trust me I have the same setup & it fits beautifully & doesn't affect mirror much I am 6'5'' &like mirror all the way up no problems

 

No problem. I just wanted everyone to know that the line MSD is feeding them is the same line SCT was/is feeding everyone as well. Gauges, and xcal2 are my suggestion for anyone, even if you just want to tune the trans an do no HP/TQ upgrades. I wanted a monitor for the same reason as many here, not losing the grab handle. Oddley enough after having the gauge pod in for only 4 days, the steering wheel works supprisingly well.

 

I was thinking that too, but I was reading at a few different forums around the net where actual users were talking about them. One of them even had what I am guessing is one of the software engineers as a member because he was helping them out with issues and notifying them of upcoming firmware and asking for beta testers. The engineer guy was personally helping guys with bad wiring get new ones sent to them if the company they bought the thing from wouldn't help and stuff like that. It was a lot like how Matt and Jeremy from LIPD were around here, it really got me thinking that they are trying to get it right.

Oh and be careful using the steering whell to get in and out of the truck. Over time it can wear out the teeth on the tilt steering thing and strip them. I had that happen to me on my 83 bronco. It got real freaky when you were spinning the wheel with one hand. When your hand was at the bottom the wheel would be all the way down, but as your hand got toward the top all the sudden the wheel would flip up. Also hitting big bumps would send the wheel flopping up and down if ou weren't holding on tight. I didn't drive with it like that too long, almost got in a couple wrecks becasue of it

 

Could be, at least MSD asked for beta testers, everyone who got a livewire, was a beta tester by default. Storm was not happy with his. DOn't know if he got all his issues straightened out yet, I know he did find someone to give him the original firmware back.

 

Ok guys so I got my Dashhawk Friday and started playing with it a little this weekend. When I first tried the beta software I couldn't get it to load onto the dashhawk correctly so I emailed the guy in charge letting him know about my issue. Suprisingly enough he sent me a file about an hour later that fixed the problem, on a Saturday afternoon! I was impressed. The Dashhawk doesn't read everything I would like it to at this time, but I have been talking to one of the engineers and he tells me they will be working on it. Currently I have gone through all of the parameters and found that I get readings on the following:

Engine Coolant Temp
Intake Air Temp
Intake Manifold Pressure
Mass Air Flow Sensor
Barometric Pressure
Engine Load
Trouble Codes
Run Time Since Engine Start
Distance With MIL ON
Warmups Since DTC Clear
Distance Since DTC Clear
RPM
Vehicle Speed
Fuel Level
Control Module Volts
Boost/Vacuum
Commanded EGR
EGR Error
Absolute Pedal Position D
Absolute Pedal Position E
Absolute Pedal Position F

I have not had time to examine the readings I am getting so I cannot guarantee these are reading correctly at this time. They are just the ones that I am getting something other than N/A on the screen. If others here with different guages could post what their normal operating measurements are it would help me figure out if it is reading things right. I can say that so far the RPM, Speed, Fuel Level, and Boost guages all seem to match the factory guages well and the runtime, warmups, and distance readings all seem to be true.

 

BeerStalker,
You just couldn't hold back on that DashHawk could you? Im glad to hear you are getting more data than I did out of it. Im thinking maybe due to the update you are getting the additional info. I took Mrxlh's advice and went with the 3 AutoMeter guages on the pillar after trying 2 different DashHawks. Hope it works out for you. Take Care!

 

Ed,

Nope I'm a little hard headed sometimes. I just thought it looked so much nicer than the other digital guages, and I can get a mount for it that won't get rid of my grab handle. (By the way I was not a fan of the overhead mount I got from JEGS I'm sending it back and trying the A-pillar mount).

After reading around on the net and seeing how well they've got it working in other vehicles, and getting on MSDs forum and talking to one of the engineers I decided I'd take a chance on it. I was able to get it cheaper than most guys are getting their 3 gauge pods for, and I am supposd to be getting a kit from MSD to help them test out the EGT setup. The engineer I am dealing with is great, and tends to respond to my emails within a day, so I really think we're going to get this working. I will keep everyone here posted.

