Selecting gauges
Selecting gauges I am building a Datsun 280z with a 5.3 single turbo setup and T56 magnum. Going to be running a Terminator X DBW. Planning for e85 and 600ish whp. I am going to be buying gauges soon and wanted some advice. Car will be a street car.
What do you think are the most important gauges to have? I am trashing all the stock gauges so starting from scratch. I will have a tach and speedo for sure. Then I need to select the other gauges.
The 280z dash can fit (2) 4.5" gauges and (3) 2.625" gauges. I don't necessarily need to limit myself to just those 5 gauges, but I don't want to clutter up with a bunch more, either. I think I am going to be getting the gauges from Speedhut. Right now my list has:
4.5" Tach w/ shift light
4.5" Speedo/ fuel gauge combo
2.625" oil pressure
2.625" water temp
2.625" boost
But what about oil temp, AFR, EGT, fuel pressure? Any others? Are the initial 5 gauges I listed the most important? I can hook up to the Holley Terminator to get more detailed data, but what is important for immediate feedback while driving?
This is my first serious turbo build so wanted to make sure I was taking everything into account.
Thanks for any opinions.
What do you think are the most important gauges to have? I am trashing all the stock gauges so starting from scratch. I will have a tach and speedo for sure. Then I need to select the other gauges.
The 280z dash can fit (2) 4.5" gauges and (3) 2.625" gauges. I don't necessarily need to limit myself to just those 5 gauges, but I don't want to clutter up with a bunch more, either. I think I am going to be getting the gauges from Speedhut. Right now my list has:
4.5" Tach w/ shift light
4.5" Speedo/ fuel gauge combo
2.625" oil pressure
2.625" water temp
2.625" boost
But what about oil temp, AFR, EGT, fuel pressure? Any others? Are the initial 5 gauges I listed the most important? I can hook up to the Holley Terminator to get more detailed data, but what is important for immediate feedback while driving?
This is my first serious turbo build so wanted to make sure I was taking everything into account.
Thanks for any opinions.
TECH Addict
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: PDX-OR-USA
I was in the same place on my Jeep build, I bought the Holley 7" glass dash,, when I did the math, buying very many good gauges was going to cost what the dash did. And it gives me access to just about anything the Terminator is seeing on the engine. The 3" screen can tell you a lot.. And it can be tucked in a spot like a former ash tray location.. 
I am actually running both the 7" and the 3" during testing and breakin..
I am actually running both the 7" and the 3" during testing and breakin.. 
I use the Holley 3.5 screen for all my gauges, there is 3 diff dashboards you can personalize, plus a couple preset, and you can set them up with cautions, so they change colors if out of set range. I do add a tach though, but usually program a shift light.
Since you have the Holley it would be foolish to not use their 6.86 or 7" screen, IMO. I have the older 6.86" dash and am very very happy with it. Multiple layouts, you can customize, make minor tune adjustments, it provide extra I/O capability, etc. Well worth the money. You'll eventually recoup the money if you ever sell the car too. A vehicle for sale is much more desirable with a nice digital dash than the older style gauges in this day and age for sure.
