Gauges Needed?

mhfloyd · 10-15-2008, 10:53 AM

I wonder what gauges I need as opposed to gauges that are nice to have?

Running my configuration (see sig), what are my chances of getting into any real danger? For the most part, I am easy with the foot and even more so when I tow. I tend to put it in tow/haul mode, set the cruise and let it go.

With a boost and pyro gauge, what does one do with the information?

I understand exhaust temps too high=warped heads, or worse, so the corrective action is to lower the temp. But is that done by gearing down or simply slowing down? What are the proper corrective steps assuming one does approach max safe temps?

Same question for boost readings. More pressure=more air=good, to a point. Hence the need for a wastegate or other bypass. If I were to see it going too high, what are the steps to correct.

Again, my main question is are gauges needed or more just nice to have?

Thanks

**Meyerperformance** · 10-15-2008, 10:56 AM

You control the egts by your right foot they get to hot you let off the pedal.

And for boost after you get out of effiency range the turbo is just pushing hot air and not doing any good.

And with boost you can make sure everything is fine, so you know if its under boost its not getting the right amount of fuel and could have fueling issues.

Tyler

mhfloyd · 10-15-2008, 12:01 PM

I suppose "turning the tune down" would be a return to the stock tune and I would rather avoid that as it will start throwing codes to the computer for the EGR block and the exhaust. So, now I have to figure out what gauges and where to mount them. Plenty of posts here on that subject and I'm off to do some research.

**Meyerperformance** · 10-15-2008, 12:03 PM

The pillar is most popular but the overhead mount is a good place as well it hides them.

mhfloyd · 10-15-2008, 12:11 PM

Well truth be told, I don't know my EGT's and I tow pretty light, about 7500 lbs. I do know the truck sounds like it is not straining at all, even on modest size hills. That may be false comfort, though considering the potential damage from not [I]knowing[I] the EGT. I have only towed with the truck in totally stock configuration with the exception of the EGR blocker plate. Now that I have made a few mods, I am more concerned.

I like the look of the overhead gauge location, but read of lots of problems getting them to stay in place.

**Meyerperformance** · 10-15-2008, 12:13 PM

Yes since te hang down migh have issues with that, and on level one towing you should be more than fine. It only adds timing.

**Dmax15** · 10-15-2008, 12:39 PM

I would also recommend water or methanol injection. I saw a 200 degree drop in temps and an increase in mileage as well. I've ordered the autometer guages with pillar mount, couldnt seem to find anything bad about them and they are well priced.

**Meyerperformance** · 10-15-2008, 12:41 PM

ya autometer's are great looking gauges and have good pricing. And agreed with both comment cant beat water meth lower temps more power.

Tyler

**Kyle@XDP** · 10-15-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhfloyd

Well truth be told, I don't know my EGT's and I tow pretty light, about 7500 lbs. I do know the truck sounds like it is not straining at all, even on modest size hills. That may be false comfort, though considering the potential damage from not [I]knowing[I] the EGT. I have only towed with the truck in totally stock configuration with the exception of the EGR blocker plate. Now that I have made a few mods, I am more concerned.

I like the look of the overhead gauge location, but read of lots of problems getting them to stay in place.

have you looked into the gauge mount that goes into the overhead console where your map lights are? (providing you have one)

honestly imo, boost is really only needed when you are geared towards performance and have an aftermarket turbo. to the average person a boost gauge is cool to watch but it's not helping you by watching the needle jump up and down. something like a mechanical trans temp gauge and an EGT gauge will be much more benifical to someone like yourself. also depending on how often you tow you can also look into a deeper trans pan and larger diff cover for some preventative maintenance.

kyle

**Meyerperformance** · 10-15-2008, 01:27 PM

another option i just thought of is Snow water meth max mpg kit has egt's boost guages with it in the controller. Just a thought., If doing both down the road.

Tyler