There’re different types of cars available in the market. Each type comes with certain parts that assist in carrying out different functions. If you own a car with a supercharger or turbocharger, then you definitely need a working boost gauge. A boost gauge is an instrument that monitors the vacuum and compression levels in the combustion engine.
A boost gauge is typically mounted on the dashboard at the driver’s side. It assists the driver to detect any extreme changes in air pressure to prevent the boost pressure from being modified beyond standard OEM levels.
You need a functional boost gauge to keep your supercharger or turbocharger car at its best working condition. A functional and reliable gauge will assist in preventing costly damages that may result from exceeded boost pressure.
If your boost gauge is malfunctioning, you’ll hardly realize when you’re exceeding your car’s boost pressure. Thus, you need to get a replacement. However, choosing a reliable gauge is not a walk in the park. Nevertheless, don’t worry for we’ve done the tough work for you. Here’s a review of the best boost gauge options available today.
- GlowShift Tinted 7 Color Series 30 PSI Boost/Vacuum Gauge is Designed to Monitor Boost Pressure & Vacuum Compression Levels of Your Car's Turbo or Supercharged Engine
10 Boost Gauge Reviews
#1. GlowShift Tinted 7 Color 30 PSI Turbo Boost
The GlowShift Tinted boost gauge is specially designed for use in any vehicle that has a turbo or supercharger. The gauge is mechanically operated. It’s designed to monitor the boost and compression levels from -30 to 30 PSI.
The gauge comes with a 6 inch vacuum hose, hose clamps, and a T-fitting that makes it easier to connect it to a vacuum line in the intake chamber. That way, you’ll find it easy to install the gauge.
Another top feature that comes with the gauge is its two-color cycle modes and seven solid color modes. That way, you can set the gauge to match the dashboard lights on your car. You can also take advantage of its color modes to personalize your car interior.
It’s able to memorize the color mode you have set such that you won’t have to keep setting the color options every time you start your car engine. It also comes with a dial functionality that makes it easier to change the colors of the tick marks and numbers on the gauge by pressing the color change button.
The gauge features a tinted and magnified lens. Its tinted style will make your dashboard look sleeker. It’ll also add a dark style once you turn off the engine for a stealth-like look. Besides, the gauge comes with a dimmer functionality. Simply connect it to the headlight switch and it’ll dim to about 30 percent once you turn on the headlights.
#2. AEM 30-4406 -30-35 PSI Boost Gauge
AEM is one of the most popular brands in the boost gauge industry. The AEM 30-4406 boost gauge is one of the most preferred gauges today. It’s specially designed to offer accurate compression readings with enhanced visibility.
The gauge is built as a plug and play device. It doesn’t require any programs or extra sensors to get it working. You’ll simply plug it and start using it as soon as you turn on your car engine.
The gauge comes with interchangeable face plates. You can switch between a white or black faceplate depending on your taste. It also features interchangeable bezels that are available in black and silver colors. Thus, you can switch them for a custom look.
Additionally, the gauge comes with 24 LED color codes. They change from green to yellow and from yellow to red and vice versa depending on the pressure level. That way, you’ll be able to act immediately as soon as you exceed the standard pressure level.
The gauge is able to record pressure in the range of -30 to 35 PSI. It also comes with an analog output rated at 0-5V. The analog output can be routed to a data logging/management system.
#3. Auto Meter 4303 Ultra-Lite Mechanical Boost/Vacuum Gauge
Auto Meter is another popular brand in the market of automotive gauge meters. The Auto Meter 4303 boost and vacuum gauge is one of the leading options available today. It operates mechanically such that you can rely on it in harsh environment conditions. Besides, its mechanical operation enhances its durability.
Since its operation doesn’t rely on an electrical system, it’s able to work in almost any car, including race cars and street cars. It doesn’t have any complex functionalities. Thus, it’s simple to use, even for a first-time user.
The gauge comes with compression fittings, a nylon line, vacuum fitting, and a T-fitting for easy installation. It has all the components required for installation such that you won’t have to source for installation components elsewhere.
