custom wheels and guages

[turbomangt]

Two part question/ First, has anyone put a custom stering wheel on their car? if so, how hard was it to instal, (pics?, brand?) next, how about gauges, which ones would good a add on, I don't have any boost, or engine mods really (stock turbo) but would their be any advantage in putting any gauges?

[Gear_Head]

Turboman, IMHO there are 3 gauges that the Turbo Cruiser should have from the factory and do not. All 3 are easily installed and are EXTREMELY helpful in keeping your vehicle healthy & you informed.
1. Vacum/Boost gauge
2. Oil Pressure gauge (to compliment the warning light)
3. Volts gauge.
(water temp is already included in dash cluster)

Note: EGT is nice for turbo cars, however it is not all that important if you are not modifying the boost.

I have installed a Vacum/Boost, Oil Pressure, Voltage, and an EGT gauge in my cruiser. I can send you pics if you send me am e-mail w/your e-mail address. BTW all of the gauges are AutoMeter SportComp gauges (2 5/8") 2 mounted on the steering column, 2 mounted on the dash. All are mounted in chrome mounting cups. [?]

Alan

[flashbk2]

I tend to agree with Gearhead with 1 exception the stock water temp is crap . I've had mechanical water temps from autometer in both my cruisers and they do a far better job of monitoring the engine than stock . With my gauge I can see when the thermostat is opening and @ what temp plus I can see when engine isn't getting enough air to cool properly while the stock gauge shows little or no devation from normal. I have 6 gauges three in a -pillar pod and three below radio . If I picked a basic three it would be voltmeter,oil pressure ,and mechanical water temp . In my car I have boost,water temp,and oil pressure from top to bottom in a pillar pod. From left to right under radio I have fuel mixture,voltmeter,and fuel pressure.

[turbomangt]

where did you purchase them from?

[Gear_Head]

I purchased mine from a local speed shop, but I have seen numerous web sites that offer the autometer gauges. Autometers web site has all of the information for every gauge that they make, as well as all of the accessories, installation kits, etc. From that you can determine all of the stock #s of the gauges, mounts, installation kits, etc. That way you will have all of the ammo that you need to purchase the complete list if parts necessary to install the gauges.
Good luck, If I can be of any assistance send me an e-Mail. [8]

Thanks,
Alan

[higear4]

The mopar guages and pod that they are releasing are going to be autometer. The only benefit i see is that the pod will be painted the right color for the turbo.

[TurboT]

Hey Alan, you’ve got mail. I’d like to see your pics of your gauges. Check you messages. Thanks.

[flashbk2]

I purchased mine from Race & Street , then I drove there and assisted their mechanic with my install.

[COP TZER]

as far as i know there is NO ONE that makes a steering wheel hub for our car, due to the air bag issue. It's difficult to find hubs for any car after '99. You can try finding an older car with a similar hub...but i looked for 2 years with my '01 PT and didn't find a thing

[jramosGT]

IMO, unless you are modifying the car for higher hp, the only gauge needed is the boost gauge. And this is for diagnostic reasons more than anything else. If your gauge shows low boost, no boost, or boost spikes, you know you have a problem. Otherwise, it's seat of the pants. However, if as noted above the water temp gauge is not linear, that is, it shows normal then suddenly HOT, then I'd recommend a water temp gauge, also.

I've run a twin-turbo '93 RX-7 since Aug '92. This car is modified from its stock 255 hp to about 390 hp (dyno'd 337 at the rear wheels). The only gauge I've had is the boost gauge. I do wish I'd had a water temp gauge as I did overheat once, expensively!!