How to Install a Glow Shift Boost Gauge

A boost gauge measures and indicates the air pressure in the manifold of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. Boost gauges are typically mounted on the dashboard, usually in the driver's side air vent. A Glow Shift boost gauge plays an important role in ensuring that a vehicle's turbocharged engine is not generating excessive pressure, which could significantly damage the engine manifold. Many car enthusiasts make aftermarket modifications to increase the turbo power of their engines. When an engine's turbocharge surpasses original equipment manufacturer standards, it is essential that you properly install a Glow Shift boost gauge to prevent costly damage.

Things You'll Need

• Glow Shift boost gauge kit
• Scissors
• T-connector
• Three zip ties
• Flathead screw driver
• Wire hanger
• Electrical tape
• Wire cutters
• Soldering iron
• Rubber cement

Instructions

1. Open the vehicle's hood and identify the engine's air vacuum tube. The vacuum tube runs from the engine's manifold to the bypass valve.

2. Cut the vacuum tube with the scissors and insert a T-connector into each end. Attach the third end of the T-connector to the tube that came with the Glow Shift boost gauge and seal the attachments using three zip ties.

3. Pry the grate off of the driver's side air vent using the flathead screwdriver.

4. Snake the free end of the boost gauge's tube around the engine and into the vehicle's air intake pipe. Thread the tube up through the air intake pipe toward the air vent where the Glow Shift boost gauge will be installed. Unwind the wire hanger and attach some electrical tape to the end of it. Stick the hangar down through the air vent until it reaches the end of the tube, and use the hangar to pull the tube up to the vent.

5. Attach the Glow Shift boost gauge's ground wire to a good ground (such as a metal structure) by wrapping the wire ends around the object and crimping them tightly with your hands.

6. Use the wire cutters to remove some rubber sheathing from the end of the boost gauge's power wire and solder the power wire to the wiring for the vehicle's break lights. The break light wires run from the vehicle's break lights to the fuse panel behind the glove compartment.

7. Coat the bottom end of the gauge with a thin layer of superglue, and affix it firmly to the edges of the air vent. If the Glow Shift boost gauge fits inside the air vent, you can coat the outside of the gauge with superglue and slide it directly into the vent. Hold the gauge in place for a few minutes to ensure that it is stable.

Tips & Warnings

• You can order the Glow Shift boost gauge kit from Glow Shift's website or from another aftermarket parts supplier, such as BoostControl.com.

• Always wear appropriate clothing when soldering and when working with engines. Eye protection and gloves should be worn at all times.

References

• BoostController.com

Resources

• Glow Shift Direct