[JimGnitecki]

How hard is it to install a boost gage in a Magnuson 2650 -equipped LT1 Camaro?

And where do you mount it so that it looks like it belongs there?

How much would a shop likely charge for the gage and a clean installation?

I'm curious as to how the boost changes with different driving scenarios and in different ambient conditions, so I'd want it to be easy to see while driving.

Jim G

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

How hard is it to install a boost gage in a Magnuson 2650 -equipped LT1 Camaro?

And where do you mount it so that it looks like it belongs there?

How much would a shop likely charge for the gage and a clean installation?

I'm curious as to how the boost changes with different driving scenarios and in different ambient conditions, so I'd want it to be easy to see while driving.

Jim G

Easier to do the Banks iDash Supergauge as it lets you pull tons of data from the ECM. The ZZP pod lets you add the wideband that you should have done with the blower…

[JimGnitecki]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Easier to do the Banks iDash Supergauge as it lets you pull tons of data from the ECM. The ZZP pod lets you add the wideband that you should have done with the blower…

A quick Googling onThe iDash Supergauge reveals that it pulls data through the OBDI port, which makes electrical installation super easy. But it can onyl repeat whatever the OBDI port connection is programmed to provide. So, just checking, will it provide, without any further accessories OR tuning of the ECU (Because I want to be able to show for warranty reasons that the Magnuson-provided tune has not been altered):

- Boost / vacuum reading?

- AFR?

- IAT?

- Current timing degrees?

- Coolant temp (so I can leave the OEM dash display on digital speedometer, because it is so much easier/faster to read than analog needle!)?

And, where do you get the replacement cover for the front pillar that has the "pod" for the gauge built into it?

How easy / hard is it to install that pillar cover?

Jim G

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

A quick Googling onThe iDash Supergauge reveals that it pulls data through the OBDI port, which makes electrical installation super easy. But it can onyl repeat whatever the OBDI port connection is programmed to provide. So, just checking, will it provide, without any further accessories OR tuning of the ECU (Because I want to be able to show for warranty reasons that the Magnuson-provided tune has not been altered):

- Boost / vacuum reading?

- AFR?

- IAT?

- Current timing degrees?

- Coolant temp (so I can leave the OEM dash display on digital speedometer, because it is so much easier/faster to read than analog needle!)?

And, where do you get the replacement cover for the front pillar that has the "pod" for the gauge built into it?

How easy / hard is it to install that pillar cover?

Jim G

Here is the dual gauge pod:
https://zzperformance.com/collection...uge-pillar-pod

The iDash will read everything you asked for except AFR…you need a wideband as I mentioned before. Here is the one I’d suggest:
https://zzperformance.com/collection...-gauge-w-obdii

[JimGnitecki]

THANK-YOU, Joshinator!

Jim G

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

THANK-YOU, Joshinator!

Jim G

[JimGnitecki]

Joshinator, I notice you recommended the iDash Supergauge versus the iDash Data Monster. As far as I can tell (at least so far), the big difference is that Data Monster can store its logging data on an SD card, and can log and store for very extended periods of time! It apaprenrly generates a .csv file that you can then open and analyze in MS excel on your computer back at home.

That would seem like a big advantage.

For example:

You could log an acceleration run and see the current status of every individual OBDI output, taken at a rate of 10 times per second, during that run. So, you could see for example boost reading, IAT, MAF, RPM, fuel rail pressure actual versus commanded, and even transmission gear (so you can see what rpm the 10-speed auto tranny shifted at for each individual shift).

Did you have a reason for not mentioning the iDash DataMonster version (perhaps because you do loggng via HP Tuner), or did you simply not think of mentioning it as another choice?

I assume the DataMonster version costs more, but to me that would likely be worth it.

Jim G

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

Joshinator, I notice you recommended the iDash Supergauge versus the iDash Data Monster. As far as I can tell (at least so far), the big difference is that Data Monster can store its logging data on an SD card, and can log and store for very extended periods of time! It apaprenrly generates a .csv file that you can then open and analyze in MS excel on your computer back at home.

That would seem like a big advantage.

For example:

You could log an acceleration run and see the current status of every individual OBDI output, taken at a rate of 10 times per second, during that run. So, you could see for example boost reading, IAT, MAF, RPM, and even transmission gear (so you can see what rpm the 10-speed auto tranny shifted at for each individual shift).

Did you have a reason for not mentioning the iDash DataMonster version (perhaps because you do loggng via HP Tuner), or did you simply not think of mentioning it as another choice?

I assume the DataMonster version costs more, but to me that would likely be worth it.

Jim G

You may want the DataMonster but for me it was of no use. When I’m at the track my laptop is hooked up (which means disconnecting the iDash) as I can log a ton of parameters at once using HP Tuners. I can review the datalog immediately after the run back in the pits and make changes or send off to others for review. I use the SuperGauge for street use and quick checks on things like ethanol content.

[JimGnitecki]

Ah, ok.

