Air fuel gauge mounting options?

[boonies]

I am interested in mounting a wideband air fuel gauge(s) somewhere in the coupe. There are a couple options that I am considering. What I am not considering is the Alpina gauge mounting in the dash speaker hole.

BMW had dashboard mounting of gauges for the 2002 Turbo that is interesting.

I would want something that could be installed and removed without causing damage. I wonder if the cell phone mount being discussed here might be a good base for a cluster. I know that I am ignoring the challenge of routing of the wiring bundle that would be necessary for the AFR gauges.

Ireland Engineering has a “turbo style” three gauge cluster, but it is not as nice looking in my opinion, and input on 2002 FAQ indicates that modern AFR gauges do not fit.

Another option that I like less is on the knee bolster just above the gas/brake pedal. This is prone to damage from an accidental kick when entering or exiting the car. The reason I am even considering it is that I have a knee bolster in pretty good condition from a later car that has a hole in that place, possibly from the relays that are no longer present.

Any thoughts or examples that you have seen or are considering?

 

[ScottAndrews]

Do you need permanently installed gauge? Seems like this would be used primarily for tuning

 

[boonies]

So far I have been using a portable unit from Innovate Motorsports for tuning, but I was thinking about adding the gauges on a more permanent basis. It may be that when I am done with this round of tuning (that is kicking my behind) I will not want to look at AFR gauges...

I did find a 3d print version here...

 

[ScottAndrews]

You have a perfectly good AFR gauge mounted in the seat (at least when you are behind the wheel... ...

So have you ever had the Webers running right?

If so, what changed?

 

[Thomas76]

I Agree with Scott. Either temporary or hidden location, you don't need one all the time unless you're running big boost.

I had one mounted in glove box on my E36,

 

[Larry Louton]

I took the grille out for the right side of hood at the windshield. Aluminum strip into underside of hood grill screw holes. Mounted AFR gauges into grille opening, Harness dropped thru hole down to hood stays then back to hood grille opening down to O2 sensors. found power and ground at washer pump. Then found out wiper blade was in way. Remove wiper arm and blade.
Thank you.
Will get you picture tomorrow.
Larry Louton

 

[ScottAndrews]

Doesn't somebody make a Bluetooth AFR sensor? Use your phone to tune

 

[rsporsche]

my air / fuel gauge for tuning is going to live in the glove box below the megasquirt computer. as i remember, the air / fuel ratio sensor gauge (for megasquirt) connects to both the wide band oxygen sensor and there is also a vacuum line that connects to the vacuum line between the fuel regulator and the intake manifold. i don't think most of the AFR gauges look that good. if you are just using a wide band o2 sensor in a less complex fuel system ... then your needs will be different.

 

[stphers]

Put it somewhere , where you cannot see it except for tuning Once you can see it, you will become addicted to it causing upteenth hours of chasing the perfect ratio. Just sayin!!

Thanks, Rick

 

[boonies]

You have a perfectly good AFR gauge mounted in the seat (at least when you are behind the wheel... ...

So have you ever had the Webers running right?

If so, what changed?

I had Weber 38/38 down drafts before, now starting the tuning of 40 DCOE’s.

I will get there, just need time to chase the issues.

Today I plan to plug in the smoke machine to look for leaks.

I do have an innovate Motorsport LM-2 portable sensor and that will work until I decide on a more permanent solution.

 

[Ohmess]

Put it somewhere , where you cannot see it except for tuning Once you can see it, you will become addicted to it causing upteenth hours of chasing the perfect ratio. Just sayin!!

Thanks, Rick

Here's my installation, but Rick is right. This does tend to make you obsess over your tune.

Gary Beck has an AFR gauge in the armrest he installed between the seats that he can pull out whenever he wants. If you are installing an armrest, this is another option.

 

[boonies]

If I didn’t have AC the gauges in the center stack would be the way to go.

 

[Markos]

Since it’s only the AFR, you could hide a digital version inside your vent. If you don’t want to drill a few small holes in your original duct, you could get the 3D printed duct from a forum member (forget who)

Like this:

 

[boonies]

Behind the vent is an interesting solution…

 

[Ives]

Lance,
Here’s a picture of where I mounted my turbo gauge. The gauge has a mounting bracket and it fits perfectly. That corner is pretty useless and it’s only a few degrees off Speedo and tach. Mine has both boost and vacuum. I mostly drive off my tach but when I go into boost it lets me know when I’m reaching my 15 lbs limiter.
Had to drill a small hole at the back and most people don’t notice it in that position. Important if you’re trying to stay period correct.
Regards, Jon

 

[boonies]

Jon, that is an interesting use of otherwise wasted space! The hole is in the back wood or the base/floor?

 

[Ives]

In the crease where they meet. Plenty of room under the horizontal and behind the vertical. I was very careful in drilling and used a pilot hole, long drill bits, padding and patience to not scar the dash works.
Regards, Jon

 

[Larry Louton]

Hello from sunny Venice. This how I did mine on a 1972 E3.
Larry Louton

 

[boonies]

Like the hood mounted tachometer on a firebird!

 

[Jellobmw]

My Innovative AFR gauge is the one on the right in the dash speaker location. It’s hooked to the header collector for cylinders 4,5,6. Plug comparison to ensure cylinders 1,2,3 are getting the same.