For car enthusiasts looking to keep a close eye on their vehicle’s vital statistics, especially on the track, aftermarket gauges are a popular modification. While searching for a solution to monitor coolant temperature, oil temperature, and eventually boost levels in my own car, I came across the P3 V3 Obd2 Gauge. Finding traditional gauge pods for the current generation of cars can be challenging, but this digital gauge kit offered a promising alternative, spotted initially within an online owner’s forum.
Opting for the standalone digital gauge initially, without additional accessories, seemed like the right approach. Since forced induction isn’t currently part of my setup, the boost tap wasn’t immediately necessary. Impressively, the gauge shipped out the same day I ordered it and arrived the very next day, thanks to P3 Gauges being located in the same state.
The installation process was remarkably straightforward. Armed with just a Phillips head screwdriver borrowed from a colleague, the entire setup was completed in under 15 minutes. The gauge integrates cleanly into the existing dashboard vent, maintaining airflow and avoiding any obstruction of the windshield – a significant advantage over pillar-mounted gauges. This unobtrusive placement makes it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone wanting performance data without sacrificing the car’s interior aesthetics.
This P3 V3 gauge taps directly into the OBD2 port, unlocking a wealth of real-time data, including:
- Boost Monitoring: Read boost pressure via the OBD2 port using factory sensors, with an option to add a P3 analog boost sensor for enhanced accuracy.
- Essential Temperatures: Keep tabs on both engine oil temperature and coolant temperature to ensure optimal engine health.
- Air/Fuel Ratio: Monitor air/fuel ratio in either AFR or Lambda to maintain ideal engine combustion.
- Vehicle Speed: Calibrate vehicle speed readings with adjustments from -9% to +20% in 1% increments for precise tracking.
- Intake Air Temperature: Observe intake air temperature to understand engine intake conditions.
- Throttle Angle: Track throttle angle to analyze throttle response and input.
- Ignition Timing: Monitor ignition timing for insights into engine performance and tuning.
- Engine RPM: Real-time engine RPM display for immediate engine speed information.
- Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT): Option to monitor exhaust gas temperature for advanced engine diagnostics.
- Battery Voltage: Keep an eye on battery voltage to ensure electrical system health.
- Programmable Shift Light: Utilize the programmable shift light feature for optimized gear changes during performance driving.
- Analog Inputs: Two analog input channels (brown and blue wires) allow integration with any 0-5 volt linear output sensors for expanded data monitoring.
- Performance Timers: Built-in acceleration timers (0-60mph, 0-100mph, 60-130mph) and braking timers (60-0mph, 100-0mph) to measure vehicle performance metrics.
P3 V3 OBD2 Gauge installed in a car dashboard vent
