gauges that have the most oem look

[Alexios]

Hi there folks

Have been wanting to install gauges (boost/oil temp) for a long time now. I am pretty set on the alta upper gauge pod.
Alta Mini Performance - Dual Gauge Pod

Which gauges match the oem look best, both considering the background color as well as when lit at night?

Another thing I was wondering is the difference between mechanical and electrical boost gauges. How does the electrical gauge sense the boost/vacuum? What do you think is better/easier to install.

Please post pictures of your setup.


Thanks
Alex

[sam_a156]

I have been thinking of doing exactly the same...very interested in hearing the answers too.

Edit: Alexios, you might want to check this MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - show off your gauges here! pics here!

[Darrin]

Here's a picture of my Autometer boost and A/F ratio gauges installed on the OEM gauge panel. They have shiny chrome bezels and real carbon fibre faces which match the chrome line interior and carbon dash - of the Parklane - nicely.

I used an amber LED in the boost gauge and that matches the factory lighting quite well. However, if you use the OEM gauge panel you really dont need to wire in the bulbs as the area beneath the centre console is illuminated already.

My boost gauge is mechanical in operation and under hard acceleration with sudden increases in boost you can hear the internals working, but its not obtrusive and now I quite like the sound. An electrical boost gauge will be quite in operation but will also require additional wiring.

[Alexios]

what kind of boost levels are you getting? have a stock pulley but will change to -17% sortly. Is a gauge that goes to 20PSI enough or should get one that goes to 30 psi?

Is there a bigger chance of a leak with a mechanical boost gauge?

Was it easy to route the tubing through the firewall?

Thanks

[ScottyBoy]

Alexios - im running a set of prosport Oil temp and Boost gauges although there a smoked colour at night the look very good, hears a vid.

YouTube - Prosport Gauges

Im running an Alta 15% pulley and 2% alta crank pulley and im seeing around 16 - 17 PSI max id recommend a gauge that goes to 30 PSI.

The difference between mechanical and electrical is that on an electrical gauge the tubing goes to a sensor and then the sensor leads to the gauge, mechanical gauge - the tubing goes directly to the gauge.

Ive got a fitting guide hear that i made with pics.....http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-...stall-diy.html

Scott

[steve11]

I have genuine Mini boost & volt gauges fitted.They are made for Mini by Stewart Warner & are branded Cooper S on the guage faces.They match the OEM speedo & tacho perfectly in every respect.

[Darrin]

Quote: Originally Posted by Alexios (original)

what kind of boost levels are you getting? have a stock pulley but will change to -17% sortly. Is a gauge that goes to 20PSI enough or should get one that goes to 30 psi?

Is there a bigger chance of a leak with a mechanical boost gauge?

Was it easy to route the tubing through the firewall?

Thanks

I'm currently running the stock pulley and maximum boost is between 11.5 and 12 psi. However, my alta V2 -15% pulley is sitting in the study ready for installation and I hope to see the boost increase to about 15 psi. Hence, a full scale reading of 20 psi on my boost gauge will give me better resolution than a 30 psi model.

I don't think that there is any incease in the chance of boost leaks with a mechanical gauge both types use pipes to connect into the intake manifold. However, I ran the boost line in split conduit just to be on the safe side.

No problems getting the tubing through the firewall there is a rubber boot on the drivers side (RHS models) which makes the job easy.

[MINIdriver85]

Quote: Originally Posted by steve11 (original)

I have genuine Mini boost & volt gauges fitted.They are made for Mini by Stewart Warner & are branded Cooper S on the guage faces.They match the OEM speedo & tacho perfectly in every respect.

Hi, how did you fit them there, using the Alta gauge pod or something OEM?