AFR gauge

[tibimakai]

Do you guys are using a permanent AFR gauge mounted on the dash/center console?
It really needs to be on the car, even after finishing tuning the car? Which is done on a laptop.
I will be using a Speeduino ECU.
Anybody has an input on which one to use?

[SkinnyG]

I never put an AFR gauge on the dash. I did reference the AFR on screen while tuning in TunerStudio, but when I was done tuning, I never gave it a second thought.

[RTz]

You need a wideband sensor (and controller) if you are going to tune yourself.
You don't need an AFR gauge.

As Skinny suggested, the gauge is not a necessity.

When you are tuning, the laptop will display the AFR giving you a gauge anytime the laptop is plugged in. But in reality, the vast majority of your tuning will be done with autotune (to start) and then datalogging as you progress. None of which will require you to be looking at a gauge.

Once tuning is done you can choose to remove the wideband sensor or leave it functioning as an active fuel trim (often called EGO Correction). I prefer the second choice to compensate for small day to day changes that naturally occur. There is an Authority Table that will allow you to keep those EGO trims within a tight range so if the sensor fails you don't end up with severely off fueling.

[KB58]

Agree on absolutely needing one during tuning, but once done, meh, it's a nice-to-have but shouldn't be taking up dash space. More and more flat panel dashes can display multiple screens and variables, so if you have one of those it's easy to add AFR to one of the less important screens.

[tibimakai]

Thanks guys.
Any of you could recommend an AFR "gauge"?
I don't really want to install a gauge in my dash, that I will most likely not use after the tuning is done, and also it would look different then the rest of the gauges.
No displays, just regular dial gauges. I'm reading about 14point7 devices, but they don't seem a big brand, also I watched a video review, that person did not give a good review(cs is lacking badly).

[KB58]

Sounds like you've kind of answered your own question. Nearly all tuning software displays AFR because of its importance, so it's very likely that you won't need a separate gauge at all.

[RTz]

Tibor,

Your first statement asks for a gauge recommendation, your second statement says you don't want a gauge, and your third statement implies that you do as long as it's analog. Is there a reason "gauge" is in quotes in your first sentence? Are you just asking about a sensor and controller and not an actual gauge?

If you want an analog gauge that matches the rest of your gauges then Speedhut is an option. They sell customizable gauges, including an analog wide band. I can't speak for how well their wideband gauge works, but I've used many of their other gauges in multiple cars for many years.

If you just want a sensor & controller to connect to your ECU, I like AEM's X-Series. They are responsive and people generally report more long term reliability from the sensor compared with other brands. Not sure why that would be the case, but that's the rumor, for what it's worth. I have two of them in two of my cars and am perfectly happy with them.

[SkinnyG]

I have an AEM X-series in my turbocharged-LS '61 Chevy pickup and it works wonderful.

I will buy the same thing when I start rebuilding my Locost this summer.

[tibimakai]

I have never built a car before, so I'm looking for input from more experienced builders about this gauge.
Do I need one permanently in my dash, after the tune is done?
Do I need an actual gauge, or just a controller hidden in the dash?
Which controller/or gauge do you guys recommend?
Lately, AEM seems like is not supplying Bosch sensor anymore, instead some other brand's sensor(FAE).
I would prefer not having a gauge in my dash, specially that it won't match with what I already have(AutoMeter Old Tyme white).

[RTz]

Do I need one permanently in my dash, after the tune is done?

Answered

Do I need an actual gauge, or just a controller hidden in the dash?

Answered

Which controller/or gauge do you guys recommend?

Answered

[KB58]

At this point I'm beginning to wonder if the OP isn't baiting us for fun...

[tibimakai]

I have just clarified again what I want.
How about brand? Anybody has experience with 14point7 devices?