What is the range (-20 - +20, etc.). Where did you get it from for $25?

(BTW-I used to have a VDO and it sat at about 2 off at rest... very common problem with VDO's although the company and the distributors contend that under boost it is accurate -- I always felt a little uncertain about that. Also.. I think the cool thing about VDO gauges is that they are almost identical in appearance to the stock gauges which is nice if you don't want a flashy interior.)

 

I had an Autometer boost guage that showed -1 psi at rest. I called Autometer and they said it wasn't calibrated correctly. I sent it back and they sent me a new one which showed 0 at rest. I would have a hard time trusting a guage that's not showing 0 at rest.

 

Those kind of problems are the reason I got the VDO gauge that reads 0-30, no vacuum. It rests on the peg when shut off or at idle and then reads boost under acceleration.

 

I have their 0-30 gauge. I was skeptical about the problems you all are describing with the vacuum/boost gauges. Let me tell you, absolutely NO guage of any kind is accurate if it's not zeroed correctly. With the boost-only gauges, just because the needle rests at zero does not necessarily mean it would truly read zero if it didn't have that peg to run into. Having said that, so far I am satisfied with my gauge. Its internals do rattle a bit though, which gets annoying sometimes.

 

Rookie needs help!!!!!!

Ok, I am about to purchase a boost gauge myself so I am very curious about this topic....
........so what is the purpose behind having a gauge that reads -30 to 30??? I don't get it. Wouldn't it just be normal to get one that reads 0 to 30? Also what should the boost gauge read when one is at idle? 0 psi right?????????


1995 Talon TSi AWD
Greddy Evo Exhaut
K&N intake
Free Mods
Sprint Springs (the best there is!)
WOT int pipe w/Greddy BOV

 

Joseph, both positive and negative pressures occur in the intake system. Having an aftermarket gauge capable of reading both will display either state when it is present. At idle, the gauge will have some vacuum reading, not 0 psi. There are two ways to hook up the boost gauge: one is through a connection on the throttle body (which reportedly does not give you any vacuum, just boost, so a gauge reading both hooked up here would be useless), the other is through the fuel pressure solenoid. Visit http://www.myzero.com/gauges/boost.html for more details. In my opinion, a 0-30 psi gauge would be your best bet in terms of accuracy. However, vacuum-boost gauges can be useful for diagnosing some problems with the intake system, such as vacuum leaks. It's up to you.

Good luck.

 

K-S Auto Stores here in Buffalo (N. Tonowanda). VDO -30 to +30 $24.95, I think the Autometer was @50, I alos bought K+N breather filter $9.95, Autometer plasic hose line kit $7.29, pretty good prices, just opened up.

 

NO VDO FOR ME

Well I am not a vet. DSMer but I have a strong honda killer and I will tell you one thing, you must know what you boost is at all times, especially if you creep at all and the best way to do that is with an acruate gauge. I had a VDO for a while and I just wasn't happy with it. My zero was slightly off too, and is just didn't seem to respond right compared to what I heard coming from the motor. I made a decision to change and it was the best change I have made. I now have a black face Dual Illumination SPI -30-0-30 (maybe +25). This is the most responsive and most accurate gauge I have ever seen. I like it much better than apexi or greddy. The great thing is, that the gauge is only 125 new and it is one of the best lookin gauges I have. Just felt like throwing in my 2 cents. Buying a VDO boost gauge or an autometer in my opinion is a risky game, becuase the Boost gauge is the most important gauge in your car, I wouldn't skimp out on quality for money. Spend the extra money and get the spi. Thanks for the space.

Honda Killer Forever

 

I think the Boost/Vacuum guage is the best option because you spend most of your time in vacuum anyway. When I first installed my guage I was surprised how fast I could go and still pull vacuum. You're generally only in boost when you are standing on it, and unless you're racing someone you'll run out of road real fast.

Also, seeing the vacuum gives you a general feel for the condition of your engine. When you are not pulling good vacuum especially at idle you know you've got problems.

Just my .02

 

VDO VS. AUTOMETER

I bought my GST with an VDO Boost guage and A/F. although I broke the stock turbo in six days do to oil leak and a cracked head ( love Dealerships ) The boost guage seemed accurate.
After that I had all my race mods done and switched up to Autometer Phantom Gauges. I have a white Car with three toned White/Yellow/Stock grey interior. And they look great . They are extremely accurate and if there is any questions
about quality well Brent Rau (9.18 152mph GSX)cover of turbo magazine. Recommended them to me. when I first started asking about modding my car at Speedwerks of MN.