S4inSoFla

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8572/s4boost.jpg"></center><p>
I want to do the exact same install as this. What mm thickness do you suppose the plexi is? Could I cut it to size with a miter box and a small tooth saw? I guess I need a friend with a router to cut out the hole, then I just paint it flat black.

What brand gauge works well and matches the S4 interior? Can I go as big as 60mm for this application? I've heard electrical is better vs. vacuum, is the price difference worth it? TIA.

Captain Matt, I be

AWE sells them

NYfinestS4

It's an Omori 60 mm electrical, have the same one in my a-pillar....

spider418

<img src="http://images.fotki.com/v5/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02807_640-vi.jpg"><img src="http://images.fotki.com/v5/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02808_640-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images.fotki.com/v4/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02809_800-vi.jpg"><img src="http://images.fotki.com/v5/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02811_800-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images.fotki.com/v4/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02812_800-vi.jpg"><img src="http://images.fotki.com/v4/photos/4/41826/124613/DSC02813_800-vi.jpg">

Zed 2.0

a little more "finished" looking.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19916/dash_setup.jpg">

LI-S4

<center><img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v191/photos/4/43687/2327348/AluTrim1-vi.jpg"></center><p>
I used a piece of 5mm plexi for the face plate. I cut it on a table saw with a carbide blade. Be fareful because it will chip easily. Lexan might be better as it isn't as brittle.

Although I have a router I used a drill press to make the center hole. I didn't have a large enough hole bit so I made a series of connected holes around the perimeter of the hole and cleaned it up with a dremmel for a tight fit.

I didn't paint it because I was pretty sure it would chip. Instead I used Euro look black out tape from Pep Boys.

The curved plexi cover is from Agravic from the A4 forum.

The pic of of Plug install with a smaller VDO.

Here is a picture of mine with a short <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1009786.phtml">writeup</a>

JasonS4+Festicle

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/36810/gauge1.jpg"></center><p>to size with a chop saw....then used a 2" bit for a drill. The hole was the exact same size as the housing for the 52mm gauge. The fit was very very tight...in fact, I needed to use a bunch of white lithium grease to push the gauge through. Anyway, I then just shoved the thing into the vent hole. You need to cut it perfectly to fit tightly. Mine has never moved an inch. Total cost....$31.95 for the gauge, $12.95 for the vaccuum line and fittings and ~$5.00 at Pepboys for the electrical connectors and stuff, your own labor (however much that's worth). I have not seen a boost gauge that looks nicer. What I like about the smaller gauge is that you can literally drill one 2" hole in the center of whatever material you choose to mount it in and it fits perfectly.

villainS4

hard is it to mount the plexi, install the gauge, etc.

villainS4

Also, did you buy the clear cover like that or do it yourself?

LI-S4

I'll assume that you have the under-hood part of the install under control.

After you tap the proper lines run the boost/vacuum line through the grommet in the firewall and then into the ECU box through a small hole you can poke in the rubber boot on the front of the ECU box. Feed the line through the back of the box. It will emerge under the dash. (to get to the line under the dash you will have to remove the knee panel under the dash)

I'll come back to the line...

Begin by pulling the entire vent assembly out of the dash. There are two small wires that feed the lights in the vent controls. I chose to cut them for better access and install male female connectors for the reinstall.

With the assembly out you will need to modify it a bit. I believe the process should be the same for either the center vent or the left-center vent. First, there is a flapper on the back of the assembly which controls the air flow. That needs to be removed...just snap it out.

Next remove the vent where you want to install the gauge. Use a small screwdriver etc. to gently pry it out.

To make the plate to mount the gauge you'll need a small piece of plexi or plywood or other plastic. Cut it size so it press fits in the space where the vent was. Keep in mind that the size of the plate will determine how deep in the vent your gauge will ultimately sit. Larger will put it closer to the front, smaller will position it towards the back. Too small and it will push right through...so cut it roughly to size and remover small bits until it sits where you want it. I used a table saw to ensure that it was square, and used acrylic which isn't too brittle.

Next, using a felt tip marker drawn an X from corner to opposite diagonal corner to determine the center of the plate. There a numerous ways to cut the hole but you'll want to make it a tight press fit for the gauge. Although the gauge comes with a bar that install on the back to keep the gauge in place but it doesn't fit well in the vent with the 60mm gauge.

If you didn't start with black material you can either paint or as an alternative I have seen the plate covered with headliner material or as I did, covered with matte black plastic bumper tape.

Install the gauge in the plate, and the plate in the vent. If you use the 60mm there are small tabs in the vent housing that will need to be removed and a bit of plastic on the sides of the housing where the vent you removed was.

Back to the vacuum line.

I drilled a small hole in the back left corner of the air vent in the dash so I could thread the vacuum hose through. That gets attached to the back of the gauge. A small dab of silicone keeps the vacuum line in place and prevents air leak in the dash.

To light the gauge, I tapped into the wires I cut to remove the vent housing so that it dims with the light rheostat.

Push the vent housing with the gauge installed back into the dash and sit back and admire your work!

The cover is made by Agravic from the A4 forum. Cost like $30 or so. I installed with a small bit of double sided tape on the top edge so I can tilt it up to dust under it. The AC blows against the back of the gauge and inevitably some dust gets in there

Of course, if you have any questions, feel free!