What else do I need to install my boost gauge?

[joeya103]

I went over to egauges.com and ordered some parts for my boost gauge.

I got:

- VDO 2 1/6" boost gauge
- Autometer A-pillar gauge pod
- nylon tubing kit

What am I missing? Why are there so many little pieces to worry about? =/ Installation kinda looks complicated too...I'm not too good with stuff like this.

[RippleChip]

Seems like you've got it. It's actually straight forward. There is a lot of documentation out there for help.

[Daft]

You will also need:

3/16" vacuum tee

The VDO vacuum line kit includes all brass hardware so you will need the following to convert to regular vacuum line at the vacuum tee:

brass 1/8" NPT thread barrel fitting
brass 1/8" NPT to 3/16" barbed nipple

3/16" or 5/32" vacuum line (about a foot, buy extra in case)
Inline fuel filter for a small lawnmower or go-kart engine (this will create a flow restriction to keep the VDO gauge from buzzing under full boost. Here's an example:

[RippleChip]

Thanks Turbo.
Thats right, the famous buzz eliminator.

[DDQ]

ECS also sells a buzz-eliminating t-fitting. You can also get the vac hose clamps from them. You'll probably need about 4, but getting extras is nice to have for the BPV, etc...

You'll also need the wiring for the back light. I used the little red condom cover for the bulb so the lighting would match my interior lighting.



Here's what you need:

2 spade terminals (crimp on). Just check the size of the 75X terminal screw, Its 10mm if I remember correctly, but I forget what size spade terminal you need. You alternatively could use ring connectors here.

2 female quick disconnect connectors (crimp on)
about 8 feet of wire. I bought a 3 pack (15 feet of black, red, and green wire) and ran 1 green wire for ground and 1 black wire for the +12 V signal)

wire stripper & crimper (or separate if you choose)

It's up to you what you want to run. I ran 18 gauge wire. 16 gauge would have also worked fine, or even 20 gauge. Make sure all your connectors are made for the gauge of wire you decide to run.

Run one wire to the screw in the frame just above and to the left of the fuse pannel for your ground.

Run the other wire to the 75X terminal for power. Just be careful you don't hit anything else when down there, as there is power flowing into that pannel.

[joeya103]

Thanks guys for your help...unfortunately you're kinda scaring me away from doing it myself. All these wires and stuff lol!

I did actually order the buzz eliminator piece from ecstuning, it just hasn't gotten here. But now it's looking like I'll need some wires and stuff too...maybe I'll just get it professionally done =/ Or maybe when I find my balls someday, I'll give it a shot...

[DDQ]

Joey, I was in the same boat as you when I first got mine way back. I didn't have the first clue of what the hell wiring anything was. But, once I dove into the project, it was surpisingly easy, and just required some time.

Worst case scenario, you put it all back together and have some else do it for you. But give it a shot. Make sure you have a free day, and get after it. Then post any questions while you're doing it.

The easiest part is tapping the vac lines and installing the t-fitting. Then you just route the line through the ECU box, into the cabin, to wherever you're mounting your gauge. The wiring part is not bad either. Just make sure you get all the parts.

Take that list I posed above to the auto parts store. You'll find everything you need for the wiring part. I didn't have any clue what a female or spade adapter was when I was doing mine, and I didn't even own a crimper. I just went in the store and looked up the parts. Afterwards, it all made sense. Here's a great link to pics showing you how to drop the lower panels to get to the 75x terminal to wire it up: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng32.shtml

Or, try to find a fellow member in your area to give you a hand.

Also, here's some links on the install:

Boost Gauge Install Instructions:

- APR Guide(pdf) http://www.goapr.com/Audi/support/boost_gauge_pod.pdf

- 1997 Guide: http://www.seansa4page.com/mya4s/97/boost/boost.html

- 1999.5 Guide: http://www.seansa4page.com/mya4s/995...oostgauge.html

- AudiWorld Tech Guide: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec48.shtml

[JMG]

It's easy.. I suck at electrical stuff and I did it. The writeup on APR's website works well for me. CLick my sig and look under boost gauge in the links/tech section for the link.

[Zodiak]

Not sure if you saw my post on AW, but I can show you how to install it any time this weekend (other than saturday morning). It shouldn't take more than 1hr and I have more than enough extra wiring that you can use.

Originally posted by joeya103
Thanks guys for your help...unfortunately you're kinda scaring me away from doing it myself. All these wires and stuff lol!

I did actually order the buzz eliminator piece from ecstuning, it just hasn't gotten here. But now it's looking like I'll need some wires and stuff too...maybe I'll just get it professionally done =/ Or maybe when I find my balls someday, I'll give it a shot...

[joeya103]

Zodiak, thanks so much man for all your help installing the boost gauge.

I was missing some parts, so we went to buy the T-fitting at Advance Auto Parts, and he did some improvising too. This guy knows his shtuff man!

Gotta love AZ, cool people like Zac around...enjoy the beers buddy =)

[Zodiak]

Originally posted by joeya103
Zodiak, thanks so much man for all your help installing the boost gauge.

I was missing some parts, so we went to buy the T-fitting at Advance Auto Parts, and he did some improvising too. This guy knows his shtuff man!

Gotta love AZ, cool people like Zac around...enjoy the beers buddy =)

No problem man, glad I could help.

Haha, I'm mad those bimmerforum guys showed up though; my car is probably in the worst cosmetic state of it's life right now, especially parked next your nice and clean ride. The beers are chillin' in the fridge waiting to be cracked open tomorrow night.

I'm in town until the end of August, and can help your brother install his . We can also run some better vac hose through your's and throw in the buzz eliminator (in your's and mine). It should take 1/2 the time tonight took since we now know what extra materials are needed (a few lengths of good 1/8 vac hose and a few spade connectors). I can also do the 1-touch rear windows on both cars and the central locking codes. Just let me know when =) .

[joeya103]

Sounds great man, definitely will do sometime!

And the boost gauge is reading nice and accurately, lighting up fine. The vac hose seems to be okay too, not melting or getting sticky from the engine heat, though I'm still definitely gonna upgrade that cheapo line.

Does the buzzing start getting worse later? Cuz so far, I can barely here any noise, if at all. Which is a good thing. Either way, when we meet up, I can give you one or even mail it to you if you'd like.

Enjoy those beers ;)

[alen]

great. another useful tech article!

do you have any pics of the install/final finish?

[Zodiak]

Originally posted by joeya103
does the buzzing start getting worse later? Cuz so far, I can barely here any noise, if at all. Which is a good thing. Either way, when we meet up, I can give you one or even mail it to you if you'd like.

Enjoy those beers ;)

If it's not buzzing at WOT then you're fine and probably don't need the airfilter/buzz eliminator. The amount of buzzing depends on the gauge and type of vac-lines used.