Jim G

[JimGnitecki]

The Banks iDash DataMonster is the better solution for me for an unexpected reason: My only regular use computer is a MacBook! HPTuner requires a PC.

Although I also own a PC laptop, I hate using it, and don't bother to keeep it current with all the latest patches, because a Mac is SO much easier to use and maintain, and security is so superior.

The .csv file output from the DataMonster will load directly into my Mac version of MS Excel. No need to have a laptop in the car. I will be bale to look at the DataMonster during a logging ride, but then also be able to simply bring the micro SD card to my Mac, load the csv file into Excel, and analyze away. I already do something similar with the csv output files created by my LabRadar shooting chronograph. Very easy, and I can analyze the data in multiple ways.

The DataMonster is exactly the same size as the Supergauge, and so is completely inconspicuous, and no in-car laptop required at all since the DataMonster captures EVERYTHING I need, 20 times per second.

Because I will also want to use the DataMonster on other vehicles, with no extra costs or downloads required, I won't go with a pillar pod, but rather likely the Banks suction cup mounted holder on the windshield glass (better reliability of sticking there than to the dash).

This will be super easy for me.

I understand completely though why the HP Tuner approach works better for you and most other users. Just goes to show how it's nice to have choices.

Jim G

[JimGnitecki]

Ok, I ordered the iDash DataMonster from a truck shop a few hundred miles away yesterday, and it arrived today!

Got it installed.

Figured how to start a datalog on the included microSDcard, ran the car for a few minutes in the driveway while logging, and then uploaded into BOTH MS Excel on my MacBook laptop and to Bank's own free online data analyzer.

I realized a few things:

- The "owner's manual" is not very user friendly. Sure, it tells you all the steps, but you have to have a memory like an elephant to REMEMBER what to do next and when. This will take time to master, since my memry is not that great..

- Selecting "ALL" data inputs available for the datalog sample was a mistake. Way too large a forest to find the individual trees of interest! Have to be more selective next time . . .

- The free Banks online analysis tool seems far easier to learn quickly than the iDash owner's manual.

- This will be a super-powerful set of tools once I have learned, and memorized, enough of the owner's manual.

Jim G

[JimGnitecki]

Ok, I spent some quality time playing, and replaying, the Banks how-to-video that covers the iDash Supergauge and iDash DataMonster, and after enough replays of individual sections of the video, I got it!

I was able this morning to set up my 5-gauge normal display, that includes the parameters I want at this time wile I get used to the new superhcarger:Boost, RPM, FRP, IAT, IGN TM.

I also set up the parameters for datalogging as: Boost, RPM, FRP, SPEED, IAT, IGN TM. "SPEED" was not needed in the normal gauage display, as the car has both an OEM analog and a digital speed display. The addition of speed to the datalogging though is useful as otherwise there is no logging of that parameter, which is as useful as the TIME parameter when reviewing data.

I would have liked to see a "Gear" parameter in the datalogging, as the performance of the 10-speed automatic is impressive, and I would like to know exactly what gear it shifted to for any given moment in the datalog. For example, if you floor the accelerator pedal at 100 or 110 kph, the tranny shifts down several gears, but I'd like to know EXACTLY what gear it selected under a given set of circumstances.

I'm not complaining though, since for the Gen 6 Camaro, the Banks iDash and DataMonster make available 85 different parameters. That includes a number of parameters not reported to the OBDI port, as Banks adds a number of CALCULATED parameters intended to help you better understand what is going on in the engine and in the air it is breathing.

The display is very easy to see and read, and the brightness and colours are adjustable to your needs and tastes, which is nice.

In an age where electronic devices are very powerful and really pretty inexpensive, I am not impressed by the quality of manufacture though. The gauge itself is very lightweight construction - if you accdentally dropped it or stepped on it or dropped someting onto it, it would likely break, and the back is completely open, so I need to remember to not spray windshield or dash cleaners near it! The Banks suction cup mount is also very "light" in its construction, and tightening the adjustable mount screws, without risking overtorquing them, still allows the gauge housing to move a tiny bit, but not enough to affect button use. Let's just say I have seen way more impressive quality of actual manufacture in other electronic devices. And the cost in Canada is pretty high, given the current weak Canadian dollar ($1 CDN = $0.73 US this morning).

But in terms of features and performance, this gauge rocks.

Overall, I am pretty impressed by what the iDash DataMonster does and the bang for the buck.

Jim G

[Trochoidal]

Hey Jim, the data log won’t let you select gear? I have the SuperGauge and not DataMonster. I can see current gear on the gauge. That’s odd it won’t log current gear.

[JimGnitecki]

Originally Posted by Trochoidal

Hey Jim, the data log won’t let you select gear? I have the SuperGauge and not DataMonster. I can see current gear on the gauge. That’s odd it won’t log current gear.

Yes. I exmained the entire lists of "BIDS" that Banks lists for the Camaro. No mention of gear. But you DO have "current gear selectable on the SuperGauge? I will go looking for it on the gauge itself!

Thanks for the alert!

Jim G