Additionally, the gauge kit comes with a socket and bulb system for lighting. The bulb offers incandescent lighting that makes it easier to view the gauge readings, especially at night. Additionally, it comes with a high contrast orange needle that makes it easier to take the readings.
#4. AEM 30-4350 Tru-Boost Controller Gauge
The AEM 30-4350 gauge is yet another top quality option for boost and vacuum pressure monitoring needs. It comes as a complete set featuring a gauge, wiring harness, hose, pressure sensor, solenoid, and other essential fittings.
The gauge features an onboard pressure sensor capable of recording a pressure boost of up to 29 psig. It also features an inbuilt over-boost protection functionality and 2 shutdown levels timed at 10 percent and 20 percent over-boost.
The gauge also boasts of having a scramble boost functionality. It also has a warning light mechanism for low output. You can select between two boost options. Additionally, it has a peak boost memory functionality.
Another top feature that comes with this gauge is that it doesn’t require any external programming interface. Thus, you’ll simply plug it in place, select the boost settings and get ready to take boost pressure readings.
Additionally, the gauge has 24 LED scales that light up depending on the boost pressure level. The LED scales on the gauge makes it easier to take readings. You can also switch the faceplate depending on the kind of look you want on the display.
#5. Bosch SP0F000050 Style Line 2″
Bosch is known for designing and making some of the most innovative auto parts. The Bosch SP0F000050 boost gauge is designed with innovativeness in mind. It features some of the most advanced gauge technologies.
It’s designed to monitor both vacuum and boost pressures. It comes with a vacuum scale that is capable of monitoring vacuum pressure levels in the range of 0 to 30 in Hg. It also features a boost scale that takes boost pressure levels in the range of 0 to 20 PSI. Additionally, it comes with a 270 degrees sweep.
The gauge comes in a standard 2-inch size. It’s ideal for installation in openings measuring 2 1/16 inches. Besides, it comes with a removable mounting panel for easier mounting on the dash, especially if you lack a mounting hole on your dash. The black bezel mounting panel makes it look more stylish.
It has an inbuilt back lighting that is powered by a 12 volt power source. The back lighting makes it easier to view the readings when driving at night. Moreover, the red pointer is brightly colored for easier scale reading.
Additionally, the gauge comes with a 72-inch tubing. The tubing is lengthy enough for connecting the pressure gauge in most vehicles.
#6. Auto Meter 6103 Cobalt Mechanical Boost / Vacuum Gauge
The Auto Meter 6103 is yet another great gauge from Auto Meter. The gauge is suitable for monitoring both vacuum and boost pressure levels. It monitors vacuum and boost mechanically. Its mechanical operation makes it usable in most environmental conditions.
The gauge comes with a blue LED line around the while scale markings. The bright nature of the scales makes them more visible for easier nighttime reading. Additionally, the needle comes in a bright orange color that glows to enhance visibility.
The operation of the gauge doesn’t require any electrical system or programming. The only electrical connection you’ll make is power supply from the LEDs. Thus, it’s easy to install the gauge in most vehicles.
Additionally, the kit comes with a T-fitting, a nylon line, compression fittings, and a vacuum fitting. The fittings make it easier to connect the gauge in your car. The gauge is compatible with any car that has a turbo or supercharger.
#7. Prosport Universal 52mm Premium Evo Electrical Boost Gauge
Prosport Universal 52mm boost gauge is designed for accurate boost monitoring. It works as an electrical boost gauge for enhanced performance. The gauge comes with a digital display that makes it effortless to take boost level readings.
The gauge comes with 4 color options including red, blue, green, and white. You can set the color depending on your preferences. That way, you can choose a color that blends easily with your car interior.
The scale has LED lighting for enhanced visibility. You can dim the LEDs depending on the current lighting conditions. Also, the gauge will black out as soon as you turn off your car engine for a stylish look.
Another top feature of this gauge is that it comes with a programmable warning functionality. You can set the warning level to alert you as soon as the boost reaches critical levels.
It features a waterproof sender that prevents fluids from leaking into the car cabin. The electrical wires are properly insulated to prevent short circuit. Moreover, they’re bundled into a harness for easier cable management.
