Extra gages in a hsv

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

im looking at some extra gages for my blown ls3 maloo i would like to put them on top of the dash in the flat area in the middle is there an aftermarket pod made for that area
has any one got pic of there gages to give me an idea
can you get electric boost or is the mechanical ones better what are the best brand of gages ? Afr, boost. fuel pressure, i wont them on top of the dash not on the side of the pillar

[bonners]

JHP sell the double gauge pod. Wonky had one in his car.

http://jhp.com.au/enlarge.php?image=img/products/interiors/gauge_pods/ve_g8_double_hump_sports_gauges-1-h.jpg?imagealt=

Just a question. Wont this look a little overkill in a HSV that already has the three gauges? I'm prepared to be proven wrong with a pic

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

JHP sell the double gauge pod. Wonky had one in his car.

http://jhp.com.au/enlarge.php?image=img/products/interiors/gauge_pods/ve_g8_double_hump_sports_gauges-1-h.jpg?imagealt=

Just a question. Wont this look a little overkill in a HSV that already has the three gauges? I'm prepared to be proven wrong with a pic

you could be wright put they wouuld look better up there then screwed to the counsole or side piller

[Wonky]

The gauges I had in my SSV sedan were ones produced by forum member JKGMH, but I can't visualise where you mean to put your extra gauges as mine and the JHP ones were specifically designed to slot in where your existing HSV gauges would be in the way!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV/Gaugessm.jpg

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

The gauges I had in my SSV sedan were ones produced by forum member JKGMH, but I can't visualise where you mean to put your extra gauges as mine and the JHP ones were specifically designed to slot in where your existing HSV gauges would be in the way!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV/Gaugessm.jpg

I was thinking of puting them where the speaker grill is on top of the dash as the hsv ones are lower down on the next level

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/REDMALOOR8/AtomicMalooR8GreenInt1.jpg

[Wonky]

I was thinking of puting them where the speaker grill is on top of the dash as the hsv ones are lower down on the next level

Ah OK. I guess I don't know the HSV set-up as well as I thought and can't really see clearly from that picture.

[bonners]

It still has that speaker grille Wonk.

So it would look like a pyramid of gauges. three in the foreground and two beyond. I want to see a pic of it done.

I agree atomic. Much better than a pillar or such. Couldn't do it in the sedan (I dont know about the utes) pillars because of the airbags

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

ill put up a better pic later on wonkey so you can see what i mean what brand of gages are we looking at ?

[Ken]

You are not alone in your quest ... hence the reason I am currently verifying my design and about to commence tooling for exactly this product!
:)

I have a need to insert a boost gauge and possibly an AFR gauge, so my first thought was to swap out one (or two) of the HSV gauges. Closer inspection indicated that a mix-n-match was not ideal, and may also cause issue with the BCM.
The three gauges that exist in the VE HSV are a combined cluster and are difficult to seperate if one gauge was to be sacrificed, so I decided that another approach was needed. After chatting with a few knowledgable folk I made the decision to design a completely new binnacle that houses the gauges - the three original plus room for 2 additional. The look & fit will be identical to the OEM version as I am injection moulding it! (Yes ... the tooling cost is horrific, but OEM quality must be maintained). It has been a difficult design challenge as it is all a tight fit, and to make it so the tooling will be viable/reliable has been very tricky.

The resulting product will be available from several forum sponsors ... I expect the retail price to be sub-$300 (+ additional gauges). I am also working with a high-quality USA gauge manufacturer to produce gauge faces that replicate the white MY09 HSV look.
Being injection moulded, the tooling is not quick to build - these will probably not be available until late June, early July.

I will do a rendering of it within the next week or so ... but gotta do some paying jobs first.

Cheers ...

