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View Full Version : getting gauges for my car - what brand to choose?


rice_spirit
30-08-2010, 01:24 AM
sorry i have searched but none of the threads that turned up have what i'm looking for..

i have a dc2r and have plans of tracking it in the near future so i want to invest in some gauges, specifically oil temp and oil pressure. i have 2 very stupid questions please bear with me.

1. i was just wondering what the difference in all the brands are. i mean why are defi 3 times the price of say shadow gauges? what is it that makes them so expensive? for something like headers i can understand how a more expensive header will make more power, but in this case. what exactly does a more expensive gauge do better than a cheaper gauge?

sorry if i come across as some cheap ass who is trying to cut corners.. i am in no rush to get these gauges so i don't mind waiting a bit longer and saving for defi provided their premium is justified.

2. from what i understand, besides getting the gauge packages i would need something called a sandwich plate or something? what exactly is that? where would i get one from and is there any particular brand that is good? is there anything else i need after that?
thanks in advance
EKVTIR-T
30-08-2010, 02:22 AM
The Defi gauges are all electronically linked to a main sender unit and youre paying for the brand name and the type of display they use

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/bf/bf_top.html

Any reputable brand will be fine but in the end many buy based on style and bling factor lol

The sandwichplate goes between your oil filter and block for pressure and temp readings and to run oil cooler lines from

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/images/uploads/2972_1228_large.jpg
aaronng
30-08-2010, 09:26 AM
I've tried a cheap Defi clone, and the gauges heat up til they are too hot to touch. Looking back, if I had the $$ I would go Defi.
DC4Integra98
30-08-2010, 09:54 AM
I've tried a cheap Defi clone, and the gauges heat up til they are too hot to touch. Looking back, if I had the $$ I would go Defi.

I had the same thing too. It eventually died....

Definitely go genuine defi if you got the money.
EK1.6LCIV
30-08-2010, 09:56 AM
autometer full sweep, best value for money

very usdm look :)

I just run a sandwich plate for my oil pressure sender, pretty easy to kick up, just get some thread tape, the right size socket and away you go :) (if you're good at wiring, otherwise I paid $60 to get it wired up along with my other gauge)

a hint, I would get a few spare gaskets made of the sandwich plate as they can leak, nothing too major but still a tiny leak with age
OMG.JAI xD
05-09-2010, 12:01 AM
Prosport gauges.

Mixed reviews. Some say it goes out of calibration after a while.
Same defi features for a fraction of the cost. Comes in both mechanical and electronic sender units. Does not need a main control unit.
TheSaint
05-09-2010, 03:36 AM
dont get SAAS - they look ok and they are cheap --- but they are crap
mikey72
05-09-2010, 06:53 AM
i'm generally a fan of the older brands in gauges, auto-meter and stewart warner are generally my 2 recommended, if you want to go digital gauges definatly go for dakota or even auto-meter again
Sexc86
05-09-2010, 09:11 AM
Saber
SL8512
05-09-2010, 07:05 PM
DEFI gauges for sure. Theyve released the ADVANCE series now which replaces the BF-LINK series. You can get Defi ADVANCE BF (60mm) or ADVANCE CR (52mm) size gauges.

The controller is a lot smaller and nicer too

HKS gauges are nice too, but personally i like DEFI's
SL8512
05-09-2010, 07:06 PM
DEFI gauges for sure. Theyve released the ADVANCE series now which replaces the BF-LINK series. You can get Defi ADVANCE BF (60mm) or ADVANCE CR (52mm) size gauges.

The controller is a lot smaller and nicer too

HKS gauges are nice too, but personally i like DEFI's