How To Install A Boost Gauge On Any Car

If you have a turbocharged engine, installing a boost gauge is a great modification. Boost gauges can read boost level, and many read engine vacuum. Whether you're installing a digital boost gauge, or a manual boost gauge, the installation process is very similar. The AEM gauge we are using here also has a boost controller built into the gauge. But we are only focusing on the boost gauge in this video.
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[@HumbleMechanic]

I hope you guys love this video. I am excited to finally get it out for you. Feel free to leave your install tips in the comments.

[@jacquesjackcoomans2295]

@HumbleMechanic, dude, what the heck it that meter you were using on the fuse box to find the powered fuse, never seen something so handy, I need one in my life

[@davidperrin9443]

Can you run them where the it the which on a electric turbo s kick on the gauge works

[@davidperrin9443]

😍

[@davidperrin9443]

I have an idea I would see if it would work or not see what everyone would think if you could put 6 turbo s on a car or not and I was wondering how much power it could make

[@s8terboy420]

hello i have a question were would I tap into on 2017 Malibu 1.5L Turbo the tubes that i think i need to tap into are hard tubing!!!

[@liamkarpinski2453]

This Chanell is the best with the most in depth instructions and tips and also nice gauge setup

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you. That means a lot to me

[@liamkarpinski2453]

HumbleMechanic that's all good man just keep up the good work

[@tedjohnson64]

Love your tips on how to remove the various parts of the VW interior (panels, drawers, vents)!There’s always a special trick… where to press or squeeze. None of which are mentioned in the official VW tech manuals.

[@Fisher1903]

Cool vid. Love it when people do a neat install.

[@Capamaru78]

Really nice video with on spot instructions. Great job and really nice gauges you got there.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much

[@patw52pb1]

Thank you and all those involved in the content, contributions, efforts and production of this channel. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all. May the new year bring you, your families and friends much health, wealth, happiness, safety, security, appreciation, respect and peace.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you :)

[@michaelwittke8336]

Tech tip of the day with fishing wires through grommets, use a plastic cannoli maker... you're welcome!

[@aleksandrzinkevics1253]

Cool video Very detailed Looking forward to see MFSW installation! Cheers

[@454k30]

Never tee into the FPR. Doing so creates a potential point of failure in that component's reference pressure. If the FPR loses that pressure while under boost conditions the fuel pressure will drop, the fuel air mixture goes super lean, and detonation happens. Other than that this is a really good video which shows a very clean installation.

[@SpaceEngineerErich]

Awesome video! I am gonna do a boost gauge for my 1.8T, but I am not sure where I want to mount it.

[@Injen1us]

Charles this is an incredible video! Thank you!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you! Feel free to share it up :)

[@Alex-xl4xe]

2:10 is there any way to find out what those junctions are exactly? My Car is torn to pieces so I can't check for terminal 15. None of them are red and my ground-terminal looks just like yours: Brown in a Circlic shape. I printed out the Original Volkswagen Workshop Manual but couldn't find any similarities.

[@TheMags2100]

How’s it going? The fuse cluster you show in the video..is that the summit racing one? Also 4 port or 6 port..thanks!

[@danrayment1]

You're like Aaron kaufmans alter ego 😂 great video man really easy to follow!

[@gusDSM1]

Do you have a diagram on how you wired the 4 way fuse block?

[@jamiefff]

Great Job on gauges... But I’m a little lose on the wiring of the gauges? I’m try to install 3 gauges on my VW Beetle 01

[@Rprecision]

Never thought about using a seam ripper = brilliant

[@BourneThisWay]

I have a MAP sensor that I want to use to get my boost/vacuum reading and signal. Am I able to splice into the MAP sensor wiring for signal to my boost gauge?

[@aussieguy1012]

Fantastic guide mate.You earnt a sub you definitely show that there is only one way to do things.The right way (well sometimes you dont have a choice but we call this fabrication lol).

[@thinkerdoit]

New to boost. You say vacuum line but is it pulling vacuum when line is attached to manifold where boost is getting crammed in or pos pressure? I ask b/c car i just bought confuses me. T fitting going to boost gauge - sourced via manifold (post throttle body) and pre throttle body via via pop off valve (recycled). 3rd line goes to waste-gate. Q is does waste-gate use a pressure signal to function or vacuum? If boost gauge is hooked to manifold side is vacuum only pulled even though manifold is filled with boost? Forgive mw of these are stupid questions.

