noob gauge question
 

OK, so I really have learned almost everything I know about cars from asking stupid questions on the org. So here goes-

If I wanted to get more gauges - Would I just connect them to a wire on the ECU harness? If so, would people know what wire to connect it to?

Im interested in getting accurate Oil Temp, Accurate (e.g. actual #) coolant temp- Possibly MAF pressure? I have a boost sensor so is this possible?

yea, I know theres at least 1 stupid question in there... but how else r u gonna learn...

You really don't need any additional gauges unless you are running FI. But you might be interested in some type of OBD II scanner/moniter. There are tons of variations so do a google search, but they basically plug into your obd connector and you can scan codes, and moniter various parameters on a palm or laptop. Even datalog. Coolant temp, throttle position, 02 sensor voltage, there are a ton.

A boost gauge would just show vacuum, but that can be a good tool to diagnose problems in your engine. Most gauges have sending units and don't splice into your ecu. But judging by your post, I think a OBD scanner would be the way to go for you. Only down side is that our ECU's processors are slow and so the "refresh" takes a while.

I am looking to get a scanner sometime soon BTW. Good luck!

Thanks for the info Chief-

No prob man.

I am like what I see at http://www.scantool.net/ There are some free programs you can get for different platforms and the hardware is around 100 dollars. I already have one of the programs on my old pocket pc and it looks like it should get the job done. Plus if you ever want to step up, you can just get digimoto software and keep the hardware.

Anyway, that's where my research has led me thus far.

Just curious... did Chief Brody answer your question or did you really mean extra gauges permanently installed inside the car?
Because if that's the case, you'll need extra sensors for at least the oil temp gauge and possibly also the coolant temp gauge.
I'm about to put in an oiltemp and oilpressure gauge in mine, just waiting for them to arrive... I'm going to put in a T-connector where the sensor for oil pressure light is originally and then connect both that old sensor and the new pressure sensor for the gauge in the T-connector. The oil temp sensor I'm not sure about yet, but maybe somewhere in the oil-pan.
PM me if you want, I can help you out a little bit...