What are the best gauges? and why?

[daiviouth]

Manual or Electronic?
(I'll assume electronic but if anyone wants to counterdict me go ahead - with a valid reason)
What brand and why? reguardless of price.

HKS Elec 60mm
APEX'i E.L.2
BLiTZ DC Meters
GReddy P/H/W
Defi BF

Check out all these meters at: Gruppe-s.com

Personally I like the Defi BF because of the startup/shut down. and they are black faced and black/white at night. But I want opinions. Especially on quality, reliablity, warrenty and accuracy.

Thanks,

Matt

[AutoXJunkie]

While I haven't tested them myself, I consistantly hear that the Defi gauges are the most accurate, if what I hear counts for anything.

[QuickSilver]

I believe gauge preference is fairly broad for many reasons:
Bling Bling vs. Stock
cost, cost, cost

I have not seen any quantifiable evidence to indicate lower priced gauges like autometer (used in Nascar) or Vdo (comes in BMWs and porches) are any less accurate than the higher end gauges. Also, I think the Vdo's look more stock than any of the others (except for Omori, which I think looks most stock (green back-lit, yellow needles).

AS for electric vs mechanical, it depends. :
Mech is usually a lot cheaper,
Also a mech gauge failure is more obvious than electric,
Also mech do not require addiitonal costly center consoles (which also lowers risk, cause if the center console goes down, all your gauges go down).
I personally would go for boost in mech.

Elctric gauge are good if you don't want engine fluids in your cabin. Also elects have peak and warning functions and are generally easier to install.

I know this is a poll so here's my favorites:

I'd go w/ Omori gauge (looks most stock with good quality). 2nd would be Vdo (same reasons as the above). My actual gauges are a mix between the two, all electric except for a mech boost gauge.

Hg.

[daiviouth]

Hey Moderator Please add VDO, Omori, and AutoMeter to my poll, Thanks!

- Matt

[WRC_Obsessed]

I vote Defi BF...

Gauges!?!?

check last couple of posts on the page.....

the guages are pretty damn accurate and the also have the sick opening and closing sequence....just too damn cool..

[QuickSilver]

I agree that the sequence is cool, but for me, I rather not have aftermarket gauges that are more sophisticated than the stock cluster. Maybe if I drove a lexus...but I always see the rex as more down to earth without as much bling. bling. Just my opinion though.

[WRC_Obsessed]

Originally posted by QuickSilver
Just my opinion though.

i agree...to each their own...

[daiviouth]

But if, lets say, I do have a sophisticated car, or one that I do want to drop alot into - these (defi) would be the best for it?
If i do go defi i plan to use the mounting brackets and put them where i want. I believe the A-pilar is too "ricey" but that's just my opinion.

- Matt

[WRC_Obsessed]

yup...i think these would be the guages for you...

i didn't like the a pillar either...way to ricey for my taste...if you do use the mounting brackets i would be very interesting in seeing your setup...

[daiviouth]

as soon as I:
1) Get the money for them (which should be soon my b-day is next month)
2) Order them
3) Install them
I'll be more than happy to post pictures *(maybe even an mpg clip)*. I hope it's going to look as good as I think it is.

-= Matt =-