[@yolandathomas7862]

I want to add a boost gauge and air fuel ratio gauge can I run the add a circuit for one gauge and then tap into the add a circuit line to add the second gauge

[@shanta818]

Great video as always but still terrified w doing anything electrical .....can’t put a wrench on an electron

[@3guavamidnit]

Hello...do u have to have turbo engine to have this units?

[@thomasdavidson7367]

What wire did you use to get power to the gauges?

[@brianskinner4328]

By the way awesome video Aaron Charles

[@mikenike40]

do you need a ground for the ad a circuit?

[@willydrop770]

can i T this off my blow off valve vacuum line?

[@ivywilbourne4922]

how long did it take to complete the cluster?

[@A.Musa76]

On factory Bi-Turbo setup (water cooled) do I tap it after the check valve (fuel and oil vapor feed through the check valve) or do I tap it in the factory Boost Control Valve before or after?

[@f.j.z3213]

Explain this place.. boost gauge (pressure gauge) connects to vacuum??? Aren't we trying to find turbo pressure?? Confused??

[@blower1]

9:33 Looks like you got a bit of torque steer there!

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s ridiculous torque-steer

[@jeremywhittler8591]

I have zero torque steer. I wonder if you have a bad steering box? I'm almost scared to put the plus suspension in now.

[@sethriggle1462]

Merry Christmas!

[@HumbleMechanic]

You too! I am very much looking forward to Christmas this year.

[@sethriggle1462]

HumbleMechanic any special presents for the GTI coming in?

[@HumbleMechanic]

The brake kit should be here tomorrow of Friday. :)

[@goldwingman1500]

G,Day HumbleMechanic i sold my Subaru diesel as i dont do highway k,s much now days i bought a 2008 Honda CRV Luxury how often should i change my oil an filter i did change my oil an filter in my goldwing every 3000 klm,s i hate dirty oil .and what octane we have e10 91, 95 , 98 in Australia cheers Merry Christmas .

[@brianskinner4328]

Just out of curiosity where did you run the radio harness since you put the gauges in place

[@HumbleMechanic]

I left it behind the dash for now. Not sure if I’ll relocate it or just leave it out

[@tarektoukan6952]

hi Charles... can you send us a link for the fuse tester . thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

This is the exact one that I used in the video. In the description, I linked the PPIV because it's like $20 more and does a lot more for you. I like the 3S just fine. It works really well. I really all depends on what you plan to do with it. I actually used my PP2 more than any other one. It was quick and accurate. But having the voltage display is pretty nice. amzn.to/2BPBf4M

[@christopheracevedo885]

If I have 4 gauges i have to install what would I have to buy from the stuff you mentioned? Fuse junction?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Fuse junction for sure.

[@Thonglover37]

You did not tell where all the hoses and sensors go xD very nice

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Good morning HM. Wanted to say hi.thanks for the vid.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hi Javier!

[@J27M]

Can you show us how to install oil temp and pressure gauges too please. There's hardly any videos on yt that show how to install these. Thankd

[@HumbleMechanic]

Pressure is on the list. Temp would be pretty much the same

[@BeaudoinMotorsports]

Sooo I sold my MK5 Rabbit. Found a (hopefully) nice 2012 GLI on RepairableVehicles . Com, can you tell me any info on the EA888 engines? I haven't found many videos. Any experience with them?

[@hyperlogos]

Not that I have a turbo, but I went for Torque Pro and a $3 bluetooth dongle instead of adding any gauges to my D2 A8. Now... what do I monitor to get actual coolant temperature? Since the cluster gauge lies like a rug.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah the cluster gauges on most cars are not super useful

[@swaggysunex9919]

First off, always love the videos. But second, I really like the junction block. But I'm curious as to the stud that had 12v on it. Is that meant for the ign 12v wire to mount to? Then split off to the fuses?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes I’m pretty sure it is. I haven’t watched the video in a while.

[@swaggysunex9919]

@@HumbleMechanic Thank you!! And thanks for being active on older videos

[@yelfryrodriguez1280]

I have Aem boost, A/f and oil gauge I installed but oil gauge stays at SEns wondering if you know what I did wrong.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Maybe it’s not fully connected?

[@ElectroVeeDub]

The seam ripper's back! Thumbs up for raiding moms sewing kit... 😈

[@ledmk2]

Nice!

