extra gauges

#1

Hi,
For all of you that put extra gauges in the car (temp, oil pressure, etc) where did you mount them (any pics)? Is removing center vent, and placing gauges there acceptable/allowable?
Regards,
Igor

#2

Igor:

I wouldn’t recommend removing the center vent just because that’s something that was factory installed and the Rules don’t say it can be removed.

When I added aftermarket water and oil temp gauges, I installed them in a cheap two-gauge pod and mounted it just above the center vent, on top of the dash.

Carter

#3

I would like a clarification on this. I am (very slowly) building a car out for eventual SpecE30 competition. I have gotten a good deal on the following gauge kit and was planning on installing it.

http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exec/product_id/886/category_id/27/search_year/1991/search_model/36

It does install in the center vents and includes oil temp, oil pressure, and voltmeter gauges. Would installation of this kit disqualify the car from SpecE30 competition??? Your statement below of "recommendation" is not very clear. As far as the rules go. The rules clearly state that guages can be added, and it also states that the air conditioning system can be removed in part or whole.

Thanks…

  • Kelly

Carter wrote:

[quote]Igor:

I wouldn’t recommend removing the center vent just because that’s something that was factory installed and the Rules don’t say it can be removed.

When I added aftermarket water and oil temp gauges, I installed them in a cheap two-gauge pod and mounted it just above the center vent, on top of the dash.

Carter[/quote]

#4

Kelly:

Before you install this kit, Mike and I will discuss it and will get back to you. I have a very busy week and am getting ready for a chassis dyno Thursday afternoon, and the race weekend at Summit. Mike is probably still here in NC for Octoberfest with BMW CCA.

We’ll get back to you next week. If we don’t send us a reminder.

Also, where are you located?

Carter

#5

Carter,

I am an Atlanta. Slowly being dragged into SpecE30 by Patton. I was planning on putting the cage in this fall, but had to put an engine in my E36 daily driver. I’ll look for something on you guys from it next week (it will be at least that before I could get started on it anyway).

Thanks,

  • Kelly

Carter wrote:

[quote]Kelly:

Before you install this kit, Mike and I will discuss it and will get back to you. I have a very busy week and am getting ready for a chassis dyno Thursday afternoon, and the race weekend at Summit. Mike is probably still here in NC for Octoberfest with BMW CCA.

We’ll get back to you next week. If we don’t send us a reminder.

Also, where are you located?

Carter[/quote]

#6

Kelly:

'Good to have you in the group.

I think I’ll be racing at Road Atlanta with NASA Southeast in March of next year.

Any chance you’ll have you car ready by then?

Carter

#7

Carter wrote:

[quote]Kelly:

'Good to have you in the group.

I think I’ll be racing at Road Atlanta with NASA Southeast in March of next year.

Any chance you’ll have you car ready by then?

Carter[/quote]

Unfortunately, barring a lottery win or striking oil in my backyard, it is very unlikely I will have the car ready to race that soon. I have the suspension in and the car runs and handles great, but I still need to invest in the major safety components (cage, seats, harness, fire extinguisher… not to mention a compliant driving suit).

I am still doing DE’s with the car and want to give myself another year to learn while I get the rest of it together. Probably March of 07 is more realistic, but I’ll definitely be out in March to see ya’ll race.

#8

For me this gets back to a visibility thing again. I don’t like anything additional sitting on top of the dash or in my field of vision. I tend to sit pretty low in the car (well, as low as I can get anyway) and deliberately putting things in my fielf of vision is something I’m very much against. Course I do prefer them near my normal sightline too (I guess I’m just picky that way) which I why I don’t use radio locations or lower (why would I want to take my eyes off the track for that long?).

For the instrument cluster, I can sorta understand the logic behind it (at least removing it) but for the center vents, removal seems like a very reasonable allowance. But naturally, that’s only my opinion. ; )

#9

[quote]We’ll get back to you next week. If we don’t send us a reminder.

Carter [/quote]

Any updates/decisions if placing the ‘extra’ gauges in the center vent is allowable?
Regards,
Igor

#10

As always, I trust Carter’s decisions on these matters.

My opinion, and it is just that: It would be a nice addition to the rules to allow this modification. It’s the perfect spot for gauges, and there is no competitive advantage to be had.

Just my thoughts.
-Vic
SO #325
"Now in SALAZAR Color"

#11

I installed an aftermarket A-pillar plastic cover that I’d bought off of ebay that has pods to hold my oil temp & pressure guages. This, in my opinion, is a perfect place to mount these gauges. As for legality, section 9.3.13.14 states that such gauges are permitted, and although it does not mention that other items (A-pillar cover, center vent, whatever) may be removed to mount them, in my opinion mounting them in a position that is (1) safe, and (2) does not provide significant weight saving seems to be within the spirit of the rules. Notice I did not mention anything about "not providing a competitive advantage", because I think that gauges SHOULD BE mounted in a position where you feel they do provide a competitive advantage by being easily viewable by not intrusive. Just my $0.02.

Oh, I do assume that my mounting location is legal… :pinch: