boost gauge help needed

NM_BMW · 03-13-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

I'm questioning the accuracy of mine too.........the question is, how can I check it? I would have to swap out another one right?

When should the gauge read zero? when its off??

I don't think the STRI gauges are completely accurate, but I don't think their completely wrong either. It gives me a some what close reading of the boost I am getting, but it just bugs me that it isn't zeroed. The only way to check it is to get another brand gauge and check it against that. I have found the cheap Faze gauges at Autozone to actually be pretty darn good gauges. I have my options opened for another solution until then I suppose I'll live with the STRI.

The gauge should zero itself out when the car is completely off. When I turn mine off my needle goes up then starts like having a hard time around the last few dashes until it stops at the dash before zero. The bad part is that most of these mechanical gauges are really good, but it seems that the less quality built ones tend to get damaged just by shaking their box around. Both of my STRI gauges weren't even secured well in their original boxes. The face would go forward and back in their box, probably messing up the internals in the gauges itself.

e.n335 · 03-13-2008, 04:36 PM

I can recommend the high resolution VEI boost gauge. I use it in my car, it seems to be good quality as well.

NM_BMW · 03-13-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e.n335

I can recommend the high resolution VEI boost gauge. I use it in my car, it seems to be good quality as well.

I was looking at those as well as the Defi's.

Max@Logic · 03-25-2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

I'm questioning the accuracy of mine too.........the question is, how can I check it? I would have to swap out another one right?

When should the gauge read zero? when its off??

Yes. Take your time and check your work again. I am sure it something small that you might have overlooked. Keep us updated.

Best Regards,
Max-

Amir87 · 03-25-2008, 11:16 AM

I'm ditching my STRI mech. gauge for a Hi-Res VEI gauge.

I can't stand the fact the STRI has only increments of 3 between numbers and it's not zero'd when off

turb0 · 03-25-2008, 11:20 AM

my stri wouldnt zero when off either and my boost wasnt reading correctly but i changed the wires and used my own 4 way fitting and it works perfectly now

Mr. 5 · 03-25-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir87

I'm ditching my STRI mech. gauge for a Hi-Res VEI gauge.

I can't stand the fact the STRI has only increments of 3 between numbers and it's not zero'd when off

Maybe you have a bunk gauge then.
Mine is still perfectly fine.

e90AW335i · 03-25-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Maybe you have a bunk gauge then.
Mine is still perfectly fine.

Mine does sit right at zero either, it is right below it....

I think I am gonna have Rick send me out a new one with the gauge pod...

Amir87 · 03-25-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90AW335i

Mine does sit right at zero either, it is right below it....

I think I am gonna have Rick send me out a new one with the gauge pod...

Yeah, Mine is also just a tick below zero.

Mr. 5 · 03-25-2008, 12:26 PM

Maybe electric is the way to go then, but I personaly can't stand the startup feature.
My mechanical gauge is working perfectly.

Sniz · 03-25-2008, 01:46 PM

I just ordered some cheapo electric boost gauge that is either white or amber w/ a black face........$80.

I'll let you guys know how it looks and functions.

Im 99% positive my STRI gauge isnt accurate right now. The vacuum line is getting pinched I think by the side of the dashboard. Electric will eliminate that problem.

NM_BMW · 03-25-2008, 02:33 PM

Looks like everyone's STRI gauge is a tick below zero when off. I can't stand it having only 3 increments between the numbers either... I'm looking at the VEI or the Defi's. STRI

: And I'm on my second STRI too!!

down4it · 03-25-2008, 02:37 PM

I have a VEI electronic gauge and when i turn the car to the on position (engine not running) it says -1 not 0... Anyone else have a VEI gauge?

Amir87 · 03-25-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by down4it

I have a VEI electronic gauge and when i turn the car to the on position (engine not running) it says -1 not 0... Anyone else have a VEI gauge?

Isn't there a way to re-calibrate it?

down4it · 03-25-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir87

Isn't there a way to re-calibrate it?

I have no idea...

Amir87 · 03-25-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by down4it

I have no idea...

RESETTING THE AMBIENT REFERENCE
To be able to provide positive (boost) and negative (vacuum) pressure measurements, the boost gauge needs to know the ambient air pressure
level. Although this is set at the factory, the ambient pressure may be different at the usage location, or in different climates. You will notice the
effects of this as a non-zero reading when the engine is off and the pressure in the intake manifold or vacuum line has had enough time to bleed
back to ambient. This reference pressure level can be reset (re-calibrated) by using the following procedure:
o Turn the engine off, and the ignition key off so that the gauge is powered off.
o Allow some time for the pressure in the manifold to bleed off, or temporarily disconnect the vacuum line to the boost gauge.
o Press and hold the button on the front of the vacuum-boost gauge.
o Turn the ignition key on (do not start the vehicle).
o The display should read “End” and show alternating LEDs on the bargraph on.
o You can release the switch now.
o Turn the key off.
o The reference level has been re-calibrated. Remember to re-connect the vacuum line if you disconnected it.