[@joshcamp27]

use soapy wooder on the grommet!

[@HumbleMechanic]

;)

[@hax-a-tomix7456]

Hey guys (fill in the blank) here

[@basharatmahmood1601]

@@hax-a-tomix7456 (ChrisFix)

[@edsautorepair]

Can you recommend a good but affordable brand for VW tools beside dealer. Timing tools etc. also what after market brand vagcom do you recommend. Thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

I recommend the full vag com. It’s worth every penny at full price. And the best for pro use. For tools, check out this video with links to some tools. 15 Must Have Tools For VW and Audi Repairskzbin.info/www/bejne/omPZk5enibd5bKM

[@edsautorepair]

HumbleMechanic I have watched the video. It was basics. I have that stuff looking for more specialized engine and trans tools. I’m the local VW tdi guy since a dealer is more then 2 hrs from us. My latest was cam. Every lifter puck had holes every lobe flat. Did a Kerman stage 3. Once got that repair done it was still extremely loud but ran great to find the dmf bad. Upgrade it with a Malone single stage race clutch. Working with Malone now to be a tuner and sales of there products. Looking for a quality but affordable supplier in the more specialist tools. Also can you leave send a link for a vagcom? When I search I get a lot of aftermarket cell phone based stuff. Thanks.

[@mitch43211]

Would this benefit me on a supercharged vr6?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Watching boost is cool!

[@earthbound1231]

Please make a air/fuel gauge guide

[@TheBlackstealth]

Next video: How to cut down on major torque steer haha

[@HumbleMechanic]

Right! It’s a little better now that the alignment is right. But I need to get that LSD in it

[@venomhemi3914]

im new to this stuff... if i got a supercharger would i need a boost gauge?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’d put one in for sure

[@mikejf4377]

Why don't you take the vents out of the holder to get to the screws easier then it looks.

[@sigsauer8386]

Bravo ottimo lavoro , io ho montato manometri turbo e voltometro sulla Ibiza FR e sulla Leon FR mi piacciono però è un lavorone ci vuole pazienza e conoscenza tecnica 😅😅😅ciao from Italy

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Really easy to follow. Nice! I don't want to add gauges but is it possible to add an alarm or "ding" of some sort if a warning light is activated? Like a check engine light or low oil/coolant? I'm always worried on a roadtrip that I'll miss a warning light cause I'm not really looking at the dash, I'm watching traffic at high speed, kids in the back etc

[@eliasgordon4321]

I know *technically* "boost gauge" is the correct term, but "turbommeter" is WAY more fun to say!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ahaha. But that only measure turbonium levels. 😂

[@eliasgordon4321]

You can also measure negative turbommunits hahaha

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh you have to measure both. Otherwise bad things can happen. I think .

[@tombouie]

Good-day Charles, ?Could you put together a parts list for the improvements you did on your "MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car". I have a 2002 VW VR6 GTI that looks just like yours & want to try to put some of your improvements to it (ex: turbo charger). Thks TomB PS: Thks for the "MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car" playlist. Background: Welllll, a year ago I asked my motor-head brother to buy & fix-up a nice sporty little car for me. Well $8K & a year later I got a 2002 VW GTI with a 2.8L VR6 (with a bluebook value of $4K). Even after watching your "MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car" ; I still don't really understand why my brother brought & fixed-up a $4K bluebook value car for ?$8K?. I guest that's water under the bridge & I just as well try to make the best of it. Oh, I just got the Bentley repair manual (2000 pages of pure joy). My few immediate problems (off the top of my head) are hard to find/get-into 1st&6th gears, upholstery need fixin, P0134&P0332 DTCs, driver's side door won't unlock via key, need at 2nd backup key (my brother replaced the VR6 engine with one that had only 50K miles on it). I got it parked for now & hope to work on it next spring. First thing this spring I plan to watch your "MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car" playlist about a dozen times. Coming-up with a pragmatic game-plan for improvements will be the hard part. With your help I just might be able to make it into a nice classic car but I still not should what I will really use it for.

[@jeremywhittler8591]

Tom Bouie Use it as a donor. Put it in a mk3 or a corrado. Use your trans with upgraded shift forks. Now you have all the aftermarket support of the mk3 with the sound of a 24v VR.

