GAUGES
Before we add any additional fuel to an engine, we have to start by installing a set of gauges. The most important gauge on any modified diesel engine is the pyrometer. On our stock Cummins motor, its important to make sure we keep egts below 1450 degrees F to prevent damage from excessive heat build up in the top half of the engine as well as in the turbos. We will also want to watch our boost pressure to make sure we don't exceed 60 to 65 psi while running the stock head bolts and head gasket. And finally, we'll need a transmission temp gauge to keep an eye on our transmission.
We've chosen the Spek Street line of gauges from ProParts. These electronic gauges include features like programmable high and low set points for alarms or optional auxiliary fans, turbo timers, water methanol controllers and nitrous controllers. They also have stepper motor drives that provide a smooth 280 degree sweep, a 15 percent larger viewing area (on a 2 1/16-inch gauge) and seven different programmable color options. We installed the gauges on a three gauge pillar (complete replacement), also from ProParts.