1st Gen R53 Cooper S Gauges - recommendations?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by FUEGO, Dec 3, 2009.

Tags:
Most Liked Posts
Page 1 of 3
  1. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #1 FUEGO, Dec 3, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2009
    Since I seem to be doing more and more DEs and still AX each season I'm wanting to keep closer tabs on my '05 MCS's engine. So since my wife is asking for suggestions for what I want for Christmas and gauges have been on my list for awhile I'm looking for suggestions.

    I don't have Nav or the Chrono pack so the standard instrument cluster feedback is minimal. My general impression is that the mechanical gauges are less expensive and perhaps a bit more reliable than those with a centralized "ecu" but haven't ruled other gauges out. At this point I'm thinking Oil Temp, Oil Pressure and Boost and a mount to put them on both sides of the tach. So looking for recommendations on gauge mfg. (Autometer etc.) and mounts (Flexpod, Alta etc.). 2-3 gauge mounts (added when purchased if not all together) with possibility of up to 4 or a shift light into the tach area is one of the requirements. I would like them to somewhat match the interior/stock tach if possible, but not an absolute necessity.

    Also, for oil pressure and temp can I use one of the adapters that provides multiple connections such as this? Or is there another/better place to install the oil temp sending unit - like the drain plug used by the OEM gauge? Or would I be better off installing a real water temp gauge instead of oil temp?
     
  2. iwashmycar

    iwashmycar Active Member

    Jun 1, 2009
    881
    87
    28
    architecture
    Columbus, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +87 / 0 / -0
    #2 iwashmycar, Dec 3, 2009
    The steward warner gauges match pretty nicely to stock from what i've seen

    Ive got the Alta kit in mine (boost / water) and the ProSport gauges are nice, but theyre kind of hard to read during the day and the Alta pods suck, if they are similar to mine that just screw into the back of the tach.

    Some sort of flexpod or whatever it is would be better.

    Sounds like your comfortable running blazing hot fluids into the cabin? Nothing wrong with electric, but to each thier own

    Ive got a 2nd gen but im sure there are similarities
     
  3. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #3 FUEGO, Dec 3, 2009
    Another thought I had would be to install a Scangauge II for boost, water temp etc. , then add only oil temp and pressure gauges. Any feedback on the STRI gauges? Nothing on MU about them for quite awhile.
     
  4. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    #4 Nathan, Dec 3, 2009
    For mounting I would recommend the Craven Speed cups and mount. Very well built if you ask me. Have had on on my car for years now and it just works. Plus as needs change you'll find it flexible. Craven Speed has created a full line of accesories around the main mount extending the usefulness.
     
  5. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
    1,592
    262
    83
    Ca.
    Ratings:
    +262 / 0 / -0
    #5 jiminni, Dec 3, 2009
    I know of a vendor selling, "Mini specific" gauges, at a group buy price, including all Craven stuff too. But as they don't seem to be vendors here not sure if I can say who it is?
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    #6 Nathan, Dec 3, 2009
    Is that ones that Steve at Custom MINI Shop had done?

    He's registered here but I don't think he has the time to visit as often as he would like.

    This is not some site where one needs to walk on eggshells about posting other vendors that may not be sponsors here.
     
  7. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #7 FUEGO, Dec 3, 2009
    Thanks for the info - sent them an email. I never would have found that since I never visit the "sewing" site much anymore.
     
  8. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
    1,592
    262
    83
    Ca.
    Ratings:
    +262 / 0 / -0
    #8 jiminni, Dec 3, 2009
    Yep it's Steve. Marshall gauges. I wasn't sure Nate, so I didn't post it. Thanks.
     
  9. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    8,767
    2,547
    113
    Bend, OR USA
    Ratings:
    +2,678 / 1 / -0
    #9 ScottinBend, Dec 3, 2009
    I have sent an email to a VDO supplier to see if they can get some "OEM" gauges.

    Hopefully with some good news.
     
  10. checkers

    checkers Well-Known Member

    Jun 11, 2009
    3,263
    871
    113
    Male
    retired
    Modesto, Ca
    Ratings:
    +1,156 / 0 / -1
    #10 checkers, Dec 3, 2009
    I have SPA gauges and they work and look very nice. You can get any combination you want and they are duel gauges. I have oil/p oil/t water/t and boost. I'd post a pik, but I seem to have problem. Anyway you can check my gallery.
     
  11. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad Club Coordinator

    May 19, 2009
    1,178
    431
    83
    Male
    Decorah, IA
    Ratings:
    +435 / 0 / -0
    #11 Gil-galad, Dec 3, 2009
    I can confirm first hand that the Marshall gauges are the closest thing to OEM look and feel that you can find anywhere -- especially for 1st Gen.

    [​IMG]

    I love 'em.
     
  12. iwashmycar

    iwashmycar Active Member

    Jun 1, 2009
    881
    87
    28
    architecture
    Columbus, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +87 / 0 / -0
    #12 iwashmycar, Dec 4, 2009
    ^^^^ HAWT
     
  13. Kellen@Craven

    Kellen@Craven New Member
    Motoring Alliance Founding Sponsor

    May 4, 2009
    199
    36
    0
    Talking about Minis and stuff
    Portland, OR
    Ratings:
    +36 / 0 / -0
    #13 Kellen@Craven, Dec 4, 2009
    +1:aureola:
     
  14. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #14 FUEGO, Dec 4, 2009
    Talked to Steve at Custom MINI and forwarded the "deal" to my wife. I'll be looking under the tree in three weeks :lol:
    Thanks for the input everyone!
     
  15. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #15 FUEGO, Dec 4, 2009
    BTW - here is a link to the version of gauges made by Marshall Instruments that are matched to stock MINI gauge appearance.
     
  16. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    #16 Nathan, Dec 4, 2009
    Oh goodie...

    So we'll be looking for the detailed install write-up in about 3.5 weeks. :D
     
  17. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    3,532
    2,896
    113
    Professional Facilitator and Alignment Consultant
    Holly Springs, NC
    Ratings:
    +2,896 / 0 / -0
    #17 BlimeyCabrio, Dec 4, 2009
    Those would be awesome... IF my stock gauges looked like stock gauges. :lol:
     
  18. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
    96
    5
    8
    IT Geek
    DFW Texas
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    #18 FUEGO, Dec 4, 2009
    :smilewinkgrin: I hope so - I'd like to have them in place before a DE in the later half of January.
     
  19. Tron Chief

    Tron Chief "Need More Coffee"
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 18, 2010
    559
    60
    28
    Maintenance Supervisor Del Monte, retired 30 year
    Lemoore California
    Ratings:
    +60 / 0 / -0
    #19 Tron Chief, Nov 4, 2010
    I started out with two Marshall gauges and then just added a couple more. Steve at Custom Mini Shop has the parts and lots of information available

    [​IMG]

    More pictures in gallery and garage
     
  20. hughes

    hughes New Member

    Aug 9, 2010
    226
    1
    0
    Software Specialist
    Columbus, OH
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    #20 hughes, Nov 5, 2010
    That is sick. :) Your gauges rock!
     
Page 1 of 3

Share This Page