Boost gauges...

[onebadcoastie]

So, I've asked a number of Ford diesel techs, and I've asked a number of Ford diesel owners which is the best reading, the factory boost gauge on the dash (read from the MAP sensor) or from the intake elbow (mechanical gauge 90% of people install on their pillars).

The Ford techs (everyone last one of them) say the factory one is the most accurate. Owners and aftermarket parts vendors insist the elbow is the most accurate. I have both installed and know that the mechanical one reads about 5 psi higher than the factory one.

I personally feel the the mechanical one is the most accurate and for obvious reasons, but I also understand algorithms (1's and 0's) in regards to computer components and changing letters into numbers and so forth (the reason for Ford techs to insist the factory one is the best option), the means with which the gauge on the dash works.

Any thoughts folks..???

[6.0powerstrokeboosting]

valid point on the elbow as that is the direct pressure going into the motor. however the fact that our(6.0) boost gauge is read from a MAP sensor which is measured inside the manifold could also be argued that it is more accurate. in a personal opinion i love mechanical boost gauges but they also can read slightly higher becuase of being mechanical. but i think it comes to a personal preference. I dont use my stock boost gauge becuase my turbo pushs 44 lbs lol

[windrunner408]

My personal opinion is if you are measuring something that is moving/flowing at two different locations, it is unrealistic to expect to different (types of operation) gauges to read exactly the same. The only way that they should be expected to is if one is tapped into the exact same location as the MAP but on the opposite side of the manifold. Also, I dont see the value in knowing what the pressure is inside the elbow when the pressure in the manifold, which is closer to the engine, is more important IMO. Now I have had a mechanical boost gauge that was tapped into the MAP sensing line and it read consistently 3psi greater than the tiny analog gauge on the dash. I have also displayed "turbo boost" with my CTS and it reads (taking it from the MAP sensor itself) 3psi above the dash needle. Therefore, I have observed turbo boost calculated from the MAP sensor to be equal to the mechanical boost guage (because both guages measured the same point) but both to be different from the dash guage.

[madpowerstroke]

Dam, you're getting into some serious gagingJust joking with you,I do agree that an aftermarket gage is going to be more accurate,just by past dealings with other factory gages.I too have a boost gage taped into the MAP and when I'm on it the boost shows 30psi.I also agree that the manifold pressure is what you need to know.

[windrunner408]

Yeah you are right man I am. LOL