Boost Gauge Buyer's Guide

A boost gauge is one of the most critical pressure instruments drivers can install in their car or truck if it is running a turbo or supercharger. It’s extremely important to monitor the levels of your engine’s vacuum and compression levels to avoid potentially serious damage. The range of a typical boost meter is 0 to 30 PSI (pounds per square inch) of boost pressure, but we also have several additional boost gauge ranges in stock. Car and truck boost gauges are usually mounted on the driver’s side A-pillar or dashboard using one of the vehicle specific or universal gauge pods that we offer.

GlowShift has 15 PSI, 30 PSI & 45 PSI Boost/Vacuum Gauges available. These mechanical boost gauges simultaneously monitor Vacuum and Compression Levels from -30 inHG to 0. We also offer 20 PSI, 35 PSI, 60 PSI & 100 PSI Boost Gauges. Each boost gauge kit comes with parts for installation. Depending on which version you select, the gauge will include a 6’ Black Silicone Vacuum Hose, 1/8” T-Fitting with Hose Clamps, 9’ of Boost Hose, 1/8-27 NPT Brass Compression Fittings and more. You can also choose between analog or digital boost gauge displays for readings. Two sizes are available with 52mm boost gauges and 60mm gauges in stock. Our truck and car boost gauges are also available in a metric format that delivers BAR pressure readings.

The more budget minded consumer will often look for gauges that feature a quality design with a simple offering of features, should they not require more advanced capability. However, for some consumers, you may want a turbo boost gauge that is not only built with exceptional quality, but also has a complex set of features so you can get the most out of your gauge. When you’re looking for the best boost gauge for your car or truck, GlowShift invests a significant amount of time and effort into the design of each gauge. That way our customers get the full benefit out of their driving and monitoring experience.

A popular accessory many choose along with their boost gauge is an electronic or manual boost controller, which allows you to control the boost level coming from your intake manifold. While using your boost gauge to monitor and determine your desired boost level, you can set the desired boost level with your controller. However, increasing boost levels must be done properly and in accordance with the limits of your engine. Failure to do this properly could result in serious and costly damage to your engine.

The boost gauge install is a simple process. Depending on whether you are installing a mechanical or electronic boost gauge will determine any additional steps required to complete installation. Mechanical turbo gauges require splitting the vacuum line, inserting the T-Fitting and then running the vacuum hose directly to the back of the gauge. Electronic gauges require running the vacuum line to the electronic sensor and then connecting the sensor wire to the back of the gauge. This method ensures the vacuum line will not get pinched from the firewall, preventing any loss of vacuum pressure. Powering the gauge requires connecting to any constant 12 volt source.

On top of getting a professionally designed vacuum boost gauge or boost gauge at an affordable price, you will also select a GlowShift Gauge Series which defines the look of your automotive boost gauge. Our 7 Color Gauge Series are among GlowShift’s most popular and are available in three different options: the Black 7 Color Series, Tinted 7 Color Series and White 7 Color Series. As the name suggests, you’ll have access to 7 Color LED Through-Dial Lighting with numerous color modes, and Stepper Motor Technology for unrivaled accuracy. What is Stepper Motor Technology? It allows for extremely accurate needle movements through its electronically driven internal components and gears, providing exceptional results.

GlowShift’s 10 Color Digital Gauge Series offers a collection of simple, yet highly effective and reliable features such as fully electronic sensors, a calibration startup sequence to ensure proper gauge readings and connections, an easy to read digital LED display built in a sleek and ultra-thin design, and more. The Elite 10 Color Gauge Series also comes with electronic sensors and packs a collection of advanced features with Stepper Motor Technology, High and Low Warnings and Peak Recall Functions. It is LED illuminated with 10 different colors to match your vehicle’s stock instrument cluster or create a custom look.

If you have any questions regarding our gas and diesel boost gauges, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.