[ls2GTS]

i also was looking at this and using a boost gauge and another gauge not sure yet what gauge to use. keep us informed how that goes mate will be very keen on it. :)

[bonners]

You are not alone in your quest ... hence the reason I am currently verifying my design and about to commence tooling for exactly this product!
:)

I have a need to insert a boost gauge and possibly an AFR gauge, so my first thought was to swap out one (or two) of the HSV gauges. Closer inspection indicated that a mix-n-match was not ideal, and may also cause issue with the BCM.
The three gauges that exist in the VE HSV are a combined cluster and are difficult to seperate if one gauge was to be sacrificed, so I decided that another approach was needed. After chatting with a few knowledgable folk I made the decision to design a completely new binnacle that houses the gauges - the three original plus room for 2 additional. The look & fit will be identical to the OEM version as I am injection moulding it! (Yes ... the tooling cost is horrific, but OEM quality must be maintained). It has been a difficult design challenge as it is all a tight fit, and to make it so the tooling will be viable/reliable has been very tricky.

The resulting product will be available from several forum sponsors ... I expect the retail price to be sub-$300 (+ additional gauges). I am also working with a high-quality USA gauge manufacturer to produce gauge faces that replicate the white MY09 HSV look.
Being injection moulded, the tooling is not quick to build - these will probably not be available until late June, early July.

I will do a rendering of it within the next week or so ... but gotta do some paying jobs first.

Cheers ...

Ken, that sounds awesome.

Owning a later model SSV means I have the better looking digital gauges in the centre computer display. However, I have always liked analogue gauges. So initially the options were to do what Wonk did and cover up the display and use one of the hump pods that go where the speaker grille goes. No offence to Wonk but I always felt it didn't maintain a factory type look.

So, what were the options. A HSV binnacle. This fine if you can find them at a decent price and trying to get them through Holden has oftend led to emails back stating ridiculous prices. Then I saw, what I felt was the best layout of gauges ever to grace a VE (HSV or Holden).

You may have seen the TJIN editon G8 built a last year. The designer had custom made a centre binnacle using a standard Holden piece of trim. The best thing about it. The fact the gauges actually faced the driver. I love the HSV ones but I feel (and this is my opinion) is that they should face the driver.

I ummed and ahhed about buying a the centre trim and trying to replicate it using gauge cups and then fibreglassing them into the area where the screen is but I dont have a) the knowledge of how to do it properly or b)the time.

I have resigned myself to the fact that the best thing for me to do is just use a HSV pod and use aftermarket gauges. (on a side note would an Autometer gauge simply fit into the HSV pod).

I wait with interest in what it is exactly that you are doing. personally I think there would be a market for it if someone could replicate the TJIN one. If someone said they could make it, I would quite happily and eagerly fork out the cash

Some pics
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Gauges2.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Gauges.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Pod.jpg

[Ken]

... snip ... The fact the gauges actually faced the driver. I love the HSV ones but I feel (and this is my opinion) is that they should face the driver.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Gauges2.jpg


Like you, I felt it was less-than-ideal having the gauges "neutral" rather than driver-biased.
Unfortunately, the electronic modual for the HSV will not allow the gauges to be angled so the 5-pod unit I am doing is also non-angled (or the HSV-owners will need to replace their OE gauges with after-market units). It also means the market for the product is greater - includes the US G8.

[Tre-Cool]

Is the speaker grill the same for all ve's? i.e hsv and holden?

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

VE HSV DASH TOP
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/REDMALOOR8/Picture019.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/REDMALOOR8/Picture018.jpg

[Wonky]

Thanks Maloo - can see what you mean now. Some very good ideas coming up too - good luck with your proposed setup Ken - sounds awesome! :bow:

[jai]

You are not alone in your quest ... hence the reason I am currently verifying my design and about to commence tooling for exactly this product!
:)

I have a need to insert a boost gauge and possibly an AFR gauge, so my first thought was to swap out one (or two) of the HSV gauges. Closer inspection indicated that a mix-n-match was not ideal, and may also cause issue with the BCM.
The three gauges that exist in the VE HSV are a combined cluster and are difficult to seperate if one gauge was to be sacrificed, so I decided that another approach was needed. After chatting with a few knowledgable folk I made the decision to design a completely new binnacle that houses the gauges - the three original plus room for 2 additional. The look & fit will be identical to the OEM version as I am injection moulding it! (Yes ... the tooling cost is horrific, but OEM quality must be maintained). It has been a difficult design challenge as it is all a tight fit, and to make it so the tooling will be viable/reliable has been very tricky.

