A-Pillar Gauge Pods?
 

Anyone know of any companies coming out with A-pillar gauge pods?

:barf:

It's the best option if you need more than 3 dash gauges and/or don't want to rip the dash apart.

Sorry, just not a fan. But everybody has an opinion. I will shut up now.

Yeah, I'm not a big fan either, but like Steve said, its the best option for folks who don't want to rip the dash apart. I was looking for other options like the camp 2 or even putting them in the glove box.

I know the gauge pod is the best way to do it and that was the original plan, but I'm just looking for alternatives. Considering the amount of people doing FI, these would probably be coming out soon. I'd like to see how they look.

Are there any good computer systems, incorporate into a Navi HD Unit?

maybe someone will make a ipad app or something? i think pretty soon pods are going to dissappear and replaced by big screens with virtual gauges.

That's would be nice.

I agree and there are screen systems like the HKS Camp 2 and the Magden system that plug into our navi and display all that stuff. Problem with those is price and features. A proper Camp2 setup will run you like 800-1k and Magden only uses stock signals, so those of us with FI and need boost are out of luck.

No one does boost?

No, I mean I dont think the magden system will show boost because it uses signals from the ecu only. Not like the Camp2 which uses signals from both the ECU and external sensors. At least that is my understanding, I could be wrong.

You are right on the Camp II, seen one in person.
It uses ECU and then you can add the external sensor which jumps the price up, base unit is 450-500 and not 100% sure on the add on piece. I am sure the A-pillar setup would be easier, but would hate for you to degrade your car, though 1k for gauges is a steep price.

A-pillar gauges only get a bad rep because of movies and ricers. If you think about it, its an optimal place to put gauges. Easy to see, yet not in the way of anything. You are using dead space right in your line of sight.

edit: wtf 4th gear pull?

Yeah I saw that. I think those are just mounted on there using those cup attachments though...

Here is a little project I'm working on just to give you another idea. It's not finished or mounted but you get the idea.



http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...cture001-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...cture002-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...cture003-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...Picture009.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...Picture008.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...cture005-1.jpg

Nice work man.

Nice, not something I would do, but +1 for originality.

:iagree:

I'd almost prefer them to sit flat and not be angled if anything.

I agree. Would be cool to see them integrated into the OEM cubby door.

But honestly, the a-pillar pods are going to be one's best bet if they need more than three gauges. I sure would have thought something would be available by now, but I guess not.

You can also add optional sensors with the Magden. To do the HKS Camp2 with about 4 sensors like (Boost, Oil temp, Oil press, Exhaust temp) with install atleast 1,200-1,500. I will be going this route. Since I currently own one it comes with tons of options and upgradeablity.

You saw mine!:tup: I think the A-piller forsure down grades the look of the interior:iagree:. This is just my opinion though. We already got 3 gauge pods in the center two are three more...wowzers:icon14: The sensors for the camp range from 70-170 depending on what sensor you are after. Also it records the highest numbers yada yada yada. HKS Camp2 = Good times :driving:

PG6Speed:

Very original. Nice work. Not something I'm looking to do, but I give you credit.

I would also like to install a gauge or two on the A-pillar. I too would have thought someone would have come out with a mount for this by now.

Thanks for the correction, good to know.

So vendors?? Who's got the A-Pillar gauge cluster?

At the moment these guys are your only solution: www.gaugepods.com // Lotek Inc.
They do custom gauge pods on request, might get a group of people who want them to make the cost go down.
I contacted: Auto Meter
They said they have no plans on doing one this year. They only way they would make one for our car is if enough people contacted them about making one through email and phone. He said I was the first person to call about the 370. They are bussy doing camros and turcks at the moment.
-For yall going forced induction gauges of some sort are needed and it does look like this will be the cheapest route. I would like to see what others looks like before I really say its a nono for me.

I just realized I had my gauges sitting right here and my 370z sitting in the driveway so why not go try some locations... pics coming in a few.

:icon18:
Waiting to see the results.

Here we go

This is my favorite:
Glovebox
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173313

Besides steering column:

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173313
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173502

Side of Steering Column (second favorite):

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173313http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173502

By the Dash

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173502

Replacing stock gauge (optimal, but expensive install):
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1273173502



I tried the A-Pillar and it blocks my view too much, Not a fan. I'm between the steering column and the glove box if not the stock gauge pod. I have three to install so I would have to get creative with the third one. They would fit really nicely in the glovebox.

I hope those pictures helped some folks out :tiphat:

By the way thats a 60mm Gauge from Prosport Gauges in case someone is wondering.

I guess the question is how important is this information? Do you need real time updates from these gauges or a quick glance every so often is fine?
I of course like the replacement of the stock location but the glove box idea is very nice also.

To be completely honest with you, the only thing that worries me is that my gauges don't have an audible alarm. I wouldn't mind putting them in the glove box for a completely stock looking interior. If I need to keep an eye on them, its simply a matter of leaving the console open.

EDIT: they apparently do have audible alarm, case closed.

That's true about having them on the A pillar and blocking the view. In this car visibility is already somewhat of an issue. I like the shot of the gauge on the left side of the dash. Nice idea, but how much work will that require to get a nice clean install?

^ actually very little because the gauges come with metallic flexible mounting bases that use 3m tape. You can adjust the swivel to sit perfectly flat towards the driver. That was the least intrusive setup which actually requires very little time to check the gauge and get your eyes back on the road.

The most important data that the gauges give the user is warning info. If a temp is over a set temp or if boost is over or lower than set points your gauge warning lights will activate. You want your gauges to be in view so you can see the warning lights and analyse the data quick. Some gauges use warning sounds which would make it not as important to be within view but you would not be able to tell which gauge it is untill you stop the car to check it out ex: Glove box.

The only gauge you need to truly look at when trying to contain 500+ hp is your techometer. Real time data should be left to the data logging systems such as Magden. Camp2 etc. Trying to visualize real time data while containing a forced inducted beast is not too smart of an idea but thats just my opinion, I could be wrong. :eekdance:

Most gagues do have a button you can press to give the highest numbers hit during driving which could come in handy.

How ever I loved all 5 gauges I had in my boosted RSX-S (3 on A-piller and 2 above steering wheel). Everyone would always make some kind of comment or joke about all the gauges I had, but I knew I needed them to some degree not to metion they did kind of get in my view a times.

Hmmm ...... interesting :tiphat:

i See ideas brewing here....Zat hehe. I want to see what you come up with :)

that nismo looks swweeeet tho lol..

patience is a virtue .... it will be awhile :p

Bump, Any updates on gauges, i am about to unload on whole bunch of guages and really need to find a good mount position.

and mounting set-up, cluster etc... anyone with FI have some purchased set-ups

I did HKS Camp 2 and put a LCD screen in the cubby.
I believe RCZ did a boost gauge on the left of the tachometer and two more pods around the passenger storage bin.

Thats llike me and my old Camaro. 3 on the a pillar 2 below the steering wheel. They never got in the way, though the 5 inch cowl hood did.