[@tombouie]

Thks for the suggestions Jeremy but I not sure what a donor is. In general I'm not up on motor-head speak. Again, my motor-head brother got me a 2002 VW GTI with a 2.8L VR6 (Gen 4 I think) & switched the engine out for one with 50K miles on it. So besides my brother spending far to much $ & time-fixing on it, overall the car is fine with the few minor problems I mentioned. Hopefully Charles will list all his improvements on his VW GTI so I can give them a try on mine next spring. The only reason I'm going to be driving it is to make my brother happy. The only reason I'm going to do the improvements to it is to compete with my motor-head brothers (ex: bragging rights). Thks TomB You motor-heads will probably love this one: Redline - The distance kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ3TaZeLjM5pg9E

[@jeremywhittler8591]

Pick a third generation VW. Put your engine and transmission into it. You have a highly desirable engine in an undesirable car.

[@jeremywhittler8591]

Tom Bouie Put it in a vw corrado or a Cabrio or golf.

[@tombouie]

Jeremy, If I don't take good care of or degrade that car in any way, my motor-head brother will have a conniption fit. He worked his butt-off trying to do something good for his geek brother (I'm a physicist). When it comes to getting along with your family, rationality/pragmatism is just not the highest priority. Thks though, TomB

[@andrewfritchen6827]

Why didn’t you show us the gauge working

[@HumbleMechanic]

I haven’t been able to capture it working with out being very unstable or the gauge just flickering due to the LED PWM. It’s super frustrating. Lol

[@davidperrin9443]

I have a four turbo set up in mine

[@HumbleMechanic]

Cool!

[@davidperrin9443]

Yeah I have an idea of another one but don't know have make it work 6 real turbo s on one car

[@agger732]

Solder and heat shrink > crappy scotch locks

[@HumbleMechanic]

Agree. But I get a little nervous recommending someone that is not tuned into automotive wiring start cutting and soldering wires. The other good thing about Scotch locks is they can be removed easy. But if I had my way, no scotch locks would be used..

[@me53317]

Charles, it hurt me when you said scotchlok.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sorry :) I have seen some hack stuff with them. If used properly they do work. just not my first choice.

[@One_Guy]

where's your tubo blanket! :O

[@HumbleMechanic]

Most of this was shot before I got that blanket. But I still have yet to install it. I think that Engineering Explained and I are gonna collaborate on a video on the topic.

[@andrewwright.]

Blankets are crap, better of to heat wrap the downpipe nice and thick.

[@computiNATEor]

+andrew wright Why not both?

[@andrewwright.]

computiNATEor spoils the look for next to no real world difference with or without it.

[@computiNATEor]

The turbo's buried up against the firewall. Unless you're doing some crazy custom front mount, I think the heat retention and containment characteristics are going to outweigh any slight cosmetic benefit.

[@rustyaxelrod]

Friends don’t let friends use scotchlock (2:30)

[@HumbleMechanic]

I am not a huge fan either, but in some cases it can be good.

[@rustyaxelrod]

HumbleMechanic - Many years ago I worked a stereo place doing installs. The number of customers that came back with problems because of these connectors was amazing. They seem to work ok for a few months but if there is any movement of the connector or wire they are guaranteed to fail, especially if there is much load in the circuit. Preferred method is solder and heat shrink but if you’re in a hurry, wire nuts are much more reliable if you get the proper size, with the conductive spring inside them. I had to apologize to many customers there for a while because of these things. The ONLY use I see for them is temporary. Maybe if you need to tap into taillight wires for a trailer connection for one trip cross country and then take them back out. They do allow you to make connections without chopping up the vehicles wiring.

[@johnmoore1495]

Jesus, wherever you live, you have some narrow ass roads.

[@JordanBlue1]

Can you just do it for me? Lol

[@tommyriordan870]

I cant follow this

[@HumbleMechanic]

How can I help?

[@tommyriordan870]

HumbleMechanic if u were using add circuits could u use three of them on three different fuses in yr car already for three clocks?

[@erdinchmevlyudov8486]

Tapanar prosss

[@RePLaYy13]

this is awesome to watch.........................if you are high (0v0)

[@HumbleMechanic]

😂😂😂

[@patatofruit4393]

Any car??? My car does not even have a turbo and I did this.. you were right

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nailed it 😎😎

[@millhouse313]

Cut that tag off your glove!

[@Mitutumuch]

5:23

[@mattm3843]

Lame no stereo

[@HumbleMechanic]

it's a driving car. One that I wont ever take on long trips. No radio needed. My miata is the same way.