Help me choose some gauges

[MattR]

I have all but decided on a set of three Omori Multicolor gauges, for the simple fact that they are great gauges, they can change to red, and they are in standard measurement. Now, Are there any other gauges that fit this criteria? If not, i'm going to order these soon.

Also, I'm gonna go with Boost and EGT for sure, but for the third gauge, should I get Oil press or Oil temp? Any thoughts. Help me decide. I have also decided that the defi center mount gauge pod id the way to go, its not like its the only distracting large object in my view.

If anyone knows of any other gauges that would work, let me know, but I'm pretty sure the Omori's are the best for my application.

[sperry]

I'm a fan of the Defi BF Gauges (I got the boost gauge).

Here's why I think they're better than the Omori's (unless Omori's added a ton of features to their gauges):

- Cost the same as the Omori (iirc).
- Are white/red, and I'm pretty sure they can be converted to red/red w/o much trouble (just swapping the LEDs to red LEDs) (in Japan they make an STi specific version that's red/red w/ the STi logos on 'em, but I dunno if you could get those in the states)
- They use stepper motors, just like the stock instrument cluster, so no lag between data and display. Plus it means the gauges are very shallow in depth, so you can even get a clean install w/o a gauge pod if that's something you'd like.
- Defi makes the stock gauges in the STi... they do that same cool startup sequence!
- The BF series do the blackout thing just like the stockers.
- They have adjustable warning levels
- They have peak playback
- They record up to 3 minutes of data for realtime playback w/ FFWD and RWND (plenty long for an autoX run, this was invaluable when I was diagnosing my overboost condition at Atwater)
- The Defi display can be added to monitor all types of info w/o having the gauges themselves cluttering the cockpit, and will read in SAE units too.
- They have a central control panel (the Defi Link unit) that all the sensors connect to, then the gauges are daisy chained off each other, making installation easier and cleaner. Plus they come with all the necessary wires (tho Omori's prolly do too).

If I had the STi, I'd do Defi Link v2 w/ 60mm BF Boost, EGT, and Oil Pressure gauges in a Defi Guage Pod. Then add the Defi Display at a later time and install it in an inconspicuous location to monitor Water and Oil temp (in addition to Boost, Speed, EGT, Oil Press, and Voltage).

So really the only thing Omori's got going for 'em is the adjustable color, and the SAE units. I thought having BAR instead of PSI was gonna suck, but it takes about 2 seconds to get used to it... and hell, you're driving a Japanese car anyway! Just remember, keep the boost under 1.1bar!

Oh, and the reason I'd go Oil Pressure instead of temp: Oil and Water temp tell you just about the same info, and you've got a water temp gauge already... albeit a crappy one. Oil pressure will tell you more about an oil leak sooner than waiting for the oil or water temp to go up. Plus, the Defi Display can show oil and water temp on the same screen once it's all hooked up.

Phew! Long post!

Oh wait, one more thing: Omori's service has been crap in the US. People were acutally buying them illegaly from Malaysia since Omori USA was so pathetic about keeping units in stock. I guess theing have gotten better, since it looks like Vendors are finally starting to get 'em in stock, but 2 years ago you couldn't buy Omori w/o going black market. They were also the most expensive gauges out there.

[ShawnS]

I would go with the oil pressure gauge. IMO, i would rather be informed about pressure instead of temp. I think you can guesstimate engine temps by going off of an EGT. Not totally sure though. My experiences have taught me that a drop in oil pressure is more serious than a spike in oil temp.

BTW, what is the website addy for those gauges. Never heard of those. I am currently looking for some trick ones. I would have gone with Blitz carbon backs, but those seem to be only in mechanical versions.

[ShawnS]

Damn, Scott beat me to it.

[MattR]

The only place I've seen the Omoris is Gruppe-s. Its a tough decision between the Defi and omori gauges.

[MattR]

Originally Posted by sperry

I'm a fan of the Omori BF Gauges (I got the boost gauge).

.

You meant Defi right?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by MattR

You meant Defi right?

"Just because I don't know what it is, doesn't mean I'm lying." --Strangebrew

[MattR]

I figured as much

[BOO]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2435693529
Ok now shut up and BUY IT NOW !!! ..

[ArthurS]

Originally Posted by BOO

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46100&item=2435693 529
Ok now shut up and BUY IT NOW !!! ..

NIIIIIIIIIIIICE!!!! Buy it Matt !!

[sperry]

Gruppe-S has the same setup for about $800 w/ free shipping, not including the pod. However, Max is a good guy and would prolly do everything for like $850 if he can afford it. Plus ground shipping from Gruppe-S arrives the next day.

http://www.gruppe-s.com/Defi/defimeter.htm

[STIwish]

If I pick up a big website here soon, I am so down for that gauge setup in my ride... along with the Defi-Link display.. hell yeah buddy.