A boost gauge is a simple pressure gauge that reads the amount of boost (pressurized air) that is being forced into a motor. If a turbocharged car has been modified to produce more boost from the turbo, a boost gauge is an essential component that allows the driver to monitor boost pressure and avoid engine damage from excess boost. The gauge can also alert the driver to any potential vacuum leaks in the engine, since it is plumbed into the car's vacuum system. Auto Meter gauges are some of the best and most popular.
Decide where to mount the gauge. If you are mounting it on the A-pillar, you will need a gauge pod for the car in which you are installing the gauge. You can also mount the gauge on the steering column, in an air vent or in a custom panel in the center console. If there is an appropriate gauge hole available in the stock dash, which is a good location as well.
Drill a hole in the firewall that is large enough for the boost gauges pressure line to go through. If you do not want to drill a hole, locate an existing opening. All cars have openings for wires and other components to pass through, so find one that is large enough to also allow room for the pressure line.
Install the pressure line that came with the gauge kit to the back of the gauge. The line fastens with an adapter nut, ferrule and sealing nut.
Route the pressure line through the hole you will be using in the dash.
Pull the line so that it reaches the intake manifold. If there is not enough line with the kit, you will need to purchase some extra pressure line. Make sure the line does not come into contact with any moving or hot engine parts.
Locate a vacuum line that goes to the intake manifold. Splice into the line and install the "T" adapter that will allow the gauge's pressure line to be attached. If there a place to thread in a fitting on the manifold, you can also use the brass fitting that comes with the kit to fasten the line.
Install the colored cover over the lightbulb and socket that came with the kit. There will a red or a green one to choose from.
Snap the light socket into the back of the gauge.
Connect the black wire that comes out of the gauge to a suitable metal ground in the dash.
Splice the white wire into the car's existing gauge light circuit or a suitable 12V power source.
Install the gauge in the place you have chosen. Start the car and test that the gauge is working.
