Boost Gauge Install
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Barbed T fitting |
Fuse Taps Self Tapping Screw Ring terminal Teflon Tape Crimpers or Soldering iron Zip ties or small cable clamps |
Step 1: Find suitable gauge location
The first step you should do is find the desired location for your gauge. My install location was on top of the steering column. Yours may be wherever you desire. I chose to make my own gauge pod out of PVC. Reasons: Cheap and smaller footprint than the OTC ones. I used double sided tape to mount the pod to the steering column cover. Next locate a place to route your vacuum from the engine bay to your boost gauge. I chose to drill a hole in the firewall. If you are able to locate an existing grommet that has room for your line, by all means, use that. Care must be taken when drilling through the firewall. Check both sides of the firewall before drilling. Identify a part already coming through firewall and use that as your reference of where to drill. I chose to drill near the throttle cable. Easy to get to with a drill and not a whole lot of activity near the location.
Firewall entry location
Step 2: Connect plumbing for vacuum lines
I chose the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line for my source. Using the razor/knife, cut the hose in half and place the T fitting between the two ends. Connect a piece of vacuum line on the remaining end of the T and run line into car
Tap location for boost reading
Step 3: In car connections
Route the vacuum line up to the steering column cover. Make sure you rout the line away from moving parts. Be sure to check for tilt movement while doing so. Avoid the area in red as it is in the direct path of the column itself. Note the location where my wires route through. This is a fixed area with plenty of room for lines and cabling. Be sure to use wire ties to keep your wires and lines secured and out of the way.
Steering Column Entry Point
To supply illumination to your gauge, use the same circuit as your instrument cluster. This will enable your gauge illumination to come on when your factory cluster does. To achieve this, I tapped into the fuse for the instrument cluster lighting in the fuse box. This will supply the 12V+ for the gauge illumination. The fuse location is designated below.
Fuse panel depicting cluster fuse
Connect the 12V- wire off of the gauge to the vehicle chassis. Attach a ring terminal to the 12V- wire. Using a self tapping screw, secure to bare metal underneath dash.
Ground location for gauge illumination
Route your power wires up to the same point as you routed the vacuum line taking care to avoid moving parts. Connect the the barb fitting that came with your gauge. Be sure to use teflon tape to ensure a good seal. Make connections to the gauge wires by means of crimping or soldering. Test connectivity by turning ignition on and verifying gauge illuminates.
Step 4: Mounting pod and securing connections
Mount your gauge in its final location. Double check plumbing and electrical routes to be sure they are secure and out of the way. Use zip ties or cable clamps to tighten T fitting connections. Do not over tighten the connections if using cable clamps. My gauge shows between 15 and19 on the vacuum side when idle. That's it!
Gauge mounted in its final position