After the car was flashed with APR performance software, a “boost” gauge became a necessity. As we become more and more accustomed to the extra power, monitoring the turbo’s air pressure level is often the only indication we have that the forced induction system is performing as expected. However, it’s never as simple as it sounds. These gauges become an integral part of the driver instrumentation and therefore should blend in as much as possible with the existing cabin instruments. And this is where things get interesting. Looking for a solution that not only operates, but looks and feels OEM is nothing short of a pipe dream. Aftermarket gauges often feel tacked on and make Volkswagen’s clean and simple dashboards look, for lack of a better term, molested.
Perhaps I’ll sound a tad blunt when I say that, to date, there is not a solution to the aforementioned problems. Even the most rudimentary solution to a this need -which coincidentally happens to be the most fitting- still doesn’t feel right without a little bit of modification. And amongst the several different options available for this particular generation, only one appealed to me and had the potential to meet these goals.
Traditionally, turbo gauges are mounted either on the center stack (radio area), on the A pillar or on the steering column. The MkV generation design has some fundamental constrictions when it comes to two of these options; the center stack is basically completely taken over by climate controls, heated seat controls, a double din radio space and vents while the A pillars are essentially airbag covers and mounting anything on them is nothing short of a terrible idea. Hence the only option available for this is the steering column – I won’t even go into the driver’s side A/C vent replacement as this was not even considered at any point as it looks terrible, not to mention involves removing the vent and airflow controls for it. Similarly, the pods mounted at top of the dashboard replacing the vent diffuser are incredibly ugly.
Northamerican Motorsports delivered the gauge kit in about two business days. The package included a NewSouth indigo “boost” gauge which matches the Volkswagen blue instrument panel almost perfectly (more on this later), the steering wheel column pod and all fittings, lines and ties necessary to complete the installation. Unfortunately, upon opening the package I noticed a funny detail: The gauge pod felt a tad light compared to the rest of the dashboard’s “soft-touch” plastics. It’s made of thinner, harder plastic and while the color itself is a good match, the finish is a tad glossy and begging to be beefed up somehow. And how else is one supposed to “beef up” plastic? By dipping it in more plastic, of course. Dipped Plastic. Plasti-dip!
After test-fitting the pod at top of the steering wheel, I gave it a vigorous sanding on the outside, which not only served to eliminate the gloss the plastic had but also ensured the back of the steering wheel did not rub against it. Then I sprayed it generously multiple times with Plasti-Dip allowing about 15 minutes between coats. After about 6 or 7 coats, I gave it another inspection. The pod felt much better. It was rubbery -like the rest of the dashboard panels- and heavier, albeit just slightly. It just felt closer to OEM.
Removing the engine cover, installing the included replacement hose and ties, running the vacuum line through the firewall and tapping the necessary power and dimmer wires was a rather straight forward process. Everything was up and running in about 45 minutes. Upon turning the ignition on, I verified that the indigo blue gauge is indeed a perfect match to the OEM blue gauge colors. However, I did notice that it’s ever-so-slightly brighter than the rest of the instrumentation. It operates perfectly and it dims in accordance with the rest of the dashboard when necessary; however, the difference in brightness is always noticeable, perhaps moreso if the dimmer is not turned to the brightest setting. Not a huge deal but I would have liked it to match to the “T”.
Speaking of which, if there is one thing I honestly don’t care too much about the gauge is the word “BOOST” smacked right above the needle. I think it’s redundant and should be removed. We all know what the gauge measures, and if you don’t, you likely won’t be paying attention to it anyway. A more adequate word would be “TURBO”. All told however, the gauge works as intended. It allows me to constantly keep an eye on the turbo’s pressure level while remaining a decent fit inside the cabin although not before some additional modification.
Overall, I do recommend this kit. It’s simply the best the market can offer at this time. As long as you take the time to fit the pod to your liking and give it a little bit of attention, it will fit and match correctly, and look good as well. The location is also prime. The gauge is within perfect view of the driver at all times while only blocking the upper 6.5K RPM range -redline- which you’re not likely to remain in without paying close attention to the road (unless you have a death wish).
Published under: Interior, Lighting, Performance
