Wideband gauge options...

[gearheadE30]

So I have an Innovate LC1 wideband on the 318 and I'm really just not happy with the gauge that I have for it. It is analog (a good thing to me) but the face is tinted and unless it's night you can't see it for shit. The LC1 outputs 0 to 5 volts signal to the gauge. I'm looking for something either analog, easy to read, and good looking (all of the other gauges are VDO Vision series) or something like what George Graves made awhile back that takes the place of a button. I'm also not looking to spend a ton of money-probably $100ish tops. I am competent with wiring/soldering and am perfectly happy making something, but at this point I'm not terribly sure of where to start. Any suggestions or things that people have come across? Ideally I'd like analog, but will consider digital stuff.

Also, if Mr. Graves happens to read this... you would happen to have any more of those gauges lying around, would you?

[jaywood]

I've got the lc-1 on my turbod car as well. I guess my only question is: how often are you looking at the gauge? I find myself rarely looking.

Also, what did you use to power it? Did you use a wire that's connected to the interior dimming knob? Maybe the bulbs aren't at the max brightness....



Edit: I have the digital gauge....

[gearheadE30]

I don't look at it a ton, but since I do all my tuning on the street for now (dyno this summer) looking at the gauge when I feel the engine doing certain things has actually been instrumental in getting my driveability where I want it. For example, I was driving today and found a little lean spot from 2300 to 2500 revs at a certain throttle position that was causing hiccuping, so now I know what to go back to to fix it. I guess my mentality is if it's something that lets me keep an eye on what the car is doing, I want to have it hah.

Plus, I like the peace of mind in being able to check the afr every once and awhile. I've also had issues where going from very aggressive (track) driving to more normal or yellow flag driving causes the LC1 to lose its mind, and I usually leave the feedback loop on in MS which will cause dangerous running conditions if I don't restart the car.

The gauge backlight is hooked to switched 12v; there isn't a dimmer.

[Jalves619]

I'd like to know of the available options as well. I was looking at VEMS, and while it does have a built in wideband controller, the available gauge is hideous. I would assume that since many setups use the same Bosch sensor the gauges are likely all getting the same signal, so they could be interchangeable.

[MC Hammered]

I make an analog sideband AFR gauge with anti-glare glass lens if you prefer that and could work on the pricing for you.



If you want to go digital I like this VEI boost/afr combination a lot and ran it in my car.



It can be setup super bright if you have glare issues and does come in orange.

It is $109 and the gauge configuration page can be found here if you want a different combination:

http://podi.ca/ExtraDualDisplay.aspx?ProductId=40&CarId=&GroupId=1

[ninjaotter]

Also, if Mr. Graves happens to read this... you would happen to have any more of those gauges lying around, would you?

I dont know if he does, but I do...PM me!

[gearheadE30]

Thanks for all the info; I really like those podi gauges...but it would still have to go in my pillar mount, which I'm trying to get rid of.