Boost gauge plumbing

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 21, 2014 | 10:16 AM

keithwld

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 16

Likes: 1

Boost gauge plumbing

I have an 87 f250 with a 6.9 that has an aftermarket ATS turbo and want to run a boost gauge. I am having trouble finding a place to hook the boost line on the intake. I am wondering if I can tap the adapter that is mounted on top of the intake where the air cleaner used to mount and now the pipe from the turbo is? Or does anyone know of another location that will work? Keith

Dec 21, 2014 | 10:27 AM

Chevy_Eater

Logistics Pro

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 4,221

Likes: 17

Feel around the back of the intake hat.

Dec 21, 2014 | 10:48 AM

keithwld

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 16

Likes: 1

What am I feeling for? Is there a fitting on the back and if there is it seems like it would be hard to get at it without removing the turbo plumbing.

Dec 21, 2014 | 01:50 PM

tecgod13

Logistics Pro

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,737

Likes: 179

From: Western Mass

Yes you can tap the intake "snail". I would remove it so you don't get any debris in the intake while drilling and tapping. While it seems like many of the ATS castings had a spot that was tapped and plugged, some of the castings, like the one that came with my kit, did not have a spot for a boost gauge.

Dec 21, 2014 | 11:55 PM

hairyboxnoogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 6,944

Likes: 13

My 088 kit has a port on the back of the snail. Its a PITA to find if you dunno where it is. Where the turbo outlet enters the snail, it should be a flat machined surface. Feel around there and you should find it. Mine had a 1/8"npt plug (1/4 square head) so once i got the dirt and oil out of the way it wasnt too bad to find. I suggest an electric sender type over the mechanical type.

Dec 22, 2014 | 07:37 AM

keithwld

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 16

Likes: 1

I will have to look again as I did not find it the first time but was looking in the wrong place I guess. If it is not there I might check to see if the bolts that hold the throttle cable bracket in place go all the way through and if they do I might drill one and mount a nipple on it like the ones you can get from ATS for the intake. I already have the mechanical gauge so will use it if I can. Keith

Dec 22, 2014 | 04:20 PM

hairyboxnoogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 6,944

Likes: 13

The bolts for the throttle cable are blind holes, they do not go through. I drilled a secondary port in my hat / snail. I wouldnt be concerned about drilling, but the tapping could easily leave crap in the intake you dont want in there. I had my cousin use an air hose and a towel on the turbo to pressurize the intake while tapping.