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Gauge Questions

2K views 18 replies 9 participants last post by  MOMBENZ 
#1 ·
I'm about to start upgrading the performance of my '06 6.0, but the first thing I want to do is add gauges.

I don't want to do the A-pillar install because I like the handle. In fact, I'm not even sure I want traditional dial gauges. I think I want to do an electronic monitor like the livewire or quadzilla commander.

Please consider that my future plans (probably 1-2 years away) are to add an SCT programmer. I do not have any modifications yet. Right now I'm only trying to figure out which gauges to install.

I have a few questions:
1. My only performance modifications to my truck in the near future will be exhaust and intake. My truck has stock boost, oil pressure, water temp and trans temp gauges. Is it even neccessary to add gauges yet or should I wait until I add an SCT and add gagues then?

2. Is there any reason (such as accuracy) that the dial gauges would be better over electronic?

3. What are the primary differences in features/functionality of the Livewire vs. the Commander?

4. I really like the Commander's A-piller mount. It fits under the handle, so it doesn't have to be removed. What mounting options are there for the livewire?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can do things right the first time and not have to "learn the hard way." Thanks in advance.

Daryl
 
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#2 ·
Personnally, I'm partial to the analog style gauges like the Autometer and ISSPro gauges. Since you want to keep your grab handle, there are tons of other gauge pods that you can get. There is a 2/3/4 gauge overhead pod, 3 gauge top of dash, 2 gauge around the stock cluster, 3 gauge under the dash(aux pocket) pod, 1 gauge on the column pod.

If I were you, I would get at the minium, EGT and Trans Temp. You have the stock boost, but an aftermarket boost gauge would be a good idea too. After that, you could get a Post-Turbo EGT (to measure the differential temp drop across the turbo), water temp, nitrous pressure (if you ever go that route), differential temp (1 or 2) if you tow, fuel pressure, fuel level (if/when you get an aux fuel tank) etc.

There are TONS off options for you to consider.

B/c you showed interest in the digital gauge (like the quadzilla) you can mount that thing just about anywhere you want (like on the drivers A/C vent if you like). It's all about what you want and your creativity.

I dunno anything about the SCT or the Livewire...so I'll let someone else answer that.

Hope I helped you a little...though I probably made it a little harder.:burnout
 
#5 · (Edited)
Personnally, I'm partial to the analog style gauges like the Autometer and ISSPro gauges. Since you want to keep your grab handle, there are tons of other gauge pods that you can get. There is a 2/3/4 gauge overhead pod, 3 gauge top of dash, 2 gauge around the stock cluster, 3 gauge under the dash(aux pocket) pod, 1 gauge on the column pod.
The dash overlay doesnt work on the 05 and up trucks, Isspro is working on some new pods now, but not yet...
 
#3 ·
Bedford, bedford what state.

As for your gauge or outlook. They are both pretty much accurate all depends on how you set them up.


Other then that I think it is personal prefrence gauges over an outlook read out. That is all up to what you want.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I prefer regular gauges, you can know what there at without even looking, they don't jump around like a digital gauge will. You do have gauges in the truck, but there not accurate and very slow to respond. You could go with a overhead mount, with Pyro, boost, tranny and fuel pressure. Or omit the boost and get a water temp, diff temp or something similar.
 
#6 ·
Oooppss...My bad. Sorry about the bunk info. I was typing and thinking about a 99-04 dash....hehehe
 
#7 ·
Thanks for all the info.

I wondered about the accuracy of the stock gauges.

So, if I understand correctly, there is NOT a pod that fits over the rearview mirror for the '06? If not, that sucks!

BigCountry... thanks for pointing out the missing "State" in my profile. Bedford TEXAS! Profile updated.
 
#8 ·
I like the single gauges as well, but I have decided to go with the commander because of the ability to monitor more stuff without having to buy more gauges and pods to hold them, I think in the long run it will look cleaner and cost less
 
#9 ·
I only mention the state thing because, that way members that live near you maybe able to meet up with them on an afternoon. Do the install yourself. Or meet up and look at there set up and see for yourself different setups on a first hand basis. That way you can make a sound decission on what you may actaully want to do.
 
#10 ·
Seeing as how I've always simply prefered the look of analog gauges.. I can't say much about any of the electronic monitors. I do have a question though, do they have the ability to monitor trans temp??
 