Another notable feature of this gauge is that it performs a self-check upon startup. Also, the gauge is able to take pressure readings in the range of -30 in Hg to 35 PSI.
#8. AEM 30-0306 X-Series Boost Pressure Gauge
The design behind the AEM 30-0306 X-Series boost gauge is a combination of useful features and stylish looks. It’s capable of taking pressure boost readings in the range of -30 in Hg to 35 PSI. Thus, it’s ideal for use in any high performance vehicle that has a turbocharger or supercharger.
It comes with a double-sided faceplate. One of the sides comes with a standard PSI scale whereas the other side comes with a metric BAR scale. Thus, you can choose between a metric or standard display for a custom reading experience.
The gauge features face buttons for peak and recall functionalities. Additionally, the gauge comes with 24 green LEDs on the scale for enhanced visibility and a large programmable center LED. It also has an auto dimmer functionality that works by sensing the light conditions, thereby adjusting the display brightness accordingly.
Another top feature of this gauge is its 0 to 5V analog output that makes it possible to transmit data to a data logger or an environment management system.
You can mount it almost anywhere on your dashboard, thanks to its shallow mounting depth. Also, you can easily mount it in a gauge hole.
#9. Bosch SP0F000042 Style Line 2″
The Bosch SP0F000042 vacuum and boost pressure gauge is another outstanding gauge from Bosch. It comes with a vacuum scale with a monitoring range of 0 to 30 in Hg and a boost scale with a monitoring range of 0 to 20 PSI.
The gauge comes with a chrome bezel that will make your car look more stylish. It also comes with a chrome mounting panel for a sleek look when mounted on the dash.
The mounting panel is removable such that it allows for customizable mounting options. You can mount it just anywhere you want. Besides, it comes with all the needed mounting hardware for quick installation.
Another great feature that comes with this gauge is its back lighting. The lighting is connected to a 12 volts power source. It illuminates the scale brightly for enhanced visibility at night.
#10. YONEDA Turbo Boost/Vacuum Gauge Kit
The YONEDA gauge kit is designed to monitor both boost and vacuum. It monitors boost in the range of 0 to 30 PSI and vacuum in the range of -30 to 0 in Hg. The gauge comes in a standard 55 mm size for easy mounting in the dash.
It has a black dial face and an illuminated scale for easier reading. Its red needle is also illuminated make better visibility. You can choose between 7 color modes and 2 color cycles for a custom style that blends with your car interior.
Additionally, the gauges features a smoked lens. The lens is able to reduce blinding brightness. Thus, you won’t suffer from glare when taking the gauge readings at night. Besides, the lens is made of polycarbonate material for longevity.
The gauge operates mechanically, making it suitable for installation in most cars. Moreover, the gauge features a full gauge sweep such that the needle can move to an angle of 270 degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boost gauge?
A boost gauge is a device used in monitoring the boost pressure or vacuum compression level in a car that has a turbocharger or supercharger.
What’s the difference between a mechanical and electric boost gauge?
A mechanical gauge has a full sweep needle movement of up to 270 degrees whereas an electric gauge has a short sweep needle movement of between 90 to 190 degrees. Also, a mechanical gauge is connected to the engine through a tubing whereas an electric gauge uses a sensor.
What’s better between a mechanical and electric boost gauge?
Either option is great. What matters more is the quality of the boost gauge, its functionalities, and accuracy.
Why should I install a boost gauge?
A boost gauge is used in monitoring boost pressure to ensure that excessive pressure isn’t generated to levels beyond OEM standards for the safety of your car turbo and engine.
Final Words
Investing in a reliable and functional boost gauge will keep your car engine and turbocharger safe since you’re able to monitor the boost pressure levels. The ideal boost gauge is the one that records boost pressure levels accurately.
Besides, it should have a great build quality with durable components. Additionally, it should be easy to take readings on the gauge and allow for a personalized operation. Hopefully, our top 10 picks will assist you in finding a boost gauge that will keep your car engine at its best condition.
Last update on 2023-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
