If you are really cheap...

[slomove]

Maybe I should better post this to the Locost Forum but, actually cheap isn't always bad.

 

I just picked up a few gages (tach, volt and oil temperature) to retrofit my motorcycle. They are the "Nitrous" store brand from Harborfreight and the usual 2 1/16" size. Others (water temp, electronic oil pressure, boost etc.) are available. All of these are $24.99, and include the required electronic sender (for pressure and temperature). Some were on sale at the local store for $19.99 and they had anyway more different types than the web site. The apparent quality isn't any worse than my Birkin VDO gages. Not sure about long term reliability, though but that was't really good with the VDO gages as well that cost maybe 5-6 times as much.

 

Anyway, just an idea for the penny pinchers.

 

They do have a disadvantage: The changeable LED backlight color needs permanent 12V to stay as selected. If disconnected it will revert to default green backlight. I measured the standby current to 7 mA which would drain my small motorcycle battery in 2-3 months. In a frequently used car with bigger battery it may be less an issue.

 

Gert

 

http://images.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/98400-98499/98475.gif

Edited April 24, 2010 by slomove