what should i get first, gauges or AP?

[jojotherider]

I wanted to post this in another thread, but didn’t want to hijack so here goes…

Currently I have no gauges in my ’02 WRX. In a week or two, I’ll be installing a downpipe to go with my Bosal catback. That’s the only engine related mods on the car. This car is my daily driver and has no plans of seeing a track or auto-x. There’s always the obvious spirited driving blah blah that goes on, but nothing too serious.

I was wondering what people thought I should get first, gauges or Cobb AP? I did a little search and couldn’t come up with the right terms to get the right results.

Suggestions including explanations are appreciated.

Thanks.

-Joel

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[Kenji815]

it's always nice to have at least boost gauge
but if u want, AP it reads live boost also if u keep it plugged in..

[Redline927]

guages should always be the first mod, imo. that way you can notice any differences as you do more and more mods.

go for an egt and boost guage and you should be fine.

[Kenji815]

egt is really not neccessary until you go for more extreme mods.
boost +1

[csewrx]

With an AP you don't need gauges. Cobb provides a very safe tune. Read the notes for the map you want to run, make sure you have exactly what you can and cannot have and get the AP.

Stage 1. AP only. Flash Stage 1 map and you're good. Nothing else will work.

Stage 2. Full TBE and AP. Flash Stage 2 base map and you're good. Sometimes with the maps you can have the uppipe.

If all you plan on doing is stage 2, get the AP, get the TBE and Uppipe if you want it and call it good.

A good boost gauge is good to have but the AP has a realtime one built in. You won't need anything else.

Good luck

[scoobdude]

www.fullspeedthrottle.com look at the scanmaster 3 (you can install this where your clock goes with some modification)

and someone on here as egt, boost and oil pressure for 150 bucks. I believe the guages are branded prosport.

[Bbasso]

I have stg2 with no Guages...
They are not really needed if all the parts are quality, installed right with a right tune (AP).

I would like to put some guages but lack of money right now has me waiting.

I say get the car running the way you want then get guages, Boost- Oil temp- Oil Pressure. For a nearly stock car there is not much more needed IMHO.

[hondaeater69]

you need at least a permanent boost gauge unless you're going to mount your AP to read live boost on a daily basis.

BOOST GAUGE should be a minimum on a turbo charged car.

Sometimes even with the best tune, with the best parts, ish happens, and you may be able to catch a problem with the proper gauges before something seriously goes wrong.

My vote is Boost and EGT, then AP.

[scoobdude]

I am still pushing for that SM3

a/f and DA
Boost
stft
ltft
timing
coolant temp
factory egt
trouble codes
mph
0-60 1/4

For the money, i think its the best tool i have gotten. Especially if you are planning o using it with ST. You can see if and when you have too much timing and are seeing knock. Plus you can plug in a LC-1 to it and read that directly off the display.

But boost should be the most important

[jojotherider]

i dunno, the sm3 seems like it might be too much for me right now. Seems like I would want to get the AP before something like that.

Can someone give me a better explanation of EGT? Just taking a stab here, Exhaust Gas Temp? I should probably search for this, but where do you measure this? do you have to drill or cut into something?

I've been thinking about this and I might try to put a couple gauges in before I put in the DP. It might be nice to know what is normal, first.

This is all really great information. Thanks for all the responses so far.

-Joel

[scoobdude]

You got it. However the car has an EGT sensor in the uppipe. Right now they don't have one that will hook up to the sm3. But for the gauges you will need to drill into your exhaust manifold.