I finally got to install my RealGauge (water and oil) system this weekend. I just wanted to thank Steve for an amazingly comprehensive kit. I am seriously impressed with the quality of the components and the attention to detail - even the way the kit was packaged showed a great amount of care.

I'm sure many of you have the kit already, but if you're still thinking about it I'd thoroughly recommend it.

 

Thanks for your observation...I'm considering the "Real Gauge" option in my '98 Coupe. In your view what is the skill level required for the install (from 1-10) or did you have your mechanic/electrician do the work?

 

Well, I am my mechanic/electrician (amateur)! If you can follow simple (and very clear) instructions I'd say it's very easy.

The most technical bit is installing the additional oil pressure sensor if you go for the oil pressure gauge option, but that's also pretty easy (the kit even has a small piece of ptfe tape to fit one of the sensors with - very comprehensive!).

I should mention that I decided for now not to open the gauges and add the sticky numbers, but even that would have taken no more than an extra few minutes to undo a few screws.

 

JagWranglers step by step instructions are flawless, just follow them carefully and slowly and you can do the job if you have mechanical skills enough to put a piece of IKEA furniture together. I have installed the push buttom top down kit and the Real Guage kit and now would not have an XK8 withought them. As with everything involved in the XK8 getting the car up securely on jackl stands high enoughto get under it is the real work.

 

It's funny you mention IKEA, because when I was doing the install it did cross my mind that furniture would be much easier to build if the instructions were as clear as Steve's!!

 

BladeRunner? Great handle. LOVE the movie!!!

 

The only challenge I had installing Steve's RG (both gauges) was in running the wires thru the firewall. Some of the Jag insulation had slipped and was covering the hole. I ran some serious light in from the footwell and finally managed to find the problem.

Subtracting that time, it took maybe 2 leisurely hours. That includes putting the stick-on numbers on both the oil gauge and water temp gauge.

Great product. Highly recommended. Made even better by the superb support Steve is willing to give.

 

I have to chime in here as well. I just finished the install of his complete Real Gauge kit and I am exceedingly impressed. As an electrical engineer with years of experience on military weapons systems, I was blown away by the quality of this kit.

 

I can only shout the laurels of Steve and interest in his customers'. I had a little issue with the alarm on the temperature part of the system. While on vacation, Steve took the time to communicate with me and between us resolved a problem area. His expertise with his product is something you don't get with a large company.
My biggest problem was getting too the oil sending unit with the ability to move where I needed to be. Make sure and get the car up in the air and secure. Not everyone will have the large wrenches needed. So go buy or borrow them before you start the oil gauge part.
Oh, that #&** panel under the dash is a pain and is clipped in at the top, requires some effort to get it out and in. The two screws on the bottom do not need to come all the way out, but it will help. Quarter inch drive with 8 inch extensions will be your friend.


Wayne

 

Thanks guys, I was feeling really good about the install until cjd777 provided his input...big wrenches to modify 3" gauges?

 

Yes another complimentary thread on Realgauge from TheJagWrangler.....


In all the posts I've only ever heard positives from every buyer, a real testament to Steve's thorough approach to this and his other products.
Nice one, thanks for sharing.....


Jim

 

You need a deep 21mm socket to get the original oil pressure switch out of the oil filter housing.

 

Many thanks to all of you for posting!

I work hard to make the best possible products I can, so its great to see my efforts are appreciated and put to good use.

As far as difficulty, special skills are not required because details are spelled out in the instructions very clearly, and I am always on call if you have a problem.

I would rate the coolant gauge installation the easiest. If you are comfortable with simple repairs around the house it will be no problem.

The oil pressure option is just a bit more difficult. You need to work under the car, next to the oil filter for about 10-15 minutes and need the appropriate wrenches specified in the instructions. I often advise that if you are not comfortable with this part, have a mechanic install the oil pressure sensor under the car, then you can do the rest yourself.

The instructions are available on my site for preview on this page: http://www.thejagwrangler.com/realga...tallation.html

Note the coolant and oil pressure instructions are two separate documents and that there are slightly different versions of the instructions based on model year and left hand drive or right hand drive.

I am always happy to answer further questions.

Steve

 

I would like to add this to the general consensus. The RealGauge system gives an added awareness of how driving conditions affect the engine temp and oil pressure. As a result I'm much more confident that I'll drive with care for the engine. For example, I always start driving more conservatively (especially on warm days in stop and go traffic) when I see the engine temp cross the boundary line of 80% of the way to the red line. It won't do that without the RealGauge system installed. I don't believe you have to be mechanically inclined to understand what this gives you as a driver, it's something you need to know.

It's been over 6 months since I had it installed, and it works as described without problems. Thanks Steve!