#11 ·
yea most of the electronic ones will monitor trans temp
 
#12 ·
also, check out dashhawk.com thats a pretty good looking monitor with a decent price tag
 
#13 ·
Overhead fits fine on the 06 trucks... the around the dash pod does not.
 
#14 ·
On the 05 trucks is the stock tranny temp gauge really that far off or inaccurate? My dad is looking for some gauges to go in our truck. We are thinking of the Autometer Nexus gauges since when illuminated green they match the stock 05 Harley dash pretty good. Tuner recommended we get an aftermarket boost gauge to go with the EGT since stock boost doesn't read correct after tuning. MAP sensor adjustments throw it off. He said the trans temp gauge wasn't too bad, we don't do a lot of heavy towing just our ~5000lb Wakesetter boat. TIA and sorry for cutting in, just curious what gauges are really needed without being over kill. Nexus gauges are around $200 a pop as well.
 
#15 ·
FYI, the Nexis are $200 a gauge PLUS $200 for the controler...

Isspro match the factory dash to a T, and with Green Led's its better yet. (for less then half the cost!!!)

Yes the factory tranny temp is not much more then a idiot light, when it moves its HOT.

What tuner are you using? You really want to use the SCT Xcal2 for the sake of your tranny...
 
#16 ·
Yeah we have the SCT Xcal 2, it was the only one I would buy. I use the same programmer on my Cobra. I heard it was the only one that actually gives control over the transmission.

Do you have a link to the Isspro gauges? I know they require a controller which is expensive, but I had never heard of the Isspro gauges so they were the best matching I had found at the time. I hope they look nice, saving money is always a plus!! :thumb:
 
#17 ·
#18 · (Edited)
what types

Both the two units should be able (for sure the QuadZilla) But, The LiveWire will accept two seperate analog inputs. They may be able through tech suuport help u read that trans temp parameter, The Quad will measure tranny tenp , The EGT probe, (PYROMETER) for the LiveWire is not out yet. Go with true 2 1/6th round Gauges, you can purhase pods for almost any amount and they are your ONLY INSURANCE against BAD :mad: Things ! ! ! (I speak from experience, but we won't get into that one):eek: So anywho I drive my truck by gauges only NOW :D The SCT LiveWire is quite the poo Mine and for that matter any of them will hold the 4 tunes they are shipped for 55hp Tow, 65hp Tow, 100hp Street, 120hp Performance, and up to 3 more custom tunes. I also have the Innovative Diesel (ERIC) 160HP Extreme/Race :D :D :D :D :D :D
Anywho the EGT probe is commin out soon (This Year:confused: ) But I have FOUR AUTOMETER COBALT Gauges on my A-Pillar :) But you like your handle ALOT ! So the LiveWire will plug into your OBDII port and read parameters I never new existed :eek: You can even pick what parameters the SCT LiveWire will display, I use with my SCT , Oil Temp, Intake Air Temp, Coolant Temp, RPM, and Vehicle Speed Sensor,.......This to me is my favorite as I tend to drive, (Well lets say Triple Digits) and when the pussycat speedometer That Good Ole FORD one gave ME pegs at 100 w/ a factory speed limiter of 97MPH BS :p ( I keep my limiter at 125mph) never reached it ( YET ) but above 125 is limiter removed completely. This a great thing because I go triple digits (well lest just say, those who know me)and the LiveWire will be reading speeds above 100 mph based om RPM
The TIRE's (REVOLUTION PER MILE) Conversion.:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
I have Fuel Pressure, Pyrometer,Trans Temp, and Boost...Then add what I read from my LiveWire , and that's ALOT off measurements.....I ain't goin out like a biach again. (I DRIVE BY GAUGES Not by OEM Speedometers.) Good luck and I hope you get what works and what you like. SCT is the poo for FORD's so maybe wait until the live wire comes out in a more progressive mode, then GO SCT ! ! ! !! ! ! !! :D :D :D Be Safe PS: Check with Larry and Pat at Tuners, Suspensions, Exhaust and other performance parts. DiscountPowerParts.com, a reg Site Vendor.
 
#19 ·
SCT has completed the egt probe for the Livewire. It will be available for shipping in the next couple of days. Retail has been established at $219 but we will be offering for less. Not sure yet how much but definitely less.

We also offer Isspro gauges. When you get a chance, give us a call 352-528-0688 and we'll discuss options based on what you are looking for, including the Commander.

Sims is going to sue me for this but we believe the educated consumer is our best customer.

Thanks,
Vivian
 
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