The resulting product will be available from several forum sponsors ... I expect the retail price to be sub-$300 (+ additional gauges). I am also working with a high-quality USA gauge manufacturer to produce gauge faces that replicate the white MY09 HSV look.
Being injection moulded, the tooling is not quick to build - these will probably not be available until late June, early July.

I will do a rendering of it within the next week or so ... but gotta do some paying jobs first.

Cheers ...

Nice Ken... I brought the JHP twin guage binnacle for my HSV and I was SORELY DISSAPOINTED WITH IT one because it didnt fit my guages. Even the factory HSV guage would not FIT in the JHP binnacle because the bezel was too big!!!! The JHP unit allow a beez dick of bezel to be used. So shock horror when I went to install my PLX guages... BABOW!!

So please ken... allow more than 1.5mm of bezel (unlike the JHP) so it caters for the MAJORITY who have guages which might have 5-7mm of bezel so we can install what we want!!! Just FYI my PLX guages are currently in the factory guage housing without any dramas... so it would seem the factory specification will be fine

Put me down for 1 if you do!!!

JK

[jai]

It still has that speaker grille Wonk.

So it would look like a pyramid of gauges. three in the foreground and two beyond. I want to see a pic of it done.

I agree atomic. Much better than a pillar or such. Couldn't do it in the sedan (I dont know about the utes) pillars because of the airbags

You do realise the airbags come out of a tiny little hole and not pop off the whole A pillar right? So if you look at the location of t ABS hole and where you'd put a guage you'd be ok mate :)

JK

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

cheers
when they measure a gage is it the face or the hole it fits in example 2-1/16 or 2-3/8
what size are the hsv ones ??

[jai]

the hole aka the body of the guage

JK

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

here is a couple of unaverasal pods
the triple one is two wide as there is only 7" in width to play with at the norrow end of the speaker grill
but you can get 3 single pods up there no worries by the look of it from a few guick ruff mesurements i did
or twin is ok to
http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/Universal-Triple-Gauge-Console-Dash-Pod-Dome-Lip.aspx

http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/elite-10-color-gauges.aspx

[bonners]

Yeah the glowshift elite are awesome that is what was in the TJIN edition car. Problem is they dont come in metric

[VX-300]

A custom creation in a Pontiac G8-GT.
Same centre console as an SS, not HSV....but it's still possible.
Probably even easier to do in an HSV.
.....G8-GT & SS (sports centre console)....................................HSV centre console.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/gauges/Comparethis1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/gauges/8-7-09267.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/gauges/8-7-09271.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/gauges/8-7-09274.jpg

[bonners]

Iteresting. Got a link to the car? Is it on one for the G8 forums?

[VX-300]

Iteresting. Got a link to the car? Is it on one for the G8 forums?

Username = wagon540
Kim from IL , USA
http://www.forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=15364

[Tyre biter]

How about using the triple gauge set from JHP combined with their double hump set - would this work?

http://www.jhp.com.au/holden_ve_sports_gauges.php

http://www.jhp.com.au/img/products/interiors/gauge_pods/Style%202%20option%202%20red-h.jpg?imagealt=

http://www.jhp.com.au/img/products/interiors/gauge_pods/Style%201%20option%203%20red-h.jpg?imagealt=

Cheers, TB

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

the JHP one is very dear compared to the glow shift one but its not a stick on though

[bonners]

How many of you would use imperial gauges? I really like the Glowshift ones and they are available for decent coing compared to the Autometer Nexus Equiv.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

i would prefere imperal

[Ken]

...snip... So please ken... allow more than 1.5mm of bezel (unlike the JHP) so it caters for the MAJORITY who have guages which might have 5-7mm of bezel so we can install what we want!!! Just FYI my PLX guages are currently in the factory guage housing without any dramas... so it would seem the factory specification will be fine
Put me down for 1 if you do!!!
JK

I have made the clearance the same as the HSV/OEM 3-pod at >2mm, so it should suit most aftermarket bezels.
It is happening ... I will SLS'ing a design verification unit soon & will post the photos. Tooling layout-design is already underway.

[Tre-Cool]

i will get one. no doubt my brother as well.

i think they will sell well.

[neaty383]

AMR8: I got the twin pod setup from JHP and it fits on top of the mid-dash speaker (just need to remove the grill bit).