Also, the newest software update allows you to customize your screens on the computer and then upload it to the dashhawk, it's much easier than the old way.

 

Beerstalker: Thanks for all the updates. I would also like a digital set up like this rather than a series of gauges. I did notice some items of interest that are missing from the list of things you can monitor, such as: Transmission Temp, Engine Oil Temp/Pressure. Do you know if they are going to add support of these types of measurements also??

 

I am currently talking to the engineer about trying to get Transmission Temp, Oil Temp, and Fuel Pressure working. He says that they should be able to get them working and he is putting it on thier work schedule. Right now they are working pretty hard to get the Computer software updated to allow you to upload your personal screens like I said (I have beta software right now checking it for them and it seems to work great). They are also working pretty hard to get the Hawkeye add on working, which will allow you to measure EGT and other items.

 

Just a quick update. I was running some test software for MSD last week and they had the trans temp working intermittantly. It would show up for a second and then go back to N/A or at some times it would be there for a couple minutes straight. I was getting temp readings of 150-160°F driving around unloaded so it appears that the scale is right also. I would think that they should be able to have this figured out and working consistantly pretty soon.

 

Engine Oil and Transmission Temp seem to be working correctly in the Beta software I am testing right now, along with a few other new parameters. I will try to post an updated list of the working parameters soon. Here are the big ones I know are working off the top of my head though.

Boost
RPM
Speed
Engine Coolant Temp
Engine Oil Temp
Transmission Temp

I am getting happier with my purchase with every update.

I also now have my EGT probe installed in the exhaust manifold and I should be getting the new cable and software to test it out next week. I will post how that turns out also.

 

Got the new cable and installed everything over the weekend. The EGT probe seems to be working well, but I am not 100% sure of the readings, they seem a little high. I am getting temp readings around 380 at idle when the truck is warmed up, 925 when on the highway (2000RPM/75mph), and if I accelerate hard from a dead stop I can get the reading over 1200 (I let off there, cause I know above that isn't great on the turbo). After driving around for a while (mostly in town) I got home and had to sit with the truck idling for about 3 minutes before the temp was below 400, I was under the impression that should not take long if you are just driving around town empty. What are you guys with stock tunes seeing for EGTs when driving around empty?

 

Beerstalker

A little trick that used to work on the farm when waiting to get the EGT down on the tractor was to let it idle for a while then give it some throttle then let off. It seemed like the temp would drop then hang up around 450 to 500 F. Once you tap the throttle a few times it will drop. After those throttle taps just let it idle for another 30 secs to allow that turbo to slow down before you shut 'er down.

 

Beerstalker,

First, thank you for posting the progress you have made working with MSD.

I recently purchased a 2007 F350 Dually to pull my 37 ft toy hauler. I want to monitor the engine and trans without putting a bunch of gauges on the piller. I think that the Dashhawk may be just what I am looking for.

What additional items, other than the thermocouple in the exhaust manifold, are necessary to monotor EGT? And are these items currently available to the general public?

Where is the best place to buy the Dashhawk?

Thanks,

Charlie

 

The Dashhawk will measure most items right through the ODB II Port. EGTs on most trucks will require an external temperature probe to be installed (they believe on the 6.4L they will be able to get it from existing sensors).

Right now MSD is still testing the external sensors. They have an add on that is currently being called the Hawkeye that will allow up to 8 different external sensors to be monitored by the Dashhawk. I believe they plan on getting all of that released some time this summer.

As far as buying the Dashhawk, it seems as if most places are selling it right around $300. I was able to get mine for $250, if you send me a PM I will give you the name of the place I bought from. It was a special they had going on at the time so I'm not sure if that price is still good. You might want to check around with a few of our sponsors here and see who offers it also. (I know JEGs has it). The Hawkeye is going to be available to be purchased seperately or as a package with the Dashhawk, but I have not heard a price on it yet.

I will try to get a picture of the Dashhawk installed in my truckthis week.