Best gauge pod?

So I just got a autometer boost gauge. But the pod it came with isn't really what I thought and all the hoses and wires show. So question is what are you guys using?
Also, the hose that comes with the kit, is there a way to soften it up without damaging it? Thanks in advance

No clue on the autometer wiring but I'm running two pods down below the HVAC and one in the vent.





http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost....&postcount=191

There is some debate about the safety of using A-pillar gauge pods in our cars due to the side curtain air bags and my post is not intended to further discussion on that topic (plenty of threads and discussion in the forum already), but this is an option if you decided you wanted to go that route:

http://jcspods.com/1012LGT.php

I hated these gauge pods, but I loved the location. And the flat panel I mounted the gauges to was pretty cheap from the dealer if I ever wanted to uninstall the gauges and replace it. My AutoMeter gauge was also the biggest pile of crap. Somewhere I have a replacement that I never installed...

The nylon tubing that comes with a manual boost gauge is what it is...stiff and inflexible. I suppose you could carefully warm it with a hair dryer to see if you can get it to hold a tighter radius, but do a test section first. This is exactly why I went with an electric gauge for boost, I am not a big fan of the nylon tubing. I have an inexpensive Autometer mechanical boost gauge in my 1st gen Legacy SS, but the idea there was to keep the cost down. For the GT, I spare no expense.

I threw that clear tubing in the garbage and used some nice silicone tubing I had laying around the garage from previous projects.

What size tubing did you have Rutchard? And how did you connect it to the gauge? Thanks

stuff like this is available in 3mm and 4mm.

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Turb...WpAaAsYw8P8HAQ

and clamps

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tb...Q0UaAoYC8P8HAQ

http://www.boostcontroller.com/Turbo...ose-s/2128.htm

That's what I had, I don't recall what size, but measure what you've got and purchase accordingly. Zipties work great to clamp the tubing down.

I may have lied, I think I used a few inches of the clear stuff to go from the pod to under the dash, then used some brass barb adapters from the hardware store to step up to the silicone hose size and ran that into the engine bay.

I have been real interested in getting a temp and oil pressure gauge. I have the factory boost gauge, but would love to actually know what my temp really is. I am thinking of making a gauge panel for in front of the shifter like acumenhokie did. I gave also been toying with just using my scangauge2. That way I can program it for whatever. I will post pics when I get it done.
Brendan

So I did a quick mock up of using my scangauge. Of course I have not used it in quite a while and when I plugged it in half the screen was not working. I called the company and they said to send it back and they will send me a new one pre programmed for my car, which is a nice bonus. Anyway here is a pic of it installed. When I get it back I think that I am going to have coolant temp, af ratio, tps, and map. I could do boost but I already have the gauge so I do not need to.
Thanks
Brendan

loved the scangauge in my old car!! also this is my water temp gauge. the placement of it is perfect to me as its right in line of sight but not really in the way...the name of the guy that made it is escaping me but i know he is (was) a regular on the mazda forums!

It stinks that there really is only generic mounts for gauges, and nothing really 5th Gen specific. I like the clean stock looking gauge pods, so I did a little custom fabrication with a piece of thin sheet metal. It was pretty easy, anyone that is a little handy can make one, with a little bit of time and beer. To mount it securely all I did was remove the cubbyhole and bolt the pod to those existing holes.

EDIT: not sure why the pic didnt post ill try again when i get home

check it



carbon fiber wrap optional

I like that in the cubby. Very clean