I wanted our shop to install the boost gauge on my truck but they told me "it'd be too expensive" and that I'd be better off buying a "kit". Called an International dealer and the guy never got back to me. Are there any sources of such gauges online somewhere? I tried searching via google but didn't find anything for heavy trucks

 

try truck pro
http://www.truckpro.com/docs/parts_s...tr_index2.html

 

What kind of boost levels do you need to monitor? Pressure is pressure. Autometer makes boost gauges up to 100psi etc for cars. They also make mechanical and electric gauges in both analog and digital displays in all kinds of styles and colours.

Electric gauges use a pressure sensor you install on the engine to take a reference signal and the gauge you install in the dash displays the boost based on the sensors output voltage.
Mechanical gauges use air pressure to move the needle in the gauge and have a boost pressurized line running from the engine to the dash.

I like mechanical boost gauges in my turbo gasoline cars but in a diesel truck that spends a lot of time in boost I would use an electric boost gauge as mechanical gauges can go out of adjustment with sustained high levels of boost.

here are some of the many gauges Autometer makes in 0-60 psi.
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter
Auto Meter

Some have different lighting options etc find the style you want then buy from ebay or summit racing using the autometer part number.

EDIT, your from guelph so buying from Summit or ebay might leave you with border charges ordering from the US. Try a local retailer in Guelph like Performance Speed & Sport etc

 

My KW has a mechanical boost gauge from the factory, it goes to 80 PSI, if you have twin turbos you will need a higher boost gauge than I have, since I have a single turbo. I uses a 1/4" plastic air brake line rated at 200 PSI to the intakes side.

In a hard pull I can pin the gauge, but it usually is around 60 PSI

 

Thanks, guys for the comments. I have twin turbos, so I probably need a gauge that can show more than 60 psi.

 

A boost gauge is just an air gauge so any air gauge should work. You know, like your brake application gauge. You should be able to get one for free or near to it at any wreckers or somewhere they're are parting out an old truck.

 

And like I said autometer has boost gauges that read up to 100 psi.

 

thanks for the tip. i ordered a digital 60 psi gauge from autometer. thought my dispatch would send me towards detroit, mi with the next load and ordered the gauge from a detroit dealer. as my luck would have it, i got sent to ... north carolina. ups courier brought it in ... our night shift mechanic installed the gauge on my truck on the same day. took me a while to figure out it was even working i did a couple of circles in the yard at 20 MPH and the reading was "0". complained to the mechanic and he suggested i take the truck on the highway. did that and after 35 mph the gauge finally came to life! it works and looks very good.

 

So, what's your pressure at the full blast?

 

Local place I know has mechanical gauges pretty cheap and accurate. You could hook it up for $40 probably. Not an actual dash gauge though. More like something off of an air compressor.