I have a stock 03 CTD I want to add 5 gauges, First off, What gauges would you suggest?
What brand? Thoughts on most needed? I just want to monitor the necessities, no hardcore running involved. I looked around and there sure is a bunch to look at!!! I found these http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/03-08...e-package.aspx and like the price, what do you guys think? any help appreciated.

Mike

 

I wanted to keep it simple and easy. I use the Bully Dog Outlook Monitor. Displays the info I want to see. Installation was incredibly easy, and one small package.

 

Based on your sig, I'm not sure you need five gauges? I would go with Trans temp, EGT and boost on a three gauge pillar mount. I have the Di Pricol Optix white face gauges and they work awesome and match the dash like they were factory.

 

.boB,
I like the BD set-up, but I don't have that kinda cash to blow at one time but it is a nice one!

 

bggrndodge,
Thanks, thats the info,I'm looking for. being my 1st CTD(diesel period) I wasn't sure what I should need. My plan was to get the pillar gauge pod & EGT, Boost & Trans. gauges & smarty jr. like you have. But I would like a cold air system and maybe a ram air kit too! I don't need drag race or sled pullin stuff.i was aiming for about 450-500hp & 700-800TQ for Numbers anyway, all I really want is to get better mileage and passing power when towing my boat or camper!!! thanks again

 

Those gauges are pretty much the basics that you need to get started. Later you may want to add fuel pressure, maybe oil pressure, it just all depends on what you feel like. As far as cold air, I just ordered the new S&B cold air kit with the ram air scoop. I'll let you know how I like it when it gets here. The Smarty Jr. is a great start, I really enjoy mine, its simple and easy to use.

 

Being an owner of an '03 that just had a lift pump go out and I didnt have a gauge. Get a feul pressure gauge. I got left stranded 1 week ago. Tow + Raptor150 + gauge =$550. Knowing your fuel pressure and signs the the LP is going out, = PRICELESS! If you dont understand what Im tring to say, search the site.

 

My last post was assuming the truck still has the factory canister mounted lift pump. So I say, FP, EGT and boost would be a good start. Are you gonna tow often? Also how much weight? Just asking so it might help other DTR's help you.

 

cowboydave, yes as far as i know evrythng is stock xcept exhaust. i will be pulling a 3500lb boat & later will pull traveltrailer & boat 2gether about 8500-9500 lbs. Right now when i pull the boat, it feels like it aint there & been getting 18.5 MPG average with boat @ 75-80mph! this is my 1st CTD so not sure if thats good, xcept for what i've read here & other places.

 

There are the basics - such as fuel pressure, EGT's and boost, these are most commonly what people buy. I see you have an auto tranny, so tranny temp might be higher on your list than one of the other basics.

The key to deciding about gauges has to do with what YOU want to monitor beyond the stock gauges.

I have a 4-gauge dash pod with fuel pressure, rail pressure, EGT, and boost in it. I also have the SRT-10 single gauge a-pillar with an exhaust pressure gauge to keep an eye on my exhaust brake pressure. As time has gone by, I also wanted to monitor some temps, so in an overhead pod I have an oil temp, tranny temp,and both diffs temps.

Again, it's all about having the more important basics andthen the ones that YOU want to monitor.

The best part about adding this stuff is that you can get the pod you desire for location(s) and if $$$'s dictate, add them one at a time as the wallet permits. We have several places that gauges can be installed. I began with the 3-gauge a-pillar and decided to go to the dash pod. The dash pod located direcly above the instruments is much easier to glance at and see vrs the full a-pillar. I found the full a-pillar to be a little too close and it had a little restriction in viewing on that side of the windshield. I put those temp gauges in the mirror overhead because when you glance in your mirror while driving, you can easily look at them.

CD

 

Hey CD where did you find a 4 gauge dash pod ? thanks

rookiediesel: I would recommend isspro performax special ordered with the EV2 pointers. These will match your factory gauges and are the easiest to install and add to but they are kinda spendy. I would start with EGT, trans temp, boost and fuel pressure. Be sure and mount your EGT probe pre turbo reading cylinders 4-6 and mount your fuel pressure sender between your filters and the cp3.

 

HOD-ISB

I got mine from a fellow who is having them custom molded and selling them. They are VERY nice, little spendy as compared to all the others, but WELL worth it.

I don't have a photobucket acct, so I cannot post a pic, butif you pmme with your e-mail, I can send you a pic and information about them at the same time. I really like how the ISSPRO EV2's look and perform, that's the gauges I have.

CD

 

Hod,
Yes those isspro's are pricey, about $360.00!!! thats why I was looking at the glowshift gauges, about 200.00 both sets come with a-pillar.

CD, Good info on the locations, i am a bit concerned that the a-pillar would restrict me and after my post I saw a 3 gauge pod that is above rearview mirror and liked it alot!

 

You can also get a 4-gauge pod for your overhead rear view mirror too. There is a fellow on another forum that put two of those together for a total of 7 gauges, it is a real sharp looking install. Plastic CAN be welded.


CD

 

i got a set of phantom gauges. there white and match the stock gauges. i have boost,trans and egt.


2003 cummins sport. edge ez box, 4"straight piped, banks elbow