I run a pair of Aerotech wideband gauges in those two - so 5 gauges in total.

Going wideband means you dont need to go through the firewall unless you want special readers/sensors.

[bonners]

pics neaty please......

edit: Sorry neaty. Just did a search for your car and found the dash pic. It doesn't look too bad. I had in my mind that the HSV gauges sat up a little bit more but it all ties nicely together

[Ken]

I finally got some time to do some renderings of my 5-gauge pod/binnacle.
I would welcome any feedback ... not that it will change the outcome as tooling is happening!

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404a_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000290.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404a_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000293.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404b_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000299.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404b_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000303.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404b_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000304.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy119/Southways/100404b_facia_bincl_5-gaug_00000305.jpg

Thanks ...
:1peek:

[bonners]

very nice mate. Good work

:goodjob:

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

WOW ken i think it looks GREAT
i will have one when they become available
aney idea on price ??

[Ken]

There is a bit of dual-thred posting but ...

I trust I am not breaking any forum rules as I am not a sponsor ... but it should be okay because they will be sold via forum sponsors. (Mods - please advise). :1peek:

I anticipate that the moulded binnacle (as shown) will be $300-$350 (which I am told is about the same price as HSV quote). Gauges will need to be sourced independantly.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

how long before you can supply ??

[Wonky]

I assume these are being made for existing HSV vehicles and I don't know how possible the following is but if you could also produce a version to suit SSV/SS without the need to also replace the console surrounds as currently required to retrofit a HSV pod to SSV/SS your market would be much huger!! :bow:

[Ken]

how long before you can supply ??

Realistically it is still 6 - 10 weeks off.
As anybody who works in the toolmaking & injection moulding industry will tell you ... quality takes longer.
If the tool build goes without a hitch, and the etching & moulding happens perfect first-off, then probably 6 weeks. Otherwise ... bugger.

[bonners]

I agree wonk. If you could create one that puts three gauges where the digital ones are in the SS (ala TJIN Edition G8), I reckon they would sell like hotcakes

[jai]

Very Nice... Im down for one!

JK

[Tre-Cool]

make them to suit ss/ssv and you got another 2 sales here.

[Wonky]

make them to suit ss/ssv and you got another 2 sales here.

+1 for me too if it can be done so console parts don't need changing too. I'm sure there'd be a huge market for SSV/SS. :yup:

[Tre-Cool]

I'd probably say the ss/ssv market would be much higher than the hsv only version.

Afterall they allready have 3.

[ScarFace]

Ken, i am sold.
All what i can think about right now is a 5x PLX DM-100 OBD :1peek:

[JaMeS_2007]

now that looks cool.

u say it will fit the HSV's. will this fit the JHP version of the HSV setup in the SSV??

[brentonsav]

certainly looks the part ken.

im sure plenty are keen to see the mould for ssv as well. interested to know what gauges will be on offer and who from. it needs to be an exact colour style match to the existing but i'm sure you're onto that.

:goodjob:

[Ken]

I am now well into the SS/SSV design variant ... it is quite a bit harder to design and tool with the long "legs".

[bonners]

Hell yeah, I want to see a SS/SSV one. I was going to do a custom HSV one (I have the gauge pod) but it means I have to buy extra trim and then get it painted.

[Tre-Cool]

I am now well into the SS/SSV design variant ... it is quite a bit harder to design and tool with the long "legs".
good to hear Ken, the market is definetly there from us SS\SSV owners.

[EXCESSV]

I am now well into the SS/SSV design variant ... it is quite a bit harder to design and tool with the long "legs".will the SSV one be a 3 or 5 gauge one Ken?

Either way i am keen for the SSV one in whatever combo

[Ken]

Very likely to be 5-gauge only ... I would not want to "duplicate" the HSV style.

[EXCESSV]

Very likely to be 5-gauge only ... I would not want to "duplicate" the HSV style.excellent

count me in on a 5gauge "HSV Style" for a SSV
look forward to it :D

[yorky500]

now this is something I am defo keen on as well, sadly, I am not able to post up pics of my centre console, but our CSV CR8 centre console does not look like the ones you get in Aus.

When I reach the required No. of posts, I will put pic up.

[geof3273]

i am an injection moulder....will these be mabe from ABS or HIPS?

