headroom for a 15 psi tune? Thanks guys, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted October 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2010 Hey guys, Just wanted to revisit this. Attempted to install the VDO gauge (150921), only to run into a few problems. Biggest problem is the overall depth. My original VDO gauge was plastic and much shorter than the new unit (which is metal). New gauge will push into the ipd pod, but pops back out 1/8-3/16". Tried using electrical tape to shim it and make it too tight to pop out, but didn't work. Think the nipple on the gauge is hitting the pod... Gauge also makes the occasional fluttering or rattling noise (used all the same plumbing from the old gauge, which is stock plastic tubing from an 850T connected to the gauge with ipd silicone vacuum hose). Also reads less vacuum (18" @ warm idle and only 20" on deceleration). Original read 22" @ warm idle and 26" on decelration). No leaks or kinks anywhere. Needless to say, I'm not satisfied and yet need a 20 psi vac/boost gauge. Really don't want a 30 psi, so the Glowshift is out. Anyone here with an Autometer gauge (prefetrably a Cobalt or Sport-Comp, 20 psi) able to measure the depth (or grab a quick pic or two of the depth) and help me out? Thinking of going this route, but need to know if they are the same depth... Thanks, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v4lve Posted October 4, 2010 Report Share Posted October 4, 2010 Hey guys, Just wanted to revisit this. Attempted to install the VDO gauge (150921), only to run into a few problems. Biggest problem is the overall depth. My original VDO gauge was plastic and much shorter than the new unit (which is metal). New gauge will push into the ipd pod, but pops back out 1/8-3/16". Tried using electrical tape to shim it and make it too tight to pop out, but didn't work. Think the nipple on the gauge is hitting the pod... Gauge also makes the occasional fluttering or rattling noise (used all the same plumbing from the old gauge, which is stock plastic tubing from an 850T connected to the gauge with ipd silicone vacuum hose). Also reads less vacuum (18" @ warm idle and only 20" on deceleration). Original read 22" @ warm idle and 26" on decelration). No leaks or kinks anywhere. Needless to say, I'm not satisfied and yet need a 20 psi vac/boost gauge. Really don't want a 30 psi, so the Glowshift is out. Anyone here with an Autometer gauge (prefetrably a Cobalt or Sport-Comp, 20 psi) able to measure the depth (or grab a quick pic or two of the depth) and help me out? Thinking of going this route, but need to know if they are the same depth... Thanks, Joe Sometimes in order to get a flush fit the metal posts need to be trimmed. What hardware came with the gauge or was it purchased second hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted October 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2010 Chris, Thanks for the reply. Gauge included the retaining bracket and nuts. Was new from an eBay vendor that deals VDO instruments. I did indeed trim the posts already, but same fit problem. Wish I wouldn't have, because he'll likely use that for an excuse not to take it back (even though that has no effect on the noises or low vacuum readings)... Really like the VDO look, just wish the 20 psi model was plastic and more shallow like my other Cockpit gauge was (as I said, loved that gauge and its responsiveness...just wish it read to 20 ). Anyway, hopefully I'll find something that'll work. Any other advice? Thanks, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted October 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Anyone have an other recommendations for a 30in/20psi gauge that'll fit the ipd pod? Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikS Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Anyone have an other recommendations for a 30in/20psi gauge that'll fit the ipd pod? Joe Autometer sport-comp II. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted October 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Autometer sport-comp II. Thanks for the advice. Any pics of it lit up? Depth of the Sport-Comp II? Thanks in advance, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T5wagon1717 Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 I really like my rallitek boost guage. Looks sweet and works great and hooked up really nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98t5M Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 I have an autometer sport comp and it fits in the IPD pod perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschaefer7406 Posted October 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Thanks for the great info guys. Rallitek looks cool, but I'd rather stay with a 20 psi scale. Its looking like Autometer is the ticket, just trying to decide which one. I know Autometer makes a great instrument, just wish they matched the interior a little better. Don't like the silver bezels or "race car" look, but I guess its the only way. I really liked the VDO gauges, as they matched the interior so well. Anyway, anyone have a depth measurement on either the Sport-Comp or II? Thanks guys, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRACStar Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 I'm sure a google search or autometers website may have depth measurements. Most people that have them already installed them. Its not a bad idea to go with a 30/30 gague in case you want to up the boost later. Its just as easy to read with a quick glance. And I've never had a problem with my autometer gague not zeroing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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