TUrbo gauge
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Bothell Wa
The gauge is so the user can monitor boost output in psi of the turbo. At wot you should have about 25 psi, normal driving will obviously have less. You shouldn't really need to worry about going to to high unless you start doing engine mods.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 656
From: NH
The turbocharger sends pressurized air into the engine cylinders...when combined with more fuel, this obviously creates a lot more power. The gauge shows how pressurized the air is in the intake manifold. Maximum boost is just shy of 30psi. Normal driving usually doesn't see much more than 10psi of boost unless you are pretty hard on the throttle.
One thing that is cool: When you are headed up a somewhat steep hill on cruise control, a gas-powered truck would quickly downshift in order to build RPM's and maintain speed. The diesel does not downshift at all, but watch how the gauge quickly rises...that added boost is supply additional horsepower and torque without higher RPMs.
I love the turbo gauge - but with the 8" cluster you can switch it out for transmission temp or DEF level.
GM does not offer any boost gauge, and RAM only offers it as a side bar on their info screen.
One thing that is cool: When you are headed up a somewhat steep hill on cruise control, a gas-powered truck would quickly downshift in order to build RPM's and maintain speed. The diesel does not downshift at all, but watch how the gauge quickly rises...that added boost is supply additional horsepower and torque without higher RPMs.
I love the turbo gauge - but with the 8" cluster you can switch it out for transmission temp or DEF level.
GM does not offer any boost gauge, and RAM only offers it as a side bar on their info screen.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
The turbocharger sends pressurized air into the engine cylinders...when combined with more fuel, this obviously creates a lot more power. The gauge shows how pressurized the air is in the intake manifold. Maximum boost is just shy of 30psi. Normal driving usually doesn't see much more than 10psi of boost unless you are pretty hard on the throttle.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 656
From: NH
Others, feel free to chime in.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 544
From: Florida
There are way more useful gauges to be had, especially on a stock truck. Unfortunately, unless you have the 8" Productivity Screen, you're stuck with the boost gauge. The gas trucks get the tranny temp though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 9
From: Finger Lakes, NY
In my GM diesel trucks, I always added a performance module that had an overhead console displaying several things incl boost.
TBH, I would glance and watch the boost psi at first, but never much more after a few months. The EGT display when towing was much more important to me.
On my new '17 SD coming in, I'm not saying it's not a wanted view or option, I just envision it as a "once u get use to it" it's a no biggie anymore., or u just know what it's going to read in every situation maybe?
TBH, I would glance and watch the boost psi at first, but never much more after a few months. The EGT display when towing was much more important to me.
On my new '17 SD coming in, I'm not saying it's not a wanted view or option, I just envision it as a "once u get use to it" it's a no biggie anymore., or u just know what it's going to read in every situation maybe?
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 656
From: NH
The turbo gauge is also a pretty good predictor of instant fuel economy...and can also be used to determine if you are in regen mode...as well how hard your truck is working. I love it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 544
From: Florida
True, but there are other indicators for those things as well. Most don't understand it or even know what the gauge is telling them.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
superduty4x4
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Mar 5, 2008 07:24 PM