I hadn't considered adding gauges to my brat until I was advised to check my oil pressure with a mech gauge by folks up here. Now I am wondering, do you gurus run any separate gauges? If so which ones and what kind? On a side note I'd be interested in some nice options for mounting them. Anybody got pride in a gauge install? Any warning or tips on heading down this road?

If you are running an EA81, there really isnt any great spots for an AUX gauge. I found the best spot is in the pocket under the little vent on the far driver side (in some cars its a speaker). Both of my EA81s had faulty oil pressure gauges. I tried all kindsa crap to get the factory gauge working but couldnt get it right. I bought my gauge on EBAY (cheapo equus or whatever) and it came with a mount. I had to go to a hardware store to buy an adaptor that didnt come with the kit. The supplied adaptors were too small for the stock hole in the oil pump. I also had to trim the sides of the bracket with a grinder a bit to fit the little pocket. Its a piece of cake took about 2-3 hours.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Equus-PRO-SERIES-2-Black-Oil-Pressure-Gauge-6144-NR_W0QQitemZ230402585359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35a510730f

If you search a little more you may find one with free shipping. I seem to remember paying less that $8 for mine shipped. I think walmart used to carry them too. Good luck!

Some folks have used Honda A pillar pod mounts with varying degree's of success - do a search and you'll find pics and part numbers, etc. Some of the installs look ok.

 

Personally I only have gauges on my off-roader and for that install I just covered the clock/tell-tale because I don't care about that portion of the cluster. When on the trail you NEED specific and accurate gauges. I did a three-gauge cluster with volts, temp, and pressure. I got an Autometer set with electric sender's for like $65. I also moved the oil pressure sending unit to the fenderwall running off a stainless braided 36" pressure line from the pump.

 

For the rest of my cars, I test the metric's that I'm interested in, note where the factory gauge reads and then if I see a radical difference in the reading I retest with a shop gauge. Typically, while the stock gauges aren't accurate, they are reliable enough that their inaccuracy is consistent

 

GD

Altho my setup is the A-pillar of a EA82 rig, I think its possible to find something that will work on a EA81.

Heres what mine looks like...

 

The gauges are from Glow Shift, got them on Ebay. Dont buy a oil pressure gauge, they wont last a year.

I went thru 2 of them before buying a different brand. I also had to tap out the the holes for the sending units for water temp and oil pressure. They are now SAE fittings.

Edited November 26, 200916 yr by Turbone

Hey Turbone! Your steering wheel is on the WRONG side! I'd get that looked at if I were you.

 

Love the gauge setup!

My Autometer setup came with the right adaptor for the temp sender - I had to do the oil pressure side myself. Cut the factory sender off below the hex portion and drill/tap it to 1/8" NPT. No big deal really.

 

GD

Altho my setup is the A-pillar of a EA82 rig, I think its possible to find something that will work on a EA81.

Heres what mine looks like...

 

The gauges are from Glow Shift, got them on Ebay. Dont buy a oil pressure gauge, they wont last a year.

I went thru 2 of them before buying a different brand. I also had to tap out the the holes for the sending units for water temp and oil pressure. They are now SAE fittings.

 

What did you use for your A-pillar pod, Turbone? I need to add a couple gauges (reliable ones) and would like to do a very similar thing.

I think it was for a 04-05 WRX.

The top fits fine, but the bottom needs to be trimmed.

FYI: I just went to NAPA to pick up some parts. And noticed they had a-piller pods on an end cap, I didn't note the price ( I don't like sticker shock!!).

Ed

my lifted scoob its sunpro gauges, my impreza is getting Defi's, the 3 gauges and controller is gonna be close to $1k