To those looking for a cheap, clean boost gauge install...

[megatron]

Just thought I'd help out those fellow Subies looking for a good inexpensive boost gauge (like I was) and install instructions. I went with the Autometer SportComp 2 1/16" gauge, with mounting cup. I think the polished aluminum and black go well with the interior. You can get these at www.jegs.com for $41.99 (part number 105-3301) and $12.95 (part number 105-2204) respectively. You will also need some brass parts (a brass T and two 1/4" brass nipples) which you can find at Napa auto parts stores for around $5, and probably most other auto part stores.

I used the install instructions for the similarly mounted Subaru factory gauge:
https://ssl.autocenter.net/webparts/acatalog/page1.html

See this thread for more info on the brass parts needed. And here's another page with some good install info.

Here's a good page for mounting information. I didn't have any luck with heavy duty 2 sided sticky tape or industrial strength velcro, so I opted to mount it with screws.

Finally, some pics:





Happy boosting!

Andy

[gabedude]

I prefer the ultralight. I need to snap some pics of it in my car once I have a permanent mounting location. They also make a matching EGT gauge.

[Sir-Rex-A-Lot]

Looks great! Thanks for the good links too.

[Sir-Rex-A-Lot]

Looks great! Thanks for the good links too.

Except used the ultra light sport comp/ silver face

On the backside of the steering cover I used neoprene washers to keep from having a metal on plastic fit. The gauge is rock solid. I also used alled head/black bolts. I will finish the job with allens on the actual mounting ring. The black allens subdue and look cleaner than the flat head silver screws in the picture.

J

[sorny]

How can you guys stand the ugly base part of the cup? If it was nice and smooth and didn't show any mounting hardware I'd buy one, until then I'll wait and save some to get the Subie factory column boost gauge.

[jmimac351]

Originally posted by sorny
How can you guys stand the ugly base part of the cup? If it was nice and smooth and didn't show any mounting hardware I'd buy one, until then I'll wait and save some to get the Subie factory column boost gauge.

If you cruise on down to Home Depot and get some black bolts like Texwrex mentioned you won't really notice them. Asthetically, I think the gauge looks better than the Subaru part and doesn't have the lighting issues others have mentioned. Also, it is a whole lot less expensive than the Subaru part. I've got the Ultra-light model in my car; although, the Sport Comp is a closer match if you want it to look "factory"... The Ultra-light is really clean looking.

Jim

egg zacht lee


They can keep there high dollar gauge and cup. I used the extra money on other items (beer)and this not a show car.

[jmimac351]

Originally posted by Tex-WReX2
egg zacht lee


They can keep there high dollar gauge and cup. I used the extra money on other items (beer)and this not a show car.

Did someone say "BEER?" Yes, very good thinking.

Jim

[HokieEngr]

I did the same thing with a VDO setup if you search TypeC has some good pics up. I think the aluminum autometer looks good but the Vision series VDO lights up much better at night. Looks very stock with the backlit numbers instead of the green ring o light autometer uses. The VDO cup is nicer than autometers' too. Cost me about 50 bucks for the cup and gauge from summit racing

ryan

Ryan, I agree with you there. The lighting at night is poor on the autometer. I did not know that vdo had illuminated numbers.

[boostaholic]

I daily drive with the G-tech too

[TypeC]

here is the VDO info:

Gauge: VDO-150121
Cup: VDO-240016
Both gauge and pod was only like $48

[Coati]

I like the look of the VDOs but I wish they had a boost/vacuum gauge with a narrower range: I dont think my car is ever going to see 18psi of boost, let alone 25psi

[megatron]

That VDO looks very nice. I like the illumination better than the autometer.

[Yellow Rex]

Originally posted by sorny
How can you guys stand the ugly base part of the cup? If it was nice and smooth and didn't show any mounting hardware I'd buy one, until then I'll wait and save some to get the Subie factory column boost gauge.

I agree that it is not the prettiest mount, but for $12, what can one expect? Mine cost about $60 total from Summit. It is a hella lot better than the overpriced Subaru Gauge. I do like the VDO lighting much better though. I chose to go with SS screws ecen though they are a little too visible. I wonder if there is some way to cover the whole ugly "foot" with some sort of formed cover?

For more pictures see www.tango-rio.com/wrx.htm

[Coati]

Dude, what's that christmas tree thing on your not-a-cupholder bit?

[Yellow Rex]

Originally posted by Coati
Dude, what's that christmas tree thing on your not-a-cupholder bit?

No man, that is my A/F ratio meter. A custom installation

[Imprezd]

http://www.imprezd.freeservers.com/mods/stealth1.jpg

[TempestX]

Thanks a bunch guys... I was really starting to aggrevate over what to do about a boost gauge. I didn't really think much about doing a cup mount until I saw the pics.
I went with the VDO gauge and Cup since night visibility is a must. ~$52.00 delivered UPS ground is a VERY good solution considering I was thinking I'd be paying at least $100 for the pod and the guage and be forced into buying multiple guages as well.
This needs a link with the mods link at the top of the forum. GREAT INFO!!!

[metoo]

Doesn't get much cheaper or cleaner than this.

[Mark Avery]

But, what would I do without my clock?

-Mark

[Thumper]

Here's my homemade gauge stand. No bolts, screws, Velcro or adhesives used. A thin sheet of plastic built into the stand is wedged between the dash and forward molding. Holds it great.

[T_REX02]

Sorry bout the blurry pic.....but you get the point

[Imprezd]

I think i inspired someone..