$450 from subaruparts.com doesn't sound too bad. Lots of people seem to hate it and say it's overpriced - but is it really that bad?

Basically, I'm not going to track my car, I'm not a huge gearhead - I just like the gadgets :) The boost gauge is most important, the other two are pretty much just asthetic. I want something easy to install, so I don't feel like tinkering with aftermarket stuff that may be difficult to install and won't look "stock".

Comments from people who have installed the factory pack please...


Goo

yes it is and no you should'nt... nuff said!

DITTO!!

Mike S.

yeah it sucks. dont get it.

anyone have the single turbo gauge that mounts on top of the steering column? That is only 170 something on subaruparts.com.

If you like it....get it....Its very clean looking and keeps with the stock feel. Other qauges are going to look very aftermarket. Do know that the factory boost gauge has some lighting issues...

i have had my wrx for 4 weeks now,
i got it with the gauge pack installed...

1 thing you should know is the gauge package's
are all defective and have not been recalled or
have a factory fix yet....

the problem is in the turbo boost gauge, the backlight
on it is about 40% dimmer then the other 2 gauges,
have read other reports about the turbo gauge not
really even operating properly at all, but mine seems
to function ok minus the backlight...

another beef is that the gauge option lights up in
white not green tinged like the rest of the wrx's dash..

hope this helps...

I got the gauge pack. No complaints from me. Who cares if its dimmer! Its really not that bad, I can still read it fine.
Looks factory, works great, does the job, no fuss install, and by adding it to the monthly payments it was only like an additional $10 a month (60month purchase).

I thought about getting aftermarket gauges, but found out the ones i wanted would cost way more than the factory pack...Plus it would be a direct hit on the wallet.

BTW, I also got the factory body kit, wing and alarm as the only options.

OK, so those responses are about what I expected... some hate it, some like it, most don't care ;)

What's the best alternative to the factory gauge pack? I want something that looks good, is functional, easy to install, less than $600 (in that order). Which aftermarket gauges match the interior the best? I asume I can just buy the factory pod and fill 'er up?

Goo

Defi matches the stock lights pretty good...thats one of the reasons I bought them.

But I think the Omari gauges are friggin sweet. Too bad I've herd nothing but bad things about their serivce...8(

Originally posted by JenisonWRX
Defi matches the stock lights pretty good...thats one of the reasons I bought them.

But I think the Omari gauges are friggin sweet. Too bad I've herd nothing but bad things about their serivce...8(

Pictures? URL's? Where to buy?

Defi - Talk to god...hes the man. I don't have the gauges installed yet. I'm waiting on some pods from Vivid.

I dont have the Omori/Omoari web site handy...its at home. 8(

No. Get aftermarket.

I just picked up my brand new wagon yesterday! I was seriously considering the factory guage package but I decided to wait. I don't like losing the clock, but I HATE the tacked-on look of most aftermarket guages.
I absolutely refuse to mount guages in the A-pillar and I really don't like them mounted on the steering column. Both of those look, IMHO, too gawdy for how I want my car to look (no offense people, I think they're cool and all, but I'm going for the more subtle, integrated look). Part of what drew me to the WRX was the stealth-fighter approach (although the WRBP color offsets that a little bit) because it's so capable in a seemingly innocent-looking package. When you start tacking on guages in all of the usual Japenese hot-rod places, I think you lose some of that.
That's why I was thinking of the factory guages, but I had hoped they would be better-integrated and they'd at least match the rest of the factory guages!
Ah well... I guess I'll keep looking...
-Jon
'02 WRX Wagon in WRBP

Autometer Sport Comp gauges match pretty good. They have a brushed Aluminum look ring and are black faced. They come with bulb...ah condoms....one green, one red.... the green one matches pretty good in my eyes....the boost/vacuum gauge has writing (vaccum side) that matches the yellow in the momo symbol on the wheel and the needles on the tach and speedo....thats what I am running.....

I'm with you, dude. I guess our best hopes are:

A) someone putting together a nice, affordable, _easy to install_* kit using the factory pod, better gauges, and the option of faux cf to match the faux cf trim.

B) Subaru to get off their collective a##es and come up with an upgraded factory setup.

*Not sure if I like the idea of an oil temp sensor hanging out of the drain plug, but at least it's easy and doesn't risk voiding the warranty.

The Defi setup looks like the Sydney Opera House in the middle of the dash in most pictures I've seen. However, I'm not totally ruling it out until I can see one in person.

Check out the last car on the page omorimeter (http://www.omorimeter.com/sportcar.htm). These are the 45mm gauges in my car. Also check out monthly specials for other options. Michael at Omorimeter gave me very good service. Unlike many vendors he is very responsive to email.

jk147 - I put on the column-mounted boost gauge myself. The install was pretty easy and I'm a total newbie. Included instructions are good. Works perfectly, doesn't block the tach at all, and lighting is fine.

I think I need an EGT next, but I'm not sure where to put it or how to install it. Does anyone have step-by-step instructions for this? Hopefully, Autometer's A-pillar solution will be ready soon. I know Lotek made one, but they had problems with crash-test regulations! Supposedly they're available again...

Sweet, thanks! That's the best setup I've seen so far. What are the different gauages you have? Boost, oil temp, ???

How much was the complete package and how easy to install if you don't mind my asking?

Originally posted by procrustes
Check out the last car on the page omorimeter (http://www.omorimeter.com/sportcar.htm). These are the 45mm gauges in my car. Also check out monthly specials for other options. Michael at Omorimeter gave me very good service. Unlike many vendors he is very responsive to email.

For mechanical boost gauge, mechanical oil press, & volts + din panel + all braided hoses, etc it should cost ~$225 + shipping (~$25 from malaysia). I think it would be ~$315 if you use EGT instead of volts. These were prices a few months ago, also price will go up if you use all electrical gauges (no real advantages IMO).

You also need the factory pod which is ~$60 from various sources. The pod needs to be trimmed a bit to fit the din panel, but its very easy w/ dremel or an exacto knife.

Install was also easy if you are comfortable splicing a few wires. The oil Press "T" requires partial removal of alternator (5 minute job). You may need to get a different boost T from the local car parts store. If you go for EGT you need to drill & tap your manifold (& I also made a hole in my heat shield for the probe to pass thru).

Also be aware that most electronic aftermarket gauges will not dim with the rest of the dash because of the '02(?) Subaru voltage scheme. (however, mechanical gauges can be made to dim properly)

Total time for 1st install probably ~3-6 hours. If I had to do again it would be <2 hours.

Good luck, Bob

If you want the stealth look, check out Jorges site.
http://www.projectwrx.com/
He has installed some gauges down by the shifter.