[Ken]

i am an injection moulder....will these be mabe from ABS or HIPS?

Neither ... a very specific grade of alloyed PC/ABS as it needs various stabilisers & enhancers included to achieve the desired result.

[bonners]

Very likely to be 5-gauge only ... I would not want to "duplicate" the HSV style.

Still interested, but would have prefered just a 3 gauge to replace the digital ones. I want them to face the driver.....

Cant wait to see what you come up with Ken. I think you're onto a winner either way

[Ken]

... I want them to face the driver ...


Me too ... but to keep the price affordable I need to make sure it suits the US market (unless everyone is willing to pay twice as much :))
So unfortunately, it will not be driver-biased.

[bonners]

bloody yanks........lol

Nah, completely understand.... When are we expecting to see a pic of a SS one.

[neaty383]

Atomic - search for me (neaty383) under my ride section and you'll see how I added two additional gauges to my VE GTS. Details are in there but from memory it was a dual dome setup from JHP that sits on top of the grill/mid-dash speaker nicely (IMHO!). Gives 5 gauges in total - 3 stock HSV plus two of what ever you want.

I was interested in the side A-pillar approach but I imagine that if ever an airbag went off, the thought of having to dislodge gauges from ones forehead wasn't appealing :)

[richmond2000]

one of them "stinkin" American's here(almost) wants to point out that a g8 uses the long leg SSV version dash

[Ken]

one of them "stinkin" American's here(almost) wants to point out that a g8 uses the long leg SSV version dash

Yep ... and I am currently working on a design for that.
Gotta satisfy the natives first :)

[bonners]

otherwise we get cross and get the spears out

[maggie]

a custom fiberglass mould would look nice, if you know how to use fiberglass, or know someone who does. iv seen some pretty neat ones done

[S2VYSS]

Excellent design Ken, can see these being very popular. What size gauges will suit the holes?

[Ken]

a custom fiberglass mould would look nice, if you know how to use fiberglass, or know someone who does. iv seen some pretty neat ones done
Have a chat with people that have used fiberglass for dash conversions ... the fiberglass is often very "squeaky" and the resin smell can be unpleasant on hot days.


Excellent design Ken, can see these being very popular. What size gauges will suit the holes?
Consistant with the HSV gauges ... the holes are 52.5mm and the bezel seat can be at least 60.

[2ajmanvell82]

Hi Ken found this link off your profile. Excellent looking gauge set up and very interested for my maloo.!!! Didn't like the JHP which add the extra 2 on top just looks cheap and added espedially when have the 3 down lower, but this... it looks factory but upgraded and shines a more quality look.

Definately keen when released!!

[maggie]

i thought the smell of resin goes away after it fully sets.

[seldo]

Have a chat with people that have used fiberglass for dash conversions ... the fiberglass is often very "squeaky" and the resin smell can be unpleasant on hot days.


Consistant with the HSV gauges ... the holes are 52.5mm and the bezel seat can be at least 60.Ken - if you are also supplying gauges with this, I hope you use better units than the OE ones which are impossible to read at night since they have metal needles vs illuminating plastic which just makes the metal ones disappear at night

[Ken]

bloody yanks........lol

Nah, completely understand.... When are we expecting to see a pic of a SS one.


one of them "stinkin" American's here(almost) wants to point out that a g8 uses the long leg SSV version dash

I finally had an opportunity to dedicate some time to the non-HSV 5-Gauge Binnacle.
It may be a little while before tooling commences, but this is the final design.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=321

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=322

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=320

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=319

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=318

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=317

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=316

Higher resolution images can be seen & downloaded here (http://www.photobucket.com/PerformanceDefined).

:)

[Ken]

Ken - if you are also supplying gauges with this, I hope you use better units than the OE ones which are impossible to read at night since they have metal needles vs illuminating plastic which just makes the metal ones disappear at night

I have been working with the good & helpful people at Auto Meter USA, and we are confident the solution we have will be very good. Backlit by LED & illuminated pointer - similar (not the same) to the HSV style.
What are the preferred gauges ... at this stage I am favouring:

Boost: 30in/Hg - 15psi
AFR: 8.1 - 18.1
Oil Temp: 60 - 140 C
Oil Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Fuel Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Trans Temp: 40 - 125 C

Please give me some feedback on your choices ...

