Boost Gauge

[mojo_trixie]

So how many of you have a boost gauge? Where is it located? Got pics? My bf says it would be a good idea to get one but heck I don't know anything about turbos

Any help would be appreciated.. thanks

[kcfoxie]

A lotta folks have the 3-gauge cluster that fits ontop of the center hump on the dash. You know; between you and me... if you don't think you need it but he's willing to shell out for it and wire it... let him. When he breaks it you can never let him live it down... and basically, it'll be another needle to watch rise and fall rise and fall rise and fall...

[Bugmonkey]

If your car is chipped a boost gauge is a good idea. On a stock car, not really needed.

[Zookie]

I have a Boost Gauge for sale if you Intrested, PM me

[Billsbug]

Booooooooooooooooost!

[mx450]

Here is my,



5 Defi meters, from left to right: Exhaust Temperature, Fuel Pressure, Boost, Water Temperature and Oil Pressure. The Exhaust Temp and Fuel Press meters are installed temporarily. Will be removed after all BT stuffs are checked well.

[trainspotted2]

I have the Bernt 3-gauge pod that fits atop the center of the dash as well.

[turbos03]

E-gauges A-pillar pod with SW gauges...

[EggHead]

2 X Autometer cobalt gauges (Match the blue & red VW dash lighting quite well).
Electric boost gauge on the left and an accelerometer. Both mounted in simple individual pods. I would have used a purpose built beetle pod there, but there isn't one available here for right hand drive cars.

[NYBugman]

My own design:





Those pics are before I re-mounted it. It looks really OEM now. I even found a paint that matches the interior shade of black, but I'll take that secret to the grave with me

[v-dubed]

haha defi gauges!!!!!! ur a baller...

[Dre]

Originally Posted by Bugmonkey

If your car is chipped a boost gauge is a good idea. On a stock car, not really needed.

I have basic question, what does the Boost Gauge really tell you? I'm chipped and am looking at gauges but I really don't know what the Boost gauge will tell me, or what not..Thanks.

[Billsbug]

If ur in limp mode or not.

U wanna be somewhere bewteen 19-21psi at full boost. It's cool to watch it ramp up quickly to that level, cuz unchipped ur only at 8-10psi.

[Dre]

So I guess there are unsafe boost levels you dont want to be at?

[Billsbug]

Ur not gonna hit any levels past say, 23psi max, with any program, so don't worry about it. It's the LACK of boost u wanna worry about. Wut chip do u have?

[Dre]

Good question, I've had my Turbo S for 5 months now and I only know it's chipped because the dealer told me. Doing research now...The old owner kept the car in immaculate condition..I will post pictures shortly..They say getting 80mph in 3rd gear is a good indication that you're chipped...??? Well, I got that.

[Billsbug]

I dunno that readlining at 80 mph in 3rd means it's chipped. I redline at 102mph in 3rd with the 5-speed, MUCH better range for performance IMO (I had an '02 Turbo S before the vert).

At any rate, if u get a boost gauge and it's not reading 19psi minimum, then ur not chipped or the program is not set at the right setting. It may be an APR program, so let's test it out right now!

Turn the key all the way, but not all the way to start the engine. Turn on the cruise control. Press and hold the 'set' button for 10 seconds (or so) and see if the 'check engine' light flashes. If it does, it will flash once for 4 or 5 times, then it will flash twice for 4 or 5 times. Let off the button when it flashes twice a few times to get back your 91 or 93 octane race program. The 'one flash' is what u set it at when u take it a VW dealer for service cuz they can't vag-com it when it's set to the race program.

If it IS an APR program, then go here for more information www.goapr.com .

[veedub71]

getting 80mph does not prove it is chipped. Was it a VW dealer that told you it was chipped? I have a stock 2001.5 sport and I get to just under 60 in second, so 3rd will get me to 80+........but wait you have a 6 speed......sorry maybe you are chipped maybe not.....

[turbos03]

Originally Posted by Dre

They say getting 80mph in 3rd gear is a good indication that you're chipped...???

I wouldn't go by that either... I have an 03 Turbo S (no chip yet) and I can run up to 80 in 3rd without thinking about it... I would try BillsBug suggestion to start, but getting a gauge may be the only way to tell for sure... Funny thing about these 1.8T V-Dub motors, my max boost is listed at 11-12 psi but I can hit 14 psi all day long at WOT and hold 7-10 so go figure...

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by turbos03

I wouldn't go by that either... I have an 03 Turbo S (no chip yet) and I can run up to 80 in 3rd without thinking about it... I would try BillsBug suggestion to start, but getting a gauge may be the only way to tell for sure... Funny thing about these 1.8T V-Dub motors, my max boost is listed at 11-12 psi but I can hit 14 psi all day long at WOT and hold 7-10 so go figure...

OF COURSE YOU GET HIGHER BOOST MAN, YOU HAVE AN ECU THAT WAS PRE-TWEAKED BY VW!

U get 180hp instead of 150hp becuz, in essence, you've been 'chipped' by VW, so you get more boost than a regular 1.8T NB...