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What type of gauges would you say are necessary or recommended for my 2jzgte vvti swapped sc300? I dont want a million gauges all over the interior but I want to keep an eye on the important stuff. What gauges would you recommend at least at the minimum? Where are you guys mounting them to not lose stuff like the radio or AC climate control etc.? Thanks
My setup is super stock so not many gauges are needed in my case. Nonetheless I run 52mm electric oil pressure and voltmeter gauges. I'll soon be installing a 52mm electric oil temperature gauge. In addition an electric boost pressure gauge is a good idea. If you have a very modified engine setup with custom tuning then a wideband O2 sensor and gauge might be a good idea.
My gauges of preference are VDO Vision Black (52mm) electric type with the Spin-Lock rear cylinder tighteners but these are best when mounted to some kind of panel for rear clearance purposes. They are clean and "OEM" looking and take old school spade connectors for everything.
I also like Prosport 52mm gauges and senders. Very good company with many styles to choose from including simple classic style designs.
For mounting I've gone with an AutoExtrude 3D printed twin gauge panel with a 12V DC port in the same location as stock on the original console ashtray panel. I used a Dremel to notch this panel in the rear just a bit to clear one of the gauges by millimeters (very very minor trimming). It looks very good and fits the interior nicely.
I also have an AutoExtrude driver's side single 52mm vent gauge panel that allows A/C blow through function. Haven't installed it yet. I'll probably move a new Prosport voltmeter to that location or install a boost gauge there. The VDO Vision Black gauge series won't fit this particular mounting part.
The ever popular multi-function digital gauges (BTI?) are also perfect for any of these three locations.
These panels can be very close to a "stock" look especially if you get gauges that have all black bezels and old style backlit analog gauge faces and dials.
This gives you very clean locations to mount three different 52mm gauges.
Beyond that there are a range of pillar gauges, a few twin pod gauges that mount over the steering column and the blank spot inside the glove box to the far right is also a completely underused space that would be perfect for one more gauge that does not require you to look at it critically while driving.
The first picture is of my car's interior when I had a version of the same console gauge panel installed with the 12V DC port on the far left rather than far right. You can order it from AutoExtrude with the DC port on the left, middle or far right. I eventually asked the original designer to make one with the gauges offset to the driver and 12V DC port offset to the passenger (a 180-degree flip-flop from what you see here).
They also make versions of these for the RHD Z30 Soarers.
I prefer to have a classic style single-DIN AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth/Aux-in radio (the one pictured is a Continental/VDO model) and that conveniently also leaves some space below the 1-DIN radio to mount some other things. Further back I had worked with MLeopard to see if he could design a full replacement SC stereo panel that would house a 1-DIN radio/audio/player head unit and a triple 52mm gauge configuration. He had originally designed this with only two 52mm gauges in mind or one 52mm gauge and two smaller blanks for universal modification purposes.
Ultimately if you go with one of his panel designs I would suggest sticking with the 2x 52mm gauge configuration (with or without the upper radio bezel is up to you). I am afraid his early concerns that three 52mm diameter gauges having tight space fitment issues within the space available were correct. At least with the VDO gauges I was attempting to fit. 52mm gauges with slimmer rear mounting might work with the 3x 52mm staggered setup he designed but the safer bet is to use his 2x 52mm gauge panel design.
Lots of great ideas in that thread. Do give it a look!
Another parts seller to check out that I just found: Ortiz Custom Pods. Google it.
They have some offerings for the SC that are different from the others already listed, notably a full driver's side pillar trim replacement with integrated 52mm gauge pods, a replacement for the OEM panel just under the stock instrument cluster plastic screen with two gauges on either side. Another variant is of the upper steering column cover with two or just one gauge pods. These stick out to the casual onlooker quite a bit more as not being stock but they do give some added options for us.
What type of gauges?
