DIY of a boost gauge install (42DD Pod and Stewart Warner gauge Kit).
It took around 2 hours to complete. With some patience, and the right tools it was an easy job.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS POD WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS
Do it at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damaged caused by using this DIY.
To get started, you are going to need tools.
Drill (Optional), wire stripers, crimping tool, duct tape, flat and Phillips screwdriver, Torx socket or bit, heat gun and needle nose pliers.
You will also need Hardware (provided with KIT with the exception of the body clip and screw and car).
Gauge, Pod, tubing, misc. connectors (provided with Kit), wires, body panel clip and screw.
And lastly an engine that is Turbo Charged. In this case LuiTuga's Jetta 1.8T.
Part one (Engine)
Remove Engine Cover using Philips or flat head screw driver (4 in total for top cover)
Remove lower Engine Cover using the same procedure as above. (3 screws in total)
Locate vacuum/boost hose at the Fuel Pressure Regulator
Use needle nose pliers to loosen hose clamp
Remove hose and pull it out for easy access.
Cut the hose using the wire cutter.
Insert the T connector supplied with kit. Make sure that you connect the original hose on both ends of the T, not in the middle.
TIP: Use Soap on the T connector to make it go in easier![]()
Re-route hose in original position and connect it to pressure regulator. Squeeze the clamp using the wire cutters.
TIP: Use heat gun on the tubing to make it easy to insert into T connector.
Once all hoses are connected it should look like this:
Route tubing through engine compartment. Make sure that tube is not rubbing or touching any engine parts that can become hot.
Use the grommet located on the firewall to the right of the brake booster to insert tubing inside the car.
Install the engine covers back reversing the order that they were taken apart.
The Engine part of this DIY is complete.
Inside Car.
Remove A pillar applying pulling pressure at the top left corner.
TIP: Make sure that your hands are clean.
Remove fuse panel lid.
Remove fuse panel cover pulling on the bottom corner.
Remove lower kick panel and under dash panels. Use Torx socket.
Route hose under dash through opening above fuse panel.
Route hose through the bottom of the A pillar opening
Fit pod to pillar. Fold over pod edges on pillar. We used duct tape to secure pod to pillar, however there are different ways of doing this, glue is another way.
The following step is optional. We found it to be easier to drill the A pillar so that the tubing and wiring can be feed through.
NOTE: Doing it this way will leave two holes on A pillar that will be noticeable if the POD is removed.
Feed wires for light socket through one of the holes previously drilled.
If you have a W8 panel, use a three way connector to tap into the dimmer wire. If you do not have a W8 panel tap at dimmer switch (Grey and Blue wire).
For ground use the body panel clip and screw to secure ground wire to dash metal frame.
Feed hose through the other drilled hole in A pillar.
Install A pillar into place.
NOTE: Use some force to slide A pillar into its place and ensure that all clips are properly secured.
Screw hose coupling (provided in Kit) into gauge by hand.
NOTE: The hose coupling provided is plastic and can break if tightened with a wrench.
Plug hose into boost gauge.
Plug light socket into boost gauge.
Start the car and ensure that both light and boost reading is working.
Place boost gauge into POD pulling back on the hose as its being put into place.
Install kick panel and under dash panels.
Install fuse panel cover and lid.
The Final Product
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