OK. Before I get shredded here, I am not a mechanic. I am a desk jockey. I admit it. I try to do as much as I can, but there are things that just get me stumped even if they are easy to most guys on here.

I searched the tech section and found one on gauge install... but it was a bit light on info; It did not discuss wiring for the lighting or ground. That install did, however, discuss a wiring harness for MAP sensor, but I do not undertand how that fits into (onto ?) the boost gauge.

I am trying to install an Autometer Utralite II Boost/Vac. The instructions that come with the gauge are not what I consider to be... ummm... clear. It talks about drilling through the firewall (which I thought did not have to be done). The Autometer directions also talk about using a copper tubing kit if there a a fire hazard. Should I use that anyway as the engine comparment on the SC tC is fairly crammed anyway?

Anyone know how to wire this boost gauge both on the lighting and run the nylon tubing through the firewall without drilling?

Can anyone give some tips on where to put the t-fitting?

Any help / advice is appreciated.

John

 

bump...

no one?

I found out there is some difference between an electrical boost gauge and mechanical boost gauge in the Autometer guide... it is the electrical boostgauge that connects to the MAP... (which is not the one I have.... I have a mechanical...)

Here is the install info that Autometer provides...http://www.autometer.com/productPDF/1115A.pdf Scroll down to Pressure, Vacuum & Boost Gauges

But I still need a bit of help on the matter....

 

If you are running an electric Boost gauge you will need a sending unit for it (converts the psi/vac into an electrical voltage signal and then goes to the gauge. If it is mechanical you just run a vac line into the car to the gauge.. Below is a pic of where you can tap in for a boost/vac source, right by the throttle body:

 

The gauge I bought was a mechanical, so that is very useful!! Any thoughts on the 12v and grnd wiring?

 

If its mechanical you shouldnt need a power and ground.. only an illumination wire to turn the light on in the gauge when its is dark outside (will turn on when you turn the headlights or parking lights on).. That wire can be found behind the radio or at the steering column.

 

Mechanical is fairly simple. I might have a write up somewhere, I will check. But for power, just buy a minifuse add a circuit and put it in the fuse panel under the dash. For the negative just find a bolt, back it out and use it for your ground.

For the tubing run it through the grommet behind the steering shaft then tap into the thin line coming off of the S/C bypass valve.

I will post pictures later hopefully.

 

I think that pic is from my car. I'm almost sure of it. I ditch my entire vac line though. Do yourself a favor and get a vac block.

 

It is your pic and your car Ben... I rembered the pic from a thread almost ayear ago and dug it up.. It was one of the best pics I had seen to show where to tap in for a vac/boost source.. I agree a vac block is a good idea.. but I think it is better for th turboed guys VS. the SCed..

 

Yeah I ditch it only cause I added the Dezod black box and didnt wanna cut into the vac line again. Just thought it would look tacky. If your only hooking up a Boost gauge theres really no need for a vac block.

 

You guys are the best! I love this site.

 

Sweet! I am about to install the same gauge as well. so this is good info.

 

this is kinda thread jacking a little, but it is still relevant to the topic at hand. so if i were to hook up an electrical boost/vac gauge then can i just use that same vaccum line from the mechanical boost gauge to plug into my pressure sensor? does anyone know if that will work, or is there somewhere else i can or have to tap into to hook the pressure sensor up?

 

Both electrical and mechanical boost gauges should tap into the vac line the same way. The pic above is a Autometer Nexus Boost/Vac gauge which is electrical.