Boost gauge, why?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Utah
Boost gauge, why?
I certainly understand the reason for having a pyrometer and a trans temperature gauge in the truck -- what is the reason for having the boost gauge? I mean, I understand that it shows how many pounds of boost you are getting, but knowing that, what do you do with that information (e.g. let off the pedal before you . . . . .)? Or is it just to round out the 3 gauge cluster?
I've never had a turbo vehicle before, so forgive my ignorance
Thanks,
John.
I've never had a turbo vehicle before, so forgive my ignorance
Thanks,
John.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
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From: Bonney Lake, WA
There are actually two reasons to have a boost gauge. The primary reason would be to monitor overall performance of the turbo. After driving with my boost gauge, and knowing what "normal" is for my truck, I'd spot a drop in boost immediately, and have the opportunity to diagnose the problem before it turned into something bigger.
The second reason is just to help you quantify the improvements that were made by a particular mod. For example, my truck in stock form would put out 18psi boost. When I added the chip, my boost went up to 23psi. Now that I've added propane, I can hit 30psi. The gauge helps me feel like I'm getting what I paid for.
The second reason is just to help you quantify the improvements that were made by a particular mod. For example, my truck in stock form would put out 18psi boost. When I added the chip, my boost went up to 23psi. Now that I've added propane, I can hit 30psi. The gauge helps me feel like I'm getting what I paid for.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Utah
Sounds like it really is a nice (or very nice) to have, but not really essential when doing mods like the other two are.
I'll bet getting one anyway, was just wondering why I needed it.
Thanks,
John.
I'll bet getting one anyway, was just wondering why I needed it.
Thanks,
John.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Southern California
Fm Quadzilla
Thank you, for I also was interested in the answer..
Fm Distinctive Dave
We're always learning.....thank you, Dave.
There are actually two reasons to have a boost gauge.......
Fm Distinctive Dave
Also a little note, with a stock turbo you dont want to get over 25 PSI very often otherwise you will be replacing a turbo......
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 772
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From: Salem USA
I also use it when towing and the EGT's start getting too hot, I drop down the boost until the point that will hold them where I want them. I use the dual EGT/Boost gauge, I like having them both on the same gauge...
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Carol Stream, IL
Well as far as i know the stock turbo itself...(im not sure about the 95-97 verison) but i know the 99-2003 7.3 turbo is not able to handle over 25psi on a regular occasion. The bushings and such just arent built for that. A stock PSD will make 18-20psi stock and when a stock truck makes over that the map sensor defuels the truck i.e. service engine soon light ....and that is the reason why we add a pop off valve, regulator, or zener diode inline before the map sensor...zener diode goes from the middle wire on the map sesnor to ground so the map sensor never sees above a certain voltage. Like i said from experience...i didnt know this fact until i blew my turbo and i was reading alot of info on the dieselstop. I now have a Hypermax H2E and regularly see 30-32 psi. That turbo has no wastegate.
This is a basic explanation. If you want more info go over to www.ford-trucks.com and look and search the forums over there. Any other questions and il try to help.
This is a basic explanation. If you want more info go over to www.ford-trucks.com and look and search the forums over there. Any other questions and il try to help.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Garrett's factory rating for the GTP38 is 25 psi. Mine has gone well beyond that many time for a long time.
A buddy of mine blew his turbine wheel into pieces last week with only 40K on his truck.
25 psi is just a general guideline for us hotrodder types, and if it lets go, we'll know why.
A buddy of mine blew his turbine wheel into pieces last week with only 40K on his truck.
25 psi is just a general guideline for us hotrodder types, and if it lets go, we'll know why.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Burton, Ohio
The turbos will go that high but it does not mean they are effcient. I can hit mid 40s with mine but I don't like to. The amount of heat build up and restriction the turbo is causing at that boost level is detrimental to performance. Its not the pressure as much as the volume of air you can flow into the motor.
