What a pain this job has turned out to be, I figured I could wrap it up today- not so much. I'm close though- just need to hook up the boost and then all the wiring. Then change the trans fluid, hook up to the camp trailer, and get ready to rock Wednesday afternoon.
I've got to say when I first sat in the truck with the gauges in there I was a little overwhelmed! I figured they'd be pulled back toward the window more and not so much in your face- I'm sure I'll get used to it though. I'm not super happy with the fit of the gauges in the pod- they don't quite sit flush against the pod, especially the boost gauge. I didn't have any RTV silicone for the trans temp sender, I hope that doesn't come back to bite me in the butt.
Question- how many guys actually vacuum out the manifold/up pipe after tapping? My truck had a clamp-in pyro in the up-pipe already, so I just drilled and tapped that hole and a lot of shavings fell out on their own. It's pretty much pointed straight down so I don't think there's much in there if anything at all, but if need be I'll pull the pyro back out and sick the Hoover on it. Last question- how critical is setting the right depth on the pyro? I know it's supposed to be about 1/2 way in- I know it's close to that but I didn't measure or anything to get it spot on.

 

Get that manifold clean before you have to spend close to $1800 on a drop in and can't drive your truck until its in. Wrong way to ruin a weekend, and the following weekend. About 1\2" little over, little under is OK, is for the pyro. Shouldn't need RTV for the transmission sender nor that fancy plumbers tape. It gets hot.

Received all my new lights, '05 HDs, rear light bar, and strobes for the tech day. Can't wait to get them installed, as I'm sure you can't wait to get these fancy clear '02s

 

How many different bit sizes did you use when drilling out for the EGT gauge? I think I used about 6 different sizes working my way up....and vaccumed every single time. Just for piece of mind. Maybe that was overkill......but Turbo's aren't just a drop in the bucket are they? If you haven't started your truck up yet......I'd vaccum it out, and if you only used a couple bits, I'd find a magnet to stick up and probe around also. Better safe then sorry

 

yes I vacumed...used round wood dowell and 600 grit to open holes on pod worked pretty well and I used gauge holders to suck tight..put 1/8 " drill bit in hole for thermocouple used thumb to mark depth then transfered 1/2 of drill bit length to thermocouple and mrked then installed...on being in your face I had the pyro on top IMO it was too hard to read so moved to second from bottom on 4 gauge pillar

 

Some say vac it out, others say start her up. I drilled it out, tapped, it, put the pyro in and fired her up (i think.....its been a year). If the shavings are really fine, I wouldnt worry, but if they're big, then it might be an issue. Its all up to you.

As for the depth, you want the tip to be in the center of the pipe for the most accurate reading. I just eye-balled it on the outside of the pipe and put it in to about the same depth.

 

Dang it Chase, are the inlaws back in town? guage install= 3 hrs start to finish(not including painting the pod). What are you doing out there?

As for the vacuuming, its personal choice, if it makes you feel better do it.

 

On the shavings- there was already a clamp-in pyro in the up-pipe so there was a good size hole to start with. I only used the bit that came with the gauge kit to drill and a lot of the stuff fell out. When tapping a lot fell out too. I don't really feel like crawling under there with the vacuum to suck the stuff out, but I guess it can't hurt- it will all depend on time. I have to finish this install, change trans fluid, check trailer wiring and get hooked up all tonight after work (get home about 5:40) before dark- wish me luck!
lostmybeer- I hope to see you at the tech day. After you get your lights in, you can do mine while I drink beer and coach ya

 

No, getting ready to go visit the in-laws actually. I think problem #1 is I'm taking my time trying to get things perfect, and problem #2 is I get side-tracked too easily (feed the horses, chase the kiddo, put kiddo's shoes back on, drink some beer, go find the right socket, get the kid out of the sprinkler, drink some beer, etc.)

 

I'm seeing a pattern here

 

I vaccumed just because but i also let the motor idle for a few minutes after i was done. took my all day to get it together well 10-4 or something like that, hopping around on one leg

 

I didn't vacuum, didn't start the engine, only used one drill bit. The exhaust side of the turbo is pretty robust, it has to handles pieces of carbon that are much bigger than any drill shavings you will get in there.

 

I did it like clux. when you are down there drilling all the shavings fall out anyway. especially if you are only using one drill bit. The more times you push that bit through the more chances of getting shaving inside IMO.

 

Dont worry about some little shavings... Drill, tap, install and drive away... You will NEVER hear of a turbo failure due to a shaving going thru it...LOL

As far as your tranny temp goes, install the probe and dont worry about it. If it leaks put some teflon tape on it, but I have never had one leak in over 20 installs.

 

I'll take your advice Joe, since you're the self appointed gauge *****!

 

Vacuum/Magnet...of course! Why wouldn't you??? I really don't care if anybody has ever had a problem, I don't get paid $14,000/hr so it is worth it to me. (Math - Five minutes to vacuum/magnet and $1200 to replace the turbo so that would be $1200/5 min or $14,000/hr)
I didn't use sht on my trans temp sensor and it is fine. It is brass, you never tape brass...I would have used RTV if I didn't have to buy it...
As far as the depth, I didn't really adjust mine. It was in the middleish of the pipe to start with. It wasn't dead center, but close.
FINALLY and most important! To overcome my poor pod fit I took the black magic marker and drew a ring around the gauge where it met the pod (out of the pod of course...) and then if there is a little bit of a gap between the two you really don't notice it. Once I did the final install I got them pretty much sucked in tight anyhow. During the mock ups I never shoved them in all the way bc they were a pita to get out.