boost gauge or ap
 

OK so my pro sport boost gauge has taken a dump and its time to move on from it anyways as I plan to run more than 30psi. So happens my v2 is pretty rough looking. All but 1 screw has worked itself out and the screen has serious burn in. I can upgrade with Cobb still for half off.

A quality 45psi gauge is 200 plus so that has me thinking I can just upgrade to an ap v3 and use the monitoring feature on it instead. However I'm not sure of the draw backs of such a setup.

Which do you think is the better option? I only plan on doing one or the other.

I've never had a stand-alone boost gauge, so I can't speak to that. However, I own both an AP V2a and a V3. The V3's data refresh rate is pretty exceptional (compared to the V2a), so I've been happy to use it as a boost gauge.

If you're already thinking you'll replace the V2, then it seems like the decision is already made, unless you're thinking you'll switch to Versatuner, or something else.

i can't handle the idea of the AP as a gauge. either i have to take it in the house with me and back to the car every time (a total beating) or leave it in the car full time, begging someone to steal it (not worth it). combined with the fact it looks aesthetically displeasing for any accessory like an AP, cell phone, or GPS device stuck on the windshield or (even worse) the dashboard.

then combine that with the fact you can get a nice gauge pod with a dedicated 52mm gauge and it'll be there 100% of the time and look better, i vote gauge pod all the way.

Yeah I was thinking that too but I could always replace the gauge at a later time. I already have a block head pod. Decisions decisions...

I'm with @jack_hammer; that I like always having a boost gauge in front of me. It is rare that I have my AccessPORT up. I pretty much only use my AP for an occasional log and flashing maps. Or sometimes I'll have it up if I'm going out specifically for a long spirited drive :drive:

Plus the AP is ugly as a gauge IMO and it's a pain to keep putting up and down. I don't want to give anyone an excuse to break into my car. Standalone boost gauge FTW.

get the gauge. i would say plan for the future, get a dual or tripple block8head pod
eventually i would love to have boost, afr, oil temp/press, and an aeroforce interceptor

What do you want the boost gauge for? If you are trying to look out for boost spikes the AP would be best unless you get a nice gauge with a recall function. Obviously it's not a smart idea to take your eyes off the road while WOT just to monitor your boost gauge. With the AP you can see the maximum boost you reached during that WOT event after you have slowed to a safer speed.

Do you NEED an analog boost gauge? If not, go with the v3. You can moniter 1-6 different PIDs on it. If you use it as just a boost gauge, it will display a digital reading on top with a bar gauge on the bottom. Pretty effective if you ask me. I keep my AP in the wibdow at all times however and like having it there.

My vote's for the APv3. I only ever expected to use it to tune and record the occasional log, but I now have it up and running every time I drive the car. I have all six monitors going, which is something else I never expected to be doing as it's kind of cluttered, but it's saved my ass a number of times. Faulty thermostat... Leaking water pump... Loose T-clamp... Caught all of these things through casual monitoring and before any CELs or obvious problems occurred.

I don't like leaving it mounted in the car as it's an invitation for a break-in, so I do remove it from the cradle and place it either in the glove compartment or under the arm-rest at the very least. I've never had a v2, but the v3 is held snugly in its cradle via magnet and not friction, so the unit goes through very little wear if you're constantly putting it up and taking it down. Be gentle with the connector though, the tabs are very weak and many have had them snap off.


That said, the legwork has already been done as far as sourcing replacement connectors, and even making your own v3 cable, should it come to that:

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...-cable-179164/

I've always rocked the AP as my gauge setup, it may not be aesthetically pleasing on a windshield mount. But, it gets the job done. I can monitor whatever the hell I feel like whenever(minus oil pressure and temp) I want. I want to upgrade to a V3 so I can monitor more at once. But, I personally can't justify 200 bucks on a decent gauge.

Yes a boost gauge is mandatory or at least some way to read beyond the 15psi stock gauge and beyond my failing prosport 30psi gauge. I plan on running anywhere between 30-40psi on my setup and turbo. I'm leaning towards the AP as that can kill 2 birds with 1 purchase right now and I get it half off thru cobb upgrade. I bought my AP through cobb.

Trust me if you saw my AP V2 ya'll would be screaming upgrade now while I can and it still works. To my knowledge Cobb will take it back as a core on the upgrade as long as it works. I'm not even sure if I even have a screw holding it together right now and the screen is so burnt in that I must double take to see what's on it.

Mine is not in a whole lot better shape than that. Screen is pretty burned and scratched. I am not sure I can use the upgrade program since I bought used here on the forum. I haven't looked that deep into it.

COBB Tuning - MAZDASPEED Accessport V3 Upgrade

Don't see any limitations other than just returning a working V2. Doesn't say you have to buy from a certain place.

You're going to need a 3bar map sensor if you are planning on running that much boost. AFAIK, once you get that the ap should read the higher boost levels fine.

Lol. He knows.

Just follow their instructions very carefully. You MUST unmarry your old v2 before you return it and before you marry your new v3.

If you don't unmarry your old v2, like I did, then when Cobb get it back they will call you and won't get all your money refunded for the old AP.

Curious question about the V3. Doesn't it only read up to 30psi? Last time I looked the bar graph on the ap read only up to 30psi.

I know the v2 reads higher than 30

Well the thing about the v3 is that it will be far harder to read than your gauge.. I swear if there is sun out, I can't read shit on my v3. Granted it's a good device so I can't say don't buy it, but as a gauge it will do the job but not as visible as an actual gauge in certain times

I do like that my boost gauge can read higher (lower?) vacuum levels than my APv2. Vacuum can be a good diagnostic tool.

My vote is for the V3 (I'm biased, I own a V3). I was hesitant to drop almost double the money on an AP V3 relative to a used V2, but I'm glad I went for it. It isn't really worth the extra money, because the functionality is about the same, but I bought my MS3 for the long haul, so I didn't mind spending more on basically the "best version" of what amounts to the most important "mod" on my car (I don't even know if you can call the AP a mod because it should be standard equipment on these cars). I don't know what to say other than, it's hard to beat a purpose-built device. The V3 does properly make the V2 look outdated.

I mounted mine to the left of my steering wheel on the blank area next to the TCS/BSM/AFS buttons, which for me is both very easy to read, and out of the way. It's nice being able to monitor 6 things at once, which is how I have it set up 99% of the time. You can do any combination of gauges and the single big gauge is...big. I mean, really, would you rather spend $200 on a gauge that can only read one thing? The V3 is too nice to turn down IMO. If you want an in car video of me using my V3, just ask.

I leave mine in my car all the time. I only take it into my apartment when I want to change my map. I know it's a dumb idea, and I always put it away when I visit urban areas, but I live in a quiet apartment community and I'm not aware of any serious crime issues. If the criminal is smart enough, he'll know that it's married anyway.

yeah right now I'm leaning heavily on the v3. I really need to get rid of my v2 before it bites the dust.