Here's my dilemma: I am in the process of building this incredible car. The GTM has an exotic body shape, a power/weight ratio that is otherworldly and a performance envelope that competes nicely with top end Ferraris and Porsches. I must admit - this is not an easy topic, because I haven't found anything that fits my idealized image.
My basic requirements for the gauge set are as follows:
- Speedometer (200 mph minimum)
- Tachometer (with red line indication)
- Voltmeter
- Oil Pressure
- Water Temperature
- Fuel
The stock gauges supplied with the kit are made by
Autometer. These are fine guages that have a utilitarian look, not a supercar look.
SO I embarked oin a search for something that reflects the GTM's supercar nature.
 |
| Stock gauge cluster supplied with the basic kit. |
The first thing I discovered is most speedometers cap out at 120 or 160 mph. The GTM tops out somewhere north of 200 mph. This eliminates approximately 80% of the gauge sets currently available.
 |
| TPMS panel. I plan to mount this flush on the lower left side of the steering wheel. |
The next problem is available space on the instrument panel. In addition to the guages, there needs to be room for turn signals, high beam and the radar detector screen. At the lower left of the instrument panel, I plan to install the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) display. With the exception of signals, cruise control, stereo system and the Escort 9500ci controls, all other controls will located on the inTouchMax controller on the center console north of the gear shift.
 |
| Escort 9500ci display. This will be on the central dash panel. |
Intellitronix makes a very nice digital gauge set. They will work with you on customization and they satisfy the basic requirements. They provide an analog/digital combination.
 |
| Intellitronix gauge set. |
Dakota Digital has a number offerings. Their new product is an Oval Speedometer/Tachometer Information Center. This has everything except the water temperature. However, it incorporates turn signals, idiot lights, odometer, analog tachometer and software to record 