Boost Gauge Options

[SilverRings]

Well, I tried the search and came back with very little info comparing options. So far, I am considering the P3Cars (with OBD connection) or a AWE with boost tap.

What are your all opinions of the P3cars gauge hooked to the OBD port? When you are driving, I know the boost reading will not be as responsive as a boost tap/gauge combo. But, how bad is the polling speed? If you go through the gears, will you be able to see max boost, or is it too slow for that? What are the negatives of the P3Cars gauge?

What are you opinions on digital readouts vs regular needle gauges for the left vent? I know that's a loaded question, given everyone's preferences. I know that you can do more with the P3cars gauge, for sure.

Is there anything else that has come up with gauges on the forums that I need to know about?

[ModdedEuros]

Another option would just get P3's Boost gauge which is not OBDII and runs off boost tap (not included). Still on sale through this month and honestly what we prefer as we like the clean install look P3 gauges provide


https://www.moddedeuros.com/products/p3-cars-boost-gauges-red-white-09-15-a4-s4-10-15-a5-s5

[bakedziti]

I have a P3, and I like it aesthetically. Its very clean, but can be incredibly distracting as the boost values constantly change. I didn't think too much about it when I got it, because I liked more how it looked than the other boost gauge options. I also wish there was a away to turn off the numbers, and just let the bar readout do its thing for long night drives, but at least you can dim it when needed.

[S4'ed]

See next post.

[S4'ed]

The P3 OBD digital gauge update rate is plenty fast/responsive enough, that is not a limitation. An analog gauge is certainly has better readability for these types of measurements, but you lose all the other P3 parameter readout functions, which are nice to have.

In reality, I have only really looked at the boost gauge to check the maximum, so the digital readout is fine for that. And the analog bargraph gives you a proportional view. Do you really care if you are at 6.5 PSI of boost, versus 6.7 PSI??

Another discussion point on these gauges that they read the boost pressure from the OBD datastream : Some people claim this is not as accurate as a "real" boost gauge hooked-up to an intake manifold tap. I don't agree, as there are actually 2 boost parameters on the OBD datastream : "Actual" and "Requested". Actual, as it implies, is based on the readings from the boost sensor. Requested is the amount of boost that the ECU is "requesting".

If the P3 OBD gauge is displaying the "Actual", then the accuracy will be as good as the accuracy of the OEM solid-state boost sensor used, which is probably more accurate than what is supplied with aftermarket electronic gauges, or the accuracy of aftermarket mechanical boost gauges.

If the P3 OBD gauge is displaying the "requested" boost data, that is perhaps a little less accurate than Actual, but if it deviates enough from the actual boost (as measured by the OEM boost sensor on the engine), you will get a check engine light / DTC (and go into a "limp-home protection mode"), as the ECU will flag this as a problem if the two values don't match closely.

I have asked P3 Cars if their gauge displays Actual or Requested manifold pressure datastream values in VW-Audi gauge versions, but I have never gotten an answer.

[jl87]

You can change how many decimals the boost reads if you don't like it changing constantly.
.1, .5, and whole #s are all options. Not sure about the bar graph only without numbers, but play around with it. Also, get the analog boost tap and it'll read actual boost and give you the best of everything, unless you are partial to mechanical gauges/needle reading.
http://www.p3cars.com/vag-install

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Below is our vent pod option.

Click HERE to order or for more information


Jason

[ENV²]

I went with AWE first and then swapped to P3. P3 is a cleaner install and I did the analog boost tap for it.

[onlyaudis]

I think I would find the P3's constant flashing lights too annoying as well, especially at night. Can't beat a tradition gauge for being easy to read without being too distracting.

[ModdedEuros]

I think I would find the P3's constant flashing lights too annoying as well, especially at night. Can't beat a tradition gauge for being easy to read without being too distracting.

I daily drive a S3 with the gauge for over 30,000 miles now (we actually testedthe s3 gauge for P3 guys before it was out) and it never once bothered me while driving. Honestly is not distracting. Just like the main cluster

P3 looks like it came with the car whereas feel some other designs are out of place

[hotleadsingergu]

I daily drive a S3 with the gauge for over 30,000 miles now (we actually testedthe s3 gauge for P3 guys before it was out) and it never once bothered me while driving. Honestly is not distracting. Just like the main cluster

P3 looks like it came with the car whereas feel some other designs are out of place

I'd say it's alright for others to disagree with you, no? When the numbers are changing frequently it definitely is a distraction to me.

[10til4]

I think I would find the P3's constant flashing lights too annoying as well, especially at night. Can't beat a tradition gauge for being easy to read without being too distracting.

P3 gauge ftw definately! You can dimm the gauge at night no problem and possibillity to add analog boost tap
Best feature to me, it looks absolute oem
Also so many other feature you really cant beat that!

Sent from my SM-G925W8 using Tapatalk

[GRUMPY-S4]

P3 or nothing! A luxury sedan with a boost gauge looks sooo tacky! The P3 looks very nice and OEM.


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[vtbert3]

Check out the Podi boost guage with their OEM looking steering column pod mount. You can set boost warnings and change color of guage with included remote.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[brainpan]

Personally I prefer analog gauges, I'm very happy with the AWE gauge. Nice colour match and is a clean looking install. P3 is nice because it has multiple setting parameters, but I find it tacky looking when it's on. But I'll admit it looks better with the white display vs the red.

Sent from my Note 5

[tmoe]

The P3 offers a lot of info concerning how your engine is running, EGT, ignition timing and boost to name a few, you can config to turn display off completely if you're on a long night drive but the dimmer isn't that bad. The only bad, it doesn't give you IAT's only outside air temp at your air filter which is completely useless for the supercharged 3.0 engine. Many have asked P3Cars to change, including myself but all we get are crickets, not sure why.

[xuandatou]

P3 all the way. Thread End !

[tmoe]

P3cars replied to my question on Facebook concerning after IC IAT's and they are currently working on expanding the list of data points they can display on the VIDI. Good news for P3 customers. No timetable but good to know somethings in the works.