I'm planning to add a fuel pressure gauge to my '97 12V manual trans. Folks here seem to like DieselManor for the gauges, and I see they offer the tree mount for the left pillar for multiple gauges. So far, the only gauge I know to add is the fuel pressure, so I guess a single mount will work. I have a knock-out, very small, "pocket," in my dash where switches were mounted for other Dodge options. It's about 2 or 3 inches square, left of radio. How does that come out? I guess a guage could go in there. My dealer/shop suggested a steering column mount but that sounds more like the quick-and-easy way we did things 30 years ago.

So where are you all mounting single gauges? And how are you accessing openings in the dash?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

If I am reading this right..... and I know its not answering your question but?
I would say forget the FP gauge until you get a pyro and boost gauge.

 

Hmmm. Thanks. So priorities run - boost, pyro, then fuel pressure. I can understand boost...watches turbo. Tell me more about pyro please.

So I should be looking to mount three gauges then?

I should change my post question to where is your favorite mounting for three gauges?

Dennis

 

The only real gauge you need is a pyro. And not even that on a stock truck. Boost is for fun (but everyone has one, helps detect boost leaks as well) and fuel pressure is self explanatory. Pyrometer aka egt gauge (exhaust gas temperature); basically you can hold 1200 degrees F coninuously (probe mounted pre-turbo in exhaust manifold). Anything more than that and you risk MELTING your pistons. For fuel pressure, drill and tap your banjo bolt on the driver's side of the injection pump. That's the only place. They don't sell pre-tapped banjo bolts for the 12v. Gotta do it yourself.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...pressure+banjo

 

On my 24V, I used the Autometer top-of-dash triple-pod mount. I really liked that, it was out of the way, didn't block any windshield view, and was easy to watch while driving. There were a few drawbacks though....

• It was kind of a PITA to install, had to remove a bunch of the stuff in the center of the dash for access. I remember when I was installing it, thinking if i ever do this again, I'm going with the a-pillar mount!

• I had to dremel a hole in the center of the pristine dashtop, to route the wires thru. After a year or so, a crack formed from this hole and spread all the way to the front/rear of the dashtop.

• At night, I could see the refelction of the gauges in the windshield. I got used to it, but it was always a pet peeve of mine driving at night.

Now I'm planning on gauging my 12V, I already have the A-pillar mount, just havent installed it yet. I shyed away from the A-pillar the first time because I was worried about losing some visibility and I thought it looked a little 'ricey'.

 

I would say Pyro-Boost-FP in that order. Boost and FP are actually more for diagnosing problems IMO but I watch my pyro more than my tach.
As stated a pyro (exhaust temp gauge ) is a important gauge in a modified truck and allot of people drive by it. On a stock truck its fueled so temps will always be in check but once you make mods for performance high temps can be a issue and without the gauges you wont know.

 

Ahhhh. Thanks. I really doubt I will modify my truck. Having said that, now what gauges do I need for a stock truck?

As an aside, if I am interested in engine longevity, durability and fuel mileage, are mods even a good idea?

Dennis

 

Mild mods are ok. It'll hurt your tranny the most if you're not careful. Do you have an auto? As I said, on a stock truck you really don't need gauges. But if you like knowing how your engine is doing, get boost, pyro, fuel pressure.

 

Thanks, wc. I have manual trans.

Dennis