Age old questions about gauges and pods

[F350CCFX4]

Trying to bring myself around to spending $200 to $300 on gauges and just can't do it, but that's beside the point.

More importantly need to figure out where to put them. The pillar mount has a ton of pics and is easy to see how it is all done, but I have the Vent Visors on my pillars and that makes enough of a blind spot, so adding gauges to the pillar just isn't worth the risk to me.

So, looking for good pictures of the Mirror mount, Dash mount and whatever other mount there is for EGT, Boost, and maybe another one gauges. I would be happy with just those two, but price between 2 and 3 gauges isn't a big difference. They want the full arm for either purchases, so you might as well give them the hand with it for the 3rd gauge.

Any pictures or ideas on which gauges work let me know. Interior is grey. Not really looking for which gauges to get, just what on the gauges makes them better then the other set? 270 degree Vs 90 degree and Mechanical is what I am leaning towards because of my old Chevy days with the late 70s and early 80s. I know about the turbo leak issue, but not really concerned with it. Time and patience and getting it done properly is more important to me then ease of installation.

And yes, I am putting the Pyro behind the turbo because of worry about the tip. So, it's off by 200 degrees +/- I can add that to what the gauge reads pretty easily.

Any input or pictures would be appreciated.

1. Pods available?

2. Locations?

3. What makes up a good gauge?

 

[Ford_Forgotton]

I have never, ever heard of a PYRO tip breaking on any of our trucks. Ever. There is absolutely no reason to go with a post turbo pyro. Also, the post turbo pyro "difference" is not 200 +/- degrees. Its variable, and changes depending on conditions, and where the probe is located and a number of other factors. It can range from 0 to 400 degrees difference, all in the same day. (This has been proven by members with dual pyros).

As for gauge PLACEMENT, your right, with the vent visors and the A-pillar gauges, and the TOW mirrors, you can pretty much write off being able to see out the front 10 o'clock position of your truck. I have that exact setup, I know the blindspot well.

I would recommend Over the Mirror mounts. I dont like the "under cubby" as you have to look away from the road and DOWN at your feet to read your gauges.

The overhead is still looking away, but I feel your peripheral vision is at least still towards the front and out the windshield.

As for brand/style, thats totally prefference on your part. What do you feel will give you the best results visually, as they are all equal in accuracy.

 

[CSIPSD]

Heres a few shots of my gauges, I am going to add the pod on the stering column soon with a volts, There is a pod (more of an overlay) that adds two gauges to the left and right of the factory dash. I'll see if I can dig up a shot of them. On my truck, the a-pillar is lunar. The overhead is ultralites with LED's in them. The lunars look cool but you cant dim them without a added dimmer (they flicker).

 

[powerboatr]

I first tried the over the mirror mount but it required lowering my mirror mount and this was not an option, I am tall and its already close to being to short.
I went with a two pod A pillar, they are down low and i drive with one eye so the blind spot isnt to bad but at times yes its a BIOTCh i have the vent visors to.
a nice place would be a nice pod right on top of the IP dead center above the wheel.
problem all the ones made look like chit.
i had some on my 92 down low on the dash panel and the eye off the road to see em was a BIG distraction.

what would be COOL is have the readings outlined in the mirror glass like some gm products compass, have em go red or orange as you get close to danger.
or better yet put the nice digital numbers right next to the speedo or tach.
hopefully some vendors are reading now.
th eBD monitor was i thought going the right direction but there pod is UGLY UGLY. IMO
and as far as the pyro probe....
like it was said.
very rare indeed to have a tip break off unless you break it going in or the engine flyies apart, and by then it dont matter any more
our exhuast manifolds are easy to tap and install teh probe, cast iron is easy to drilll. go slow with a few sharp bits incremental up to the needed hole for the tap..
piece of pie. grease up teh bit. and dril the speed at which the cast iron curls and falls away, no dust or huge filings. then a quick suck with the shop vac and your good

 

[F350CCFX4]

Guys thanks for the help. Found this site and thinking of going with the under dash mount. Have to scroll down the page to see them. I like the Instrument cluster, but for the extra $30 not that much. Sucks being on a budget, but at least getting it done.
http://www.longislandperformancediesel.com/Ford 03-06/Ford - 03-06 - Gauges.htm

 

[CSIPSD]

I'll give you $10 to get the instrument pod, Then send me some pic's! I'm serious!!!

 

[powerboatr]

that instrument pod will block out your tranny gauge depending on your dash ip layout...... it was designed for the panel that just had gas, oil and temp
if i remeber correctly

 

[rgdillon]

I have never, ever heard of a PYRO tip breaking on any of our trucks. Ever. There is absolutely no reason to go with a post turbo pyro. Also, the post turbo pyro "difference" is not 200 +/- degrees. Its variable, and changes depending on conditions, and where the probe is located and a number of other factors. It can range from 0 to 400 degrees difference, all in the same day. (This has been proven by members with dual pyros).

Ditto - every word. There simply is no case, not one - to support a fear of pre-turbo. If you insist on post then you are simply wasting money so don't even do it.

A-pillar mount. Blind spot? Yes. But it's not unlike any other blind spot - you simply learn to tilt or move your head slightly. Within a few days you won't even know it - you just learn. Personally - I think the small movement it takes to deal with the blind spot on the a-pillar is nothing compared to the convenience of having the gauges there. When driving you really don't have turn your head to look at them as you would below the dash, in the dash or above the mirror.

Ron

 

[F350CCFX4]

I have got it. Been married long enough so this should work.


Get a vocal box that tells you what each gauge is at. If I can ignore the wife when I want too, there shouldnt be any problem ignoring the readings.

Greatly appreciating the information and taking everything into consideration.

The blind spot issue bothers me because a kid pulled out of her driveway on her bike at the perfect time and was riding down the hill in the perfect spot and I had no idea she was there then she cut across infront of me and I damn near clipped her. She was a kid and didn't know better. It's not a matter of me moving my head it's a matter of keeping the viewing area as large and as available as possible at all times.

 

[ranger boy]

Man it would be sweet to be able to get the steering column one in doubles and triple gauge mounts

You could always just get an aftermarket monitor, they work without the product also...