I was wondering why people dont stick with the stock boost gauge, is it because it doesnt work with aftermarket parts? cuz i was think of keeping the stock gauge. yes i well be getting lots of parts for my car if this relates to getting new gauge. I just dont know, pretty new to boost cars. my bad if this is a dumb question, but i gotta learn sometime. thanks...

I think it has to do with the small size (some people like 60mm), location (need to look down), poor illumination (bottom half is dull), and a non illuminated needle that can't be sen without looking directly at it.

its also not very accurate and the stock boost gauge is known for having problems of getting misaligned and throwing off the boost numbers..

They're accurate as long as the gauge reads properly at the zero mark when at rest. Unfortunately it is very common for them to read off the zero mark which causes the readings to be offset by that amount.
Although it is possible to open the gauge up and bend the movement to get it zeroed properly, they are not designed to be adjusted and it is a tricky procedure.
The other points Mechie made are valid, particularly the poor illumination. This can be improved somewhat by using a brighter bulb but aftermarket gauges do have better lighting.
I replaced my OEM gauge (part of the optional 3-gauge pod) with an Omori 45mm "full color" gauge. The illumination is much better and fully adjustable for color and intensity.

I'd like to bump this...

Mulder mentioned the three-gauge OE kit, but here's the deal. I have an '00 RS with the performance Lamco gauges, vacuum/volt/oil. I'm doing a turbo swap next year, really was looking at the OE column-mounted gauge, also Lamco.

Does the backlighting issue also apply to that gauge? I never heard of any issues with it misreading, I guess. Engine will most likely be a USDM EJ205.

=S2=

The same Lamco gauge is used in the column pod and 3-gauge pod. The backlighting has supposedly been improved since the original ones but it still won't be as good as on the Omoris.

Do you know when the change was made? Or if there's a part ID on the thing or a way to tell if it's the "brighter" version?

I'm looking at a couple used ones for sale, which is why I ask.

Nope, not sure exactly when the change was made. I think it was pretty early on though, I recall hearing about an update during the 02-03 MY period. If you're looking at any that were purchased new within the last year or two they would definitely be the newer type. As I mentioned however I don't know just how much they were really improved, and even on my original one I was able to make it much more readable at night by putting a brighter bulb in and removing the blue condom. Still doesn't compare to the Omori which is fully backlit and very easy to read.
Also if you're looking at Lamcos be sure to see a pic of the actual gauge to be sure it sits properly at zero, most of them do not.

Here's the one I'm eyeing currently:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1140254

I don't know if the steering column is directly interchangeable with a 2002/2003 WRX. Something tells me yes, as back in '02 and '03, engine and steering wheel swaps started picking up, for '93-'01 car owners.

I'll look at Omori, but I like the OE Lamco gauges I have already and I guess having the same style/size is something I like. Even though mine are white and this one's black. Hmm I guess that part does kinda suck.

I prefer to read PSI than bar

Becouse it didn't come with a stock one.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/cold02rex/WRX/P1000055.jpg

I prefer to read PSI than bar+1. And I wanted something that matched the rest of the interior, and had features like peak hold and warning.