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Removing factory gauges

Old 07-23-2014, 04:44 PM
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Default Removing factory gauges

I'm considering replacing the coolant temp factory gauge with a dual SPA oil water temp gauge and moving my dual boost/ WB gauge into the factory oil pressure location to regain use of the left side vent where that gauge currently resides.

I've read a lot of posts on gauges but could not find one where someone talks about removing/ replacing those gauges.

I know it would prob be easier to have a pillar mount but I don't care for the look. I also don't want to block more vents.
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Old 07-23-2014, 05:50 PM
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https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...4/#post1124764

(Shows what goes into making room for the NA gauge in an NB car. May help? idk)
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Old 07-23-2014, 05:55 PM
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I don't have any pictures handy, sorry.

The replacement of the OEM gauges is pretty easy, especially the water temp. There are a few plastic tabs that you can snap off and out of the way(water temp gauge). After that a 52mm gauge fits into this area very nice. I'm talking about autometer specifically. I drilled holes in the back of gauge cluster for the threaded terminals to poke through and the used the nuts to hold the gauge in place. Cut off the extra threaded area and then you can place the flexable curcuit over the top. You can run dedicated wires out to the side or tap into the curcuit board(flexy).
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Old 07-24-2014, 10:40 AM
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We've got a design for a panel that replaces the stock gauge cluster in the NA and NB. You can drill it for whatever gauges you want to use. Shown here with an oval Dakota digital, but with a hole saw you can easily install round ones. If there's interest, I can put it up for a group buy.
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Old 07-24-2014, 11:16 AM
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I'm ok with the stock speedo, fuel, tach but don't like the factory oil pressure or coolant temp as I've read they are pretty innaccurate. Plus, how am I going to be able to tell my new FM crossflow is helping me run cooler (whenever you have it back in stock).

I could see installing a Aim MXL dash- really nice logging features but since this is really an occasional track toy and 90% street I'm just after better temp gauges.

If the OBD2 board for the MS3x allows me to read accurate information on a Scangauge or Torque app that might be the solution. Just not sure if the factory sensors are going to be able to tell me the actual water temp.
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Old 07-24-2014, 11:18 AM
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The stock sensor should be able to tell you good enough information for water temp. You definitely want something better for oil pressure, but your current switch works well when wired to a big red STOP THE ENGINE NOW light. I run both on my car, a gauge and a light. I need a bigger light.
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Old 07-24-2014, 11:34 AM
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If your running the car hard and lose oil pressure isn't the damage done in seconds? IE, by the time the system triggers the light , you see it and stop the car the damage is already likely done.

In FB, if we had a nano second of air picked up in a high g turn the motor was toast. In FC it was never an issue (dry sump).
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Old 07-24-2014, 11:55 AM
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It can make the difference between needing new bearings and blowing a rod out the side of the block. If you react fast enough, you won't necessarily have any damage, there's still oil on the bearings.

If you don't think a light can help, then you don't really need an oil pressure gauge at all. Rotaries are different.
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Old 07-24-2014, 12:12 PM
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Replacing the water gauge is easy. You can even set it up to use the factory sensor wiring easily enough. Making it illuminate with the rest of the gauges is the hard part.
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Old 07-24-2014, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith@FM
We've got a design for a panel that replaces the stock gauge cluster in the NA and NB. You can drill it for whatever gauges you want to use. Shown here with an oval Dakota digital, but with a hole saw you can easily install round ones. If there's interest, I can put it up for a group buy.
I want it! As long as its black
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Old 07-24-2014, 12:16 PM
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It's the same color as your can of spray paint.
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Old 07-24-2014, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith@FM
It's the same color as your can of spray paint.


how much?
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Old 07-24-2014, 12:43 PM
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$29.95. Laser cut, aluminum. We'd probably need a half dozen to make it go. Give me another one or two hands up and we'll put it up as a GB.
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Old 07-24-2014, 01:39 PM
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Yeah, I doubt that will happen.

How about just one? (inb4 $179.70, comes with free 5 other panels...)
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Old 07-24-2014, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith@FM
It's the same color as your can of spray paint.
I lol'd IRL
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Old 07-24-2014, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith@FM
$29.95. Laser cut, aluminum. We'd probably need a half dozen to make it go. Give me another one or two hands up and we'll put it up as a GB.
I'm game on a GB.
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Old 07-25-2014, 10:45 AM
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I'll put my name down as well Keith. Maybe a windows tablet in place of the gauges...

For now I've ordered a ELM327 Wifi and Rev's OBD2 device for my Ms3. I'll send the info from the OBD2 to my i5 which when connected to my Pioneer DVD/ radio and using Appradio and Dashcommand will mirror the i5 on the radio. Net result- I'll be able to view any combination of gauges right on my in-dash radio.

The same thing could be accomplished with Keith's replacement dash piece and a windows tablet... although you could also connect the tablet to the MS3 and use Tunerstudio/ VEAL with the display right in your dash. OR, have the dash display a giant tach etc. Between the radio and the tablet in the dash any combination you can dream up would be possible. I'm thinking that a warning light could be configured to flash the whole dash red...
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Old 07-25-2014, 11:55 AM
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Okay, you're on. The GB is up, and will run for about a week and a half. I'm going to sign up for one of these as well, I have some ideas.

Flyin' Miata : Interior : Gauges : Blank gauge panel for factory hood
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Old 07-25-2014, 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith@FM
Okay, you're on. The GB is up, and will run for about a week and a half. I'm going to sign up for one of these as well, I have some ideas.

Flyin' Miata : Interior : Gauges : Blank gauge panel for factory hood
My order's in.
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Old 07-25-2014, 12:32 PM
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X2, in.
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