Instrument Gauges in the Air Vents...

[Lotus F1]

I currently have a boost gauge in one of the center vents. I was considering putting in a oil pressure gauge in the other center vent. This would be a clean easy to see factory look and setup. I am however concerned as to what the A/C system would be like with the two center vents no longer in operation. My question is, does the air flow from our cars A/C system really need four vents becuase of it's volume of output air? I am thinking that the two remaining vents can easily handle to volume of air and not cause any real resistance or backpressure. I would however expect that the air pressure although not as evently dispersed throught the small cabin, would be much stronger coming out of the two available vents. Thus not really being to much of a penalty. What do you guys think? ...Thanks

PS. Maybe someone can close the two center vents and tell me how the two remaining vents did in terms of flow and cooling.

[Lotus F1]

Here is a pic of it. I will be changing the gauge to the carbon fiber variation ultra-lites.

[Lotus F1]

I had them remove the silver gauge and had them put in the carbon fiber with yellow markings to better match my yellow Elise. Boost and Oil pressure on top and Performance Meter and A/F meter down below.

[Lotus F1]

Originally Posted by keith86a

I also prefer the white ones, they have a "stock" look to them, while the CF/yellow ones look aftermarket and out of place. Now what exactly is "Performance Meter and A/F meter down below."? I dont believe you mentioned these before.

Try to image those yellow/CF gauges with... a yellow car, a yellow center console and other bits and pieces of C/F in the interior as well as yellow door insert leather and possibly some yellow seat insert leather.. I think then it will have some supporting interior pieces to bring it together better. I also have no preference for a "stock" look. That really means nothing to me as custom done well is more interesting and exciting in my opinion. My miata is so non stock and everyone who ever sees it in person falls in love with it.

The Performance Meter is the Autometer D-PIC performance meter. It is the only 2 1/16” gauge on the market that has..

Real–Time G’s
0 to 60mph Acceleration Time
Capture Peak Acceleration G Forces
60 to 0mph Braking Distance
Capture Peak Deceleration G Forces
¼ Mile ET and Speed
Capture Peak Acceleration G Forces
Reaction Time
Horsepower Mode

In this way I can see if any changes i may do to the cars suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, power have any effect on the car. No more butt measurements.

A/F Meter is an Air/ fuel ratio monitor.

[Greg]

BTW, guys/gals,

Consider also the "dual" guages, which allow you to get a 2 for 1 on your air vents or gauge pod... Miata people have been doing this for a good long while...

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...20%20OFF-WHITE

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...20%20OFF-WHITE

http://www.westach.com./index.htm

I realize you don't want the miata logo, but I think the gauges are made by Westberg or Westtach or something, and perhaps would be available without the custom backing plate with the logo...

Seems like a good business opportunity for someone...

'Greg

[iwilson]

As I mentioned earlier in the thread Spa do a full range of dual gauges. They look great are very accurate and importantly are able to trigger an external alarm. They made a custom length cable up for me at no extra cost



Edited to include attached image

[Trickster]

All gauges look good to me ...just looks even better in a great bracket and yep I've still got the odd bracket for sale before I order the next batch ..
cheers
Nick

[MyElise]

Finally completed the installation of a SPA Design dual digital oil pressure/temp gauge. I mounted it in a "spare" A/C vent. In order to get good sensor readings I employed an MWR aluminum baffled oil pan which hopefully will prevent future oil starvation problems. It also provided a temp sensor mount. I used a Greedy sandwich plate to provide a port for the pressure sensor. No pulsating pressure readings...totally stable.

The SPA gauge fits perfectly in the vent with minor dremel adjustment. The gauge is fully programmable and will drive external LED warning lights or relays that can drive fans or thermostats. It is one very impressive piece of equipment and well worth the price. You even get a bit of bling.

I had to add 10 feet to the OE cable. SPA Design (USA) said they would make one for me but I made my own.

Here are a few shots of the mount and the sensors. A lot of effort but I feel that I have eliminated one of the major known problems with the engine and now have access to some important information.

[MyElise]

Ahhh yes, parts.

The sandwich plate is a 1/8" BSPT thread. Most US spec sensors are 1/8" NPT. You will need an adapter. Autometer makes them. I picked up mine from Autozone online. Part# 2269. $12.99

Here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...53294&v=glance

The MWR pan sensor mount is threaded (I believe) 1/2" NPT.
Picked up a 1/2" NPT/1.8" NPT adapter at NAPA.

Got the SPA Design gauge at Bimmerworld.com:

https://secure5.nexternal.com/shared...unt2=835258126

Look under Gauges/Data Acquisition.

Got the Greedy sandwich plate here:

http://www.alamomotorsports.com/prod...ckadapter.html

You want the Universal Type C. You will need a large (24mm, I think) metric socket to fit this part. Good time to buy those big sockets you don't have.

Use thread sealant on all of the ports, adapters and sensors. Careful on torque as you are dealing with brass. Time to buy that 50-300 in. lb. torque wrench you always wanted.

Have fun!

[MattG]

The complete, unedited version of this thread can be viewed here:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13655