I am getting geared up to finally purchase the three guage set that I have been wanting for quite some time.

I have a question: which pyrometer to buy, a pre or post turbo installation.
I am not sure where to look to see if my tube is already tapped??

I am nervous about doing any drilling or serious mods to install these guages.

I would appreciate your opinions on my best options.

 

Def pre-turbo. Gives the best overall safety for high temps and shutting down. You have 2 options, a drill and tap in the exhaust manifold type, or the clamp-on type. The manifold really isn't that big a deal, did mine in about an hour, taking my time and taking deep breaths. I didn't take it off the truck to do it, just took my time, used grease and a magnet to get all the particles out. Been 2 years now.

 

PRE,PRE,PRE,PRE TURBO!!!! i tapped my exhaust manifold with it on the truck just as sy5adm1n did, its been a little over 2 years and everything is fine.

 

Yep, go with pre turbo. It's the most accurate and you know the temp of exhuast that the turbo is getting, instead of the after the turbo. I was like wlihntr and mounted the thermocoupler on the manifold while it was on the truck. Wasn't too difficult, except for welding upside down. I probably need to take it off and reweld it, as I know it's not the best weld, but I haven't had any issues with it at all.

 

farmboy I was wondering why you had to do some welding during your install? I also have my thermocoupler pre turbo and have not had any problems.

 

BTW I just swapped my old post turbo unit for one that taps into the exhaust manifold. It reads about 250 degrees hotter, and shows ups and downs in the temp quickly.

Will a magnet pick up cast iron???

 

some pyro kits come with a threaded coller that the probe screws into so if you would rather not tap the exhaust manifold you can drill a hole into it and then weld the coller over the hole

 

Definitely another PRE-turbo vote. I have a clamp on style probe mounted in the up pipe right after the exhaust manifold. Not a bad install, though I never did one in the manifold - so I can't compare. Definitely put it pre-turbo - putting it post, IMO, is a waste of the money you spent on the pyrometer.

 

Thanks for clarifing that for me I drilled and tapped mine and had no issues.

 

Yes it will.

 

Well shoot, i just ordered the post turbo gauge from motorhaven here last week. I've been looking forward putting in it too... since i'm not mechanically blessed, i thought this would be better for my turbo.

 

Thanks

I will definately order the pre turbo guage. I am still a little nervous about cutting the hole. I now need to decide if I want to tap the hole or weld the bushing on. All I have is a 230v stick welder...that has burn thru written all over it!

 

TaosCowboy, just drill and tap. I was scared to death to drill into my brand new truck. I was thinking about the cost of a new manifold the whole time. I had thought about welding it in, but again, one burn through and either alot of welding up or a new manifold. Once I started, I just took my time, went slow and didn't rush it. Went smoothly. With the drill and tap method I was able to swap out my pyro recently without a problem. (I needed to split the signal to my gauge and my Edge Attitude).

 

You could go up to the local exhaust shop and have them weld it in. I'd be surprised if they didn't have a wire feed. Might be a little funny sounding while you are en route with the hole in the manifold.

 

I don't understand the difference in a pre-turbo kit and a post-turbo kit. I thought both should have a thermocouple with pipe thread so you could use it either way. I had mine post for a long while and just changed it, the difference is amazing. Its way more accurate than post-turbo set up.