FEATURES :: PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES & EXTRAS
The Low Down on Gauges
12/17/2004 12:44:00 PM
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Why do
I need a gauge?
Gauges are not
necessary but are an extremely helpful tool to have. Gauges help monitor levels
which can help you in tuning or even help find minor problems before they turn
into something major...not to mention they also look good in your ride!
There are many types of gauges ranging from Boost Pressure, all
the way to Fuel Pressure gauges. Each gauge is unique in itself where it will
help you measure levels so you can accurately maintain safe conditions in your
engine.
What is
the difference between Mechanical and Electric Gauges?
Both mechanical
and electrical gauges provide accurate readings. Mechanical gauges do not require
a 12V to operate. Instead they rely on direct physical contact
with the item they are reading. Mechanical gauges use lines or tubing that are
hooked up directly to the gauge, which eliminates the need for electrical signals.
Electrical gauges
require a 12V power supply to operate. There are no connectors or tubing that
are needed to operate the gauge, which helps eliminate fluids from entering the
passenger compartment. With electrical gauges they usually can be mounted in
tight areas and more unusual positions because there are no connectors that
need to be attached to the back of the gauge.
There are
so many different gauges out there, which one is right for me?
When dealing with
the perfect gauge you need as yourself some questions. What are you going to
be using it for? How much is your budget? Which style and colors do you like?
How are the gauges going to be mounted? In this article we are going to focus
on the function of the common gauges out there.
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Boost
Pressure Gauges
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Boost
Gauge
Severe engine damage is often a
result when you run more boost than your engine can handle. In
order to safely measure the boost levels, it is necessary to install
an aftermarket boost gauge. An Aftermarket boost gauge is the
first step in allowing us to monitor boost levels so they can
be set at a safe or desired level.
Boost
gauges are extremely easy to install, since they only require
a good vacuum source to be tapped into. Click
here for all Boost Gauges.
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Fuel
Pressure Gauges
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Fuel
Pressure
Since most stock vehicles do not come equipped with a Fuel Pressure
Gauge, this is a must when fuel pressure adjustments are necessary.
The fuel pressure gauge is a useful tool that will help maintain
proper fuel pressure. It allows you to accurately measure and
make adjustments of the fuel pressure when using an aftermarket
adjustable fuel pressure regulator.
The
fuel pressure gauge will let you know if you are running to much
fuel in your motor, which is known as, “running rich”,
or if you are running to little fuel, which is known as, “running
lean.” Too little of fuel can burn stuff up or cause detonation,
which can ruin your engine. Too much fuel can cause a host of
other things to happen. It will make the vehicle smoke, gurgle,
and even cause you to lose power.
A
fuel pressure gauge will help you maintain the proper fuel pressure
reading so you do not harm your engine. Click
here for all Fuel Pressure Gauges.
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Exhaust
Gas Temperature (E.G.T.) Gauges
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Exhaust
Gas Temperature (E.G.T)
The
E.G.T. gauge is an excellent tool for tuning. It will show whether
your engine combustion chamber is running to cold, hot, rich,
lean, and it can also indicate problems within the engine.
If the fuel isn’t being burned properly the E.G.T reading
will show up as cold. This can indicate something may be wrong
with your ignition system. A foul spark plug, faulty coil, or
wires can all lead to this issue.
If
the E.G.T is running hot, this can mean that you are running lean.
And you will need to make adjustments in your fuel pressure or
even timing so you can provide a safer spark, or air/fuel mixture.
Click
here for all EGT Gauges.
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Air/Fuel
Gauges
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Air/Fuel
Gauge
The
A/F gauge will measure the air to fuel ratio that is being burned
in your combustion chamber, or in other words how lean or rich
you are running. The air/fuel ratio is the ratio of Air to Fuel
drawn into the cylinder. The optimum ratio of Air to Fuel is
about 13.5-pounds or air to 1-pound fuel.
There
are Narrowband and Wideband Air/Fuel gauges available. A Narrowband
does not provide the precise Air/Fuel reading needed for tuning.
The Narrowband will meter the output of voltage from the vehicles
oxygen sensor through LED lights.
- Narrowband
Air/Fuel Gauge
The Narrowband Oxygen Sensor cannot indicate what exactly
the A/F ratio is in the rich or lean areas due to the fact
that oxygen sensor output changes with temperature and wear.
When the oxygen sensor temperature increases the voltage output
will decrease in the rich area, and it will increase in the
lean area
- Wideband
Air/Fuel Gauge
A Wideband Air/Fuel gauge is better suited for tuning. These
gauges will provide an accurate reading of the Air/Fuel ratio.
The wideband sensor provides a signal that’s virtually proportional to the amount of oxygen that is in the exhaust stream.
A
wideband Air/Fuel gauge is by far one of the best investments
tools you can have when dealing with tuning. This will allow you
to have a full accurate reading of your Air/Fuel mixture. If your
Air/Fuel ratio is lean, you can blow your engine. This gauge will
help you achieve accurate readings so that you will have the proper
Air/Fuel levels so you can enjoy peak performance with engine
longevity. Click here for all Air/Fuel
and wideband
gauges.
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Oil
Pressure Gauges
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Oil
Pressure Gauge
Correct oil pressure is crucial to the longevity of your engine
and supercharger. If oil pressure is low or nonexistent this
can ruin your engine, supercharger, or turbo. If you notice
a drop in oil pressure or you notice that your needle is lower
than normal this can indicate a leak, clog, or part failure.
Stock
vehicles usually come equip with an, “idiot light”
that will come on when you are low on oil. With an oil pressure
gauge you will be able to get a more accurate reading, which
will not only tell you that you are low, but it will also let
you know precisely what your oil pressure is.
With proper oil pressure readings you can avoid engine, supercharger,
and turbo failures caused by low oil. Click
here for all Oil Pressure Gauges.
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Conclusion
Gauges not only
look great, but they are a helpful monitoring tool that will have your supercharged
engine working in peek conditions. They are a must if you are trying to achieve
the most from your setup. At SuperchargersOnline we carry a full line of different
gauges that will fit you needs. Click
Here to view all gauges.
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