I suspect his is a stupid question. Boost Gauges?

[mikeruss]

The dial/gauge thing. I understand oil temp, gives you a better indication than water temp of when you are safe to put the foot down etc. But what I don't get is a boost gauge? Apart from looks what is the actual function?

 

[CupraStoo]

tells you how much boost you are running

 

[D.K]

It can help show air leaks or if you pop off a hose.
And you can see when its hitting full boost

 

[andycupra]

there is some use yes.
but its mainly show

 

[traumapat]

can be useful in a remapped car.. more as an assurence that alls well.
worth adding more gauges like oil temp/pressure if your upping the power levels.
helps you see whats happening.

as said looks cool too

 

[mikeruss]

Cheers chaps - so in short and reading between the lines it's for show ;-)

Must admit I am tempted to get an oil temp gauge, I can see the point in that.

 

[stewbie55]

I'd say a boost gauge is pretty much essential in a re-mapped car, even in a standard turbo'd car I'd say it's pretty useful.

Most 80's turbo'd cars had them as standard but they seem to have gone out of fashion as standard fit in modern cars.

First it helps spot any early signs of power loss due to a hose leak, secondly it can help you see when you're spooling up ready for an overtaking manoeuvre (did I spell that right??) and avoid that turbo lag moment.