Along with many of you fellow modifiers out there, I am beyond sick and tired of my stock boost gauge. As such, I have been shopping around, and now, I ask for those of you with experience with boost gauges on the 850/_70 cars to post their experiences with their boost gauges. Along with gauges, I would also like, if possible a discussion on pod mounting. (All prices in US dollars)

Through the small amount of research I have done, I have a number of items that I could begin listing right now.

A while back, someone had found a company on line that would make custom A-pillar pod-mounts for the 850/_70 (excluding the C70), if a large enough group came together. It quietly disapeared, but I am hoping to revive that now.

Another issue I would like to address is the colour of the pods. Many of us don't have black A-pillars. Many have grey and beige, etc. So I would also like to include interior panel paints as well.

Gauge Pods:

http://www.gaugepods.com/

They have a universal one, that doesn't look all that great with the shiny black finish, but at $14.99 each, the price can't be beat (it could just be the lighting, but the shininess of the plastic erks me). Also, their compelte A-pillar pods look pretty nice, and are well priced. They are also more then willing to make custom made units. "Attention car clubs and Internet mailing list groups. We will manufacture a custom gauge pillar for your vehicle! Just confirm a minimum order of 20 pcs Prices starting at just $20 ea (includes shipping). Complete pillar replacements as low as $39. Email or call for details." How does that sound?

http://ipdusa.com/Items.cfm?CategoryID=227

The always venerable iPd has their universal pod mount, with VDO gauge. Once again, it will work, but isn't the greatest, and you pay a premium. This same universal unit can be purchased for half the price.

There are many universal gauge pods and complete a-pilla gauge pods out there. If you know of one for less, or is superior, PLEASE post.

Gauges:

I think it is important that I separate the mechanical from the electronic. The two are vastly different, and no more so in anyway than in price. I think it would also be a good idea to stick with 52mm or 2 1/16" gauges and pods just to cut down on chance of errors with poor sizing issues. Also, all the gauges that will be listed can be purchased with parameters close to those we will be facing i.e. maximum psi's of between 20-25 psi. Also many of these gauges may come in only one or two units, others with no choice whatsoever. Common units are psi, kg/cm2. The mechanical ones are rather limited in these choices. The electronic AND digital, will display a plethora of units. Another thing to keep in mind, some of these gauges self-calibrate, while others do not.

Mechanical:

http://ipdusa.com/Items.cfm?CategoryID=227

This classic VDO will probably do well. About my only complaint is, I have found this identical gauge for about $30. So assuming you guys like the iPd route, you could get the same pod and gauge for $45 complete, as opposed to the $98 they are asking. Once again, one must factor in convenience, great customer service, vehicle specific testing, etc. BTW, if you want this VDO gauge, it is either the Vision or the Cockpit Black series gauge. I think it is also important to mention that this gauge and pod come in 2 1/16"/52mm only.

http://www.vdona.com/Homepage/homepage.html

VDO is a large manufacturer of oe and aftermarket gauges. They however do not distribute to the aftermarket community directly. As such, I cannot get direct pricing on them. They have many links to various places, I am sure will offer pricing. But it is so easy to simply look for distributors, that may or may not be officially licensed distributors, I am not going to bother listing such a large list.

http://www.greddy.com/products/electronics_frame.htm

GReddy has both mechanical and electronic boost gauges, but only electronic in 52mm.

http://www.apexi-usa.com/meters_elgauges.asp

A'PEXi once offered both mechanical and electronic gauges in both 52 and 60mm sizes. Recently, they have switched to a single boost gauge, dubbed the EL for electro-luminescent, which comes in electronic and mechanical. The mechanical ones should function adequately, but due to inherent differences between electronic and mechanical gauges, it is inferior, and does not have as many features as the electronic.

http://www.autometer.com/hp/index.html

AutoMeter has more gauges, both mechanical and electronic then you could discuss in a lifetime. Two of the mechanical ones are the lunar and the cobalt. The cobalt has a black dial with white markers and a red needle. When lit, as the name suggests, the white markers are lit up in blue. It's actually a pretty nice gauge, but may look out of place with the green lit oe dash. The lunar is very similar in performance, and differs mostly in appearence. The lunar has a white dial with black markers and a red needle. When lit, the dial becomes backlit lunar green, while the markers and red needle go black. This may work a little better because of the green, but may be more green light then you would like.

There are obviously many more mechanical gauges out there, but this is a good starting point.

Electronic:

http://www.apexi-usa.com/meters.asp

A very nice gauge, with many functions including playback, peak-hold and warning features. The "cool blue" colour is one of those love it or hate it kind of colours. It definetly looks cool, but in an 850/_70, I have the feeling it'll look VERY out of place. Otherwise, it's a great looking gauge, that should outlast the car, assuming it is installed properly.

http://www.greddy.com/products/electronics_frame.htm

A very trustworthy and well known gauge in the turbo community. One of the best parts is, it is back lit green, which should match the stock lighting very well, especially if you get the black faced dial with white markers. If only the black faced dial came with the red needle.

http://www.autometer.com/hp/index.html

Autometetr has a number of lines. The electronic line is the full sweep. This gauge is one of the best electronic gauges available according to sources. It, along with other electronic gauges, recalibrates upon every power up. But from an engineer who has looked at many of these gauges' schematics, this self recalibrating ability is the most accurate of the electronic gauges out there.

http://www.machv.com/headupdisboo.html

This gauge is for those looking for the epitome of electronics in their car. This digital electronic boost gauge features a head up display. It's accuracy is unknown, but it's display is the most versatile I am aware of. It also comes with a turbo timer, which it should at it's high price, but is still not the top on price. Look to the other three electronic gauges to battle for that prize at near $300 US.

http://www.spatechnique.com/instruments.html

This gauge looks to be of good quality, and as such, you will pay for it. However, due to it's design, it's response will not be as fast as a non-digital display, or the Mach V's sweeping digital display. Thus, don't be surprised if before you know it, the psi reading goes from vaccuum to way up in boost with no readings in between. This is not to say that the processor is not a good one, but that due to the limits of led technology used in this unit, it simply cannot go through numbers and for you to register them as smoothly as a sweeping display. Some nice features are warning lights, wireless lighting (can operate on batteries), digital calibration, which I am told is very accurate.

I have barely tipped the iceberg in boost gauges here, so PLEASE add to the list so that we may all benefit in knowledge, and maybe even a group buy, especially in the pods. Just a reminder, all that is needed is 20 for a custom a pillar constructed for the 850/_70.

Once again, please contribute if you can.