Hi

I'd like to add a boost gauge to my A3. I'd did some searching on the net and saw some really nice fitments, where they attached the boost gauge to the window pillar just next to the dash. After stopping at one to two locals spares placed in Cape Town, I've realised that this isn't your average motor part, none of them having any.

Does anyone know of where to get a good fitting gauge in CT? Anyone out there have pics of their installs?

-Thomas

Check the back of CAR magazine

One place that stocks a good selection of boost gauges is AutoStyle. There is no Cape Town office, but you can check http://www.autostyle.co.za/ (click on 'performance' and then 'performance gauges') for the gallery of different gauges, chose the one of your choice and they'll send it to you using Speed Services.

Their boost gauges are mostly 2 inch gauges. They have analogue gauges with white on black or black on white as well as digital and 3D-effect gauges, so you can match up to your car's interior.

They also sell pods for mounting the gauge on your dash, although their pods aren't as nice as their gauges and from the looks of things are screw-mounted (which would mean damaging your dash). Better to try find a neat place to install the gauge without hacking your dash.
They do also stock the fitting you mention for mounting it on the inside of the A pillar.

Please note that I cannot vouch for them as I've never dealt with them before. I was just looking for a boost gauge myself and so far they seem to have the best selection.

On this note, does anyone have recommendations as to where is best to install a boost gauge in an S2/RS2? I'm thinking of removing the centre air vent. Alternatively, can anyone advise where to get a pod that can be attached using double-sided tape or other means that doesn't require damaging the dash or facia?

Thanks

On the RS2 you can fit a pod over the little vent on top of the dash on the RHS of the instrument cluster. You can bring the cabling through the vent and don't need to make any permanent holes.

The best place to connect the gauge to is the vacuum pipe at the ECU (in the passenger foot well) - that way you don't need to go through the bulkhead to the engine bay. The gauges sold by Autostyle are AutoGauge (www.autogauge.com.tw) - the quality of their vacuum pipes are not very good so get some decent silicon vacuum piping as well.

I would recommend checking out www.importparts.co.za or contact Jerry on 082 805 8817. They have a wide variety of automotive parts (including boost gauges) at all sorts of prices.

Chaser

My friend ordered some sound equipment through Autostyle and he had no issues at all

You can get the Autoguage boost guage here in CPT at about the same price as Autostyle's but you will struggle to find the pod. Try Extreme Motorsport at N1 City (in the same block as Hi-Q, just at the back of it).

Audi A3 1.8T
ex "BroSpeed" RXi

I see they sell Greddy gauges - much better quality than AutoGauge but more expensive as well, I guess.

.....And if you absolutely must buy the AutoGauge boost gauge, throw away that clear plastic tubing that comes with it!Completely useless as it collapses very easily under vacuum, which will affect your readings.Buy 1.5 m of good quality Silicone vacuum pipe.

Where can you get good silicone tubing, I have tried some hardware stores to no avail...

Chaser

A somewhat-related question - any ideas where the engine management system picks up actual boost pressure (i.e. whereabouts between the turbo and inlet manifold), particularly on a B6 A4 1.8T? I.e. is it possible for the management system to pick up a pressure which is incorrect due to leaks downstream from the pressure pickup point? Or is the sensor in the manifold itself?