Hope that helps

down4it · 03-25-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir87

RESETTING THE AMBIENT REFERENCE
To be able to provide positive (boost) and negative (vacuum) pressure measurements, the boost gauge needs to know the ambient air pressure
level. Although this is set at the factory, the ambient pressure may be different at the usage location, or in different climates. You will notice the
effects of this as a non-zero reading when the engine is off and the pressure in the intake manifold or vacuum line has had enough time to bleed
back to ambient. This reference pressure level can be reset (re-calibrated) by using the following procedure:
o Turn the engine off, and the ignition key off so that the gauge is powered off.
o Allow some time for the pressure in the manifold to bleed off, or temporarily disconnect the vacuum line to the boost gauge.
o Press and hold the button on the front of the vacuum-boost gauge.
o Turn the ignition key on (do not start the vehicle).
o The display should read “End” and show alternating LEDs on the bargraph on.
o You can release the switch now.
o Turn the key off.
o The reference level has been re-calibrated. Remember to re-connect the vacuum line if you disconnected it.

Hope that helps

Nice!! Thanks buddy!

Sniz · 03-25-2008, 03:50 PM

how much did that VEI gauge run?

down4it · 03-25-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

how much did that VEI gauge run?

The 41mm was $99 plus shipping with the external boost sending unit.

Dan335i · 03-25-2008, 06:02 PM

At idle 20-21 in vaccum is right on the money.

Sniz · 03-25-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan335i

At idle 20-21 in vaccum is right on the money.

I sometimes see mine idling as low as 26-27.....I dont trust my gauge.

hov333 · 03-25-2008, 07:28 PM

briefly going off topic, (sorry) but what did you guys tap into for power??

03-13-2008, 04:36 PM	#24
e.n335 Moderator 282 Rep 4,481 Posts Drives: e93 ///M3 DCT, 07/2009 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Switzerland, ZH iTrader: (0)	I can recommend the high resolution VEI boost gauge. I use it in my car, it seems to be good quality as well.
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03-25-2008, 11:16 AM	#27
Amir87 Gruppe Titan 279 Rep 2,839 Posts Drives: 08 E92 SG/Coral Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (37) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	I'm ditching my STRI mech. gauge for a Hi-Res VEI gauge. I can't stand the fact the STRI has only increments of 3 between numbers and it's not zero'd when off __________________
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03-25-2008, 11:20 AM	#28
turb0 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 307 Posts Drives: g05 x5 45e Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southeast iTrader: (6)	my stri wouldnt zero when off either and my boost wasnt reading correctly but i changed the wires and used my own 4 way fitting and it works perfectly now
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03-25-2008, 12:26 PM	#32
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 802 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Maybe electric is the way to go then, but I personaly can't stand the startup feature. My mechanical gauge is working perfectly. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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03-25-2008, 01:46 PM	#33
Sniz Lieutenant General 682 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	I just ordered some cheapo electric boost gauge that is either white or amber w/ a black face........$80. I'll let you guys know how it looks and functions. Im 99% positive my STRI gauge isnt accurate right now. The vacuum line is getting pinched I think by the side of the dashboard. Electric will eliminate that problem. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-25-2008, 02:33 PM	#34
NM_BMW Vishnu Powered 74 Rep 2,205 Posts Drives: 335xi, S1000RR Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Proceding iTrader: (7)	Looks like everyone's STRI gauge is a tick below zero when off. I can't stand it having only 3 increments between the numbers either... I'm looking at the VEI or the Defi's. STRI : And I'm on my second STRI too!! __________________ 2008 335xi Sedan \| Titanium Silver \| Black Dakota PROcede v5 \| Vishnu Exhaust \| BMS DCI \| AR Catless DPs \| Helix FMIC \| Stett Charge w/ Tial BOV \| MORR VS8s \| KWv3
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03-25-2008, 02:37 PM	#35
down4it Banned 64 Rep 1,743 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3)	I have a VEI electronic gauge and when i turn the car to the on position (engine not running) it says -1 not 0... Anyone else have a VEI gauge?
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03-25-2008, 03:50 PM	#40
Sniz Lieutenant General 682 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	how much did that VEI gauge run? __________________
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03-25-2008, 06:02 PM	#42
Dan335i Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,786 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe 6MT,w/sp. pack. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: orange county NY iTrader: (2)	At idle 20-21 in vaccum is right on the money.
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03-25-2008, 07:28 PM	#44
hov333 Major 69 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	briefly going off topic, (sorry) but what did you guys tap into for power??
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