Tach, Scan Gauge, and Brake controller.

[dragonvan]

Installed my Aeroforce Scan Gauge, cheap Summit tach and Prodigy Brake controller today. Thought you guys might like some pics.

Brake Controller:


I am going to mount my A/C override switch and Fan override switch in the blank panel just below the vent that you can see in the two pics of the Prodigy.


Autometer Dual Pillar Pod with Scan Gauge and Tach:

In this one you can see the scan gauge booting up!


A couple more shots of the pair.




I used 3M Emblem tape for the side of the pod that is by the windshield because the push clips would have hit the metal A pillar frame that is right underneath the trim panel. It stuck very well after a quick wipe of both pieces with a little rubbing alcohol.


I couldn't use the tape for the door side as the pod angles away from the pillar. Just remember to drill for your push clips in far enough from the weatherstrip along the door edge so that when the clips are protruding from the back of the trim panel they clear the black weatherstrip.


I Plan to mount LED indicator lights for the E-fans in the little corners on the pod above the gauges. I haven't decided if I will go with just one for high speed (sort of a reminder to take a look at the temp gauge) or also one for low speed. I am also thinking about mounting a light for the TCC here as well, but I may have to build a circuit to run the LED due to the PWM solenoid in the 4L60E.

I know that many of you probably would have painted the pod to match the pillar color. My wife said that she didn't mind the black and as I am trying to get everything ready for a two week trip to SD and Yellowstone in less than 3 weeks I decided to take the lazy route for now I may paint them later if it bugs me too much.

Enjoy!

[Mr_Roboto]

Lookin good, I've seen those OBD-II scan gauges before how easy is the menu system to use on one? It seems like it would be something handy when I get an OBD-II vehicle, from what I've read they cover almost anything you would want to know about your car's engine and transmission.

[dragonvan]

Very simple menu. In the menu left button moves down to next option, right button selects. In scan mode left button cycles through the top display line, and the right cycles through the bottom display line. I get 29 (including two analog inputs of your own) different parameters that can be displayed on my '02 astro. Other years/models will have less or more depending on what the PCM will broadcast. I thought why spend $80 for a good quality trans temp gauge when I can get this for ... are you ready... $250. I know pricey. But I can get so much data and read DTC's if I have problems on the road. I'm not going to lug my big shop scanner around with me. One problem on vacation and the gauge pays for itself in my book. Also it does cool things too, like HP, 60ft, 1/8mi, 1/4mi times and will do a short record and playback of all data fields for capturing glitches. The one that I have is made by a small company here in the USA and they have amazing customer support. Being a tech I had some very difficult questions before I bought mine and I received prompt and detailed emails every time (from the owner/inventor AFAIK). So far I am very happy with it and would definitely recommend them to everyone!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Does that scan gauge give you tranny temps? If not, a $45 Autometer gauge would be worth more to me especially when heading out on a 2 week camping trip. If it gives tranny temp, then all the other stuff is a bonus!

[dragonvan]

It sure does Lifted That's exactly why I bought it. Depending on the year and vehicle it may not though. If you can get trans temp with a scan tool (Tech 2 - some of the aftermarket ones don't support OEM data like trans temp) then it will give you trans temp on the GMs. Also if your trans isn't a 4L60E you have no hope for trans temp, and I think the first couple of years of the 4L60E might not have had the temp sensor... but I could be wrong on that.

[ScottS]

EXACTLY what I want to do I Thanks !

While my van is down with the dead diff I am going to put the prodiy and the same guages you added. I nned our phone # so we can talk

Thanks
Scott

[Jboy2]

Looks Nice =D>

[chesehd]

Dragon,

First of all where in WI are you at? GnarliSafari is (I think) near Milwaukee & I grew up in Oconomowoc, myself. Is Gnarli over here yet?

Second, can you give the model # and contact info for that scanner? I've got the same year and similar setup (not so many mods tho ). I wouldn't mind saving a bit to get one of those.

Thanks!

[dragonvan]

I am in the south west of the state in the driftless area overlooking the big muddy.

The gauge is an Aeroforce Technology Interceptor. Model PT201 with black face and black bezel.

Aeroforce Technology

Their web page doesn't render completely right in firefox but is still managable. There are 4 different display colors, 3 face colors, and 3 bezel colors. You need to specify what color you want for all 3 options when you order. The company is a small company but I really like the product and have gotten amazing customer support from them before I purchased, I haven't had to contact them since the purchase yet. I got the white/black display color as it is supposed to be the most readable in daylight. I can testify that it is very readable even with the sun shining right on it. It is just a bit bright for my taste at night though, even on the dimmest setting. I think I will make a red filter to pop on it at night on long trips. Red light has the least effect on night vision.

They have a list of dealers on their website. I purchased mine from SR Racing/Race Car Supply in Lexington, KY. Jim treated me great. He didn't have the model I wanted in stock and got one right away for me. Just a warning I think the price has gone up $10 or so since his web page was updated so call him for the current price. I think I paid around $230-240.

SR Racing
Look on the Data Acquisition page for the Interceptor gauges.

The Autometer gauge pod is model number 15122 for the dual pod and 15123 for the single pod. You can order those locally, or I got mine from Summit.

Dual Pod
Single Pod

The Tach is a Summit Racing G2870. It has 7 colors, I don't care for white face gauges or silver bezels, but I bought it just because it was the cheapest 2 1/16" tach I could find. I may paint the bezel satin black one of these days.

Summit Tach

Hope this helps!

[dragonvan]

I had the invoice from the scan gauge on my desk here.

$229
+$11 shipping
--------
$240

[dragonvan]

BTW - Scott that old van of yours is TOTALLY COOOL DUDE! I want one.

[Rebel]

couldn't use the tape for the door side as the pod angles away from the pillar. Just remember to drill for your push clips in far enough from the weatherstrip along the door edge so that when the clips are protruding from the back of the trim panel they clear the black weatherstrip

Nice install,,looks really good.
Just thought I'd mention that there is wiring running under the pillar trim piece so others may want to pull this piece to make sure none of the wires have slid over in area that needs to be drilled for the clips. Just a thought.

[SafariRob]

Nicely done, DV, and a well written post, to boot. It was a pleasure reading it.

[dragonvan]

Sorry I forgot to mention that Rebel. You need to remove the pillar trim panel before you drill it! It tells you in the instructions that come with the gauge pod.

Also for those of you wanting to know how to remove the trim panel:

• 1. Remove screw from panel, right behind drivers head.
  2. About middle of the door there is a metal clip with little teeth that grab onto a plastic tab that sticks up from the trim panel. Carefully insert a screwdriver between the metal and plastic from inside the van. Twist the screwdriver gently while gently pulling down on the trim panel.
  3. There are two push in fasteners (we always called them christmas tree fasteners) along the downward slope of the pillar. If you pull the trim panel carefully away and look between it and the weatherstrip you can see the 2 bumps where these fasteners attach to the trim panel. Use a broad blade screwdriver to push the panel away from the pillar pushing on these bumps.

If you remove the lower panel below the steering column (you need to take off the center console or you will break it) you will see how the wiring can run right down from behind the pillar trim panel and down behind this lower trim panel and here is a very good place to make all of your connections. You can use a ring terminal and place it under the nut on the stud right there that attaches the column support to the dash structure for a good ground.

Going back together should be self explanatory.