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

ken
for the hsv pod are you looking at similar gages for them or just boost and afr ?
will the auto meter gages be VERY similar to the hsv gages
will they be a kit gages and pod

[Ken]

ken
for the hsv pod are you looking at similar gages for them or just boost and afr ?
will the auto meter gages be VERY similar to the hsv gages
will they be a kit gages and pod

I figure most will just add to the HSV ... they already have oil temp, pressure, voltage.
I imagine that various forum sponsors will offer them as a package, and as individual components.

[duke5700]

Ken woul there be a snowballs chance in hell of you doing something for VT/VX stuff?

I would really like some better options than what is currently out there. Want it to look factory etc etc

[Ken]

Ken woul there be a snowballs chance in hell of you doing something for VT/VX stuff?
I would really like some better options than what is currently out there. Want it to look factory etc etc

Yes ... I would love to do some Pre-VE products (as long as someone else wants to fund it). :)

[heavyduty1340]

Yep ... and I am currently working on a design for that.
Gotta satisfy the natives first :)

Geez Ken you'll end up on the side lines with Dipper with comments like that:eyes::rofl::rofl:

[duke5700]

So you would need a car (VT or VX exec would suffice possibly even a damaged vehicle that rolls)

Your time for design and model

= Luke not having anywhere near enough money.



Yes ... I would love to do some Pre-VE products (as long as someone else wants to fund it). :)

[6.2L.Club]

Yes ... I would love to do some Pre-VE products (as long as someone else wants to fund it). :)

what sort of coin does it take to get through design, toolmaking and into production Ken. for instance the radio replacement kit l discussed with you.

pm or email me if you prefer


cheers

Tim

[Wonky]

I finally had an opportunity to dedicate some time to the non-HSV 5-Gauge Binnacle.
It may be a little while before tooling commences, but this is the final design.

:)

:goodjob: :yup:

[big_block_hg]

I have been working with the good & helpful people at Auto Meter USA, and we are confident the solution we have will be very good. Backlit by LED & illuminated pointer - similar (not the same) to the HSV style.
What are the preferred gauges ... at this stage I am favouring:

Boost: 30in/Hg - 15psi
AFR: 8.1 - 18.1
Oil Temp: 60 - 140 C
Oil Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Fuel Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Trans Temp: 40 - 125 C

Please give me some feedback on your choices ...

Ken,

The gauges you have listed above are the exact gauges I would want (minus the trans temp as I have a manual).

:goodjob:

[bonners]

Boost: 30in/Hg - 15psi
AFR: 8.1 - 18.1
Oil Temp: 60 - 140 C
Oil Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Fuel Pressure: 0 - 100psi
Trans Temp: 40 - 125 C

I'd be happy with

AFR
Oil Temp
Oil Pressure
but would also want 'volts' and then need something else. Maybe water pressure. I know Autometer used to do a Induction temp as well.....

[50PAID]

Some of those gauges look unreal!

[ls2GTS]

ill be in for the 5 pod for the HSV when they are done :)

[ls2GTS]

how are these going? are the 5 pod gauges for the HSV's available yet

[Ken]

The first pre-etching die trial was completed and I was not happy with the finish of a couple of the surfaces near the vents, so these areas are currently being repolished and another die trial is scheduled next week.
Assuming I am pleased with the result, the tool will be etched/grained and then a production run will be done.
I expect it will be ~3 weeks before I have product available for sale.

Sorry for the delay, but I am not willing to release something that is sub-expectations.

[Wonky]

Sorry for the delay, but I am not willing to release something that is sub-expectations.

:goodjob: :)

[ls2GTS]

The first pre-etching die trial was completed and I was not happy with the finish of a couple of the surfaces near the vents, so these areas are currently being repolished and another die trial is scheduled next week.
Assuming I am pleased with the result, the tool will be etched/grained and then a production run will be done.
I expect it will be ~3 weeks before I have product available for sale.

Sorry for the delay, but I am not willing to release something that is sub-expectations.

:goodjob: awsome mate will be looking forward to them :)

[giv_me_V8]

The first pre-etching die trial was completed and I was not happy with the finish of a couple of the surfaces near the vents, so these areas are currently being repolished and another die trial is scheduled next week.
Assuming I am pleased with the result, the tool will be etched/grained and then a production run will be done.
I expect it will be ~3 weeks before I have product available for sale.

Sorry for the delay, but I am not willing to release something that is sub-expectations.


its good to see it will be a quality item. Im interested to see what the price will be. As im keen on one

[Ken]

Pricing will be very competitive ... less than OEM & comparible to other aftermarket products currently available.

[Ken]

This week I received some more off-tool samples that had most of the tooling corrections made, & I have now signed off the tool so it has gone for etching (graining).
I fitted some gauges and installed the pre-etched FOTS (First Off Tool Sample) so we could begin the evaluation of various gauge packages. Below is the Binnacle installed with the AEM gauges ... I believe these to be the best gauges available:
- they all have full data-logging output,
- are in character with the HSV white dials,
- every gauge comes with black & white faceplates, & black & silver bezels,
- the colour is selectable with backlighting LEDs (including white & red),
- are easy to read,
- have a full 320 deg sweep,
- have diagnostic & error LEDs,
- have warning LEDs,
- nice smooth needle movement,
- are doing a low-boost gauge (15psi),
- all electronic.

I am currently testing the Boost, AFR, EGT, Oil pressure, Oil temperature ... but also have Fuel pressure, Trans temperature, Voltage & low-boost to do.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=330

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=331

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=332

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=333

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=334

Obviously, this is a pre-production unit and is quite scratched from the abuse I have given it ... but it gives you a hint of the result.
Unfortunately, the project timing is now in the hands of the company that does the tool graining and they are being very non-commital on delivery ... but I anticipate having units available to various forum sponsors by the end of this month. Hopefully!

Thanks for all the encouraging PMs ... and feel free to email me (ken@southways.com.au) for reserving a unit from the first batch, but please nominate your forum sponsor whom you wish to purchase it through.

Cheers.

[JaMeS_2007]

thats a fine peace of gear. cant wait till they are out on the market.

bill be buying one for sure.

[2ajmanvell82]

:goodjob:Great work Ken!!! They are coming along nicely!!!

Can't wait for them to be available and see the full finished product!!

Keep it coming!

[ls2GTS]

How are these pods coming along??

[Ken]

Will be in stock late this week or early next week :xmas:

[ls2GTS]

Will be in stock late this week or early next week :xmas:

Awsome!!! Let me know when they are. Need one asap

[Ken]

Now in stock!

I am VERY pleased with the result - the finish is an exact match to the original HSV version ... and has less surface imperfections.
I have also fitted it to an SS without any grief. There are a few OEM/Holden components required in addition to the Binnacle, but it is still quite economical and the result is great. Some details & photos will be posted in another thread soon ... but feel free to contact me for details.

Check with any of your favourite Forum Sponsors for pricing etc, or contact me via ken@southways.com.au & I will head you to a Forum Sponsor with stock.

[duke5700]

Ken anymore interest in the earlier commodore stuff..

Something tells me the business case wouldn't stack up quite like the VE models

[Ken]

If there is enough interest, and I can fund it, certainly.
I have enjoyed this challenge and as long as I can recover the costs of development & tooling I will do more projects.

[bonners]

Ken

I love what you have achieved. Personally I think 5 is too much but I can understand why people would want that many and more importantly need that many.

Personally, and this is only my opinion, I still believe the 3 gauge 'pod' similar to the TJIN version would be an absolute winner here. I know you would be limiting your sales to right hand drive but I love the idea of having my gauges facing me 'ala' FPV's etc.

I think these gauges are wrong (look like bug eyes) but you get the idea.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Gauges.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/Gauges2.jpg

Good luck with your sales and I will be interested to see what else you come up with. I think its great that people have initiative etc and ideas and put them into production for all of us.

[duke5700]

If there is enough interest, and I can fund it, certainly.
I have enjoyed this challenge and as long as I can recover the costs of development & tooling I will do more projects.

Having designed and gone to tender for custom parts within the electrical industry I certainly don't have the moolah required to fund it.

Well I will place my interest as of now for VT-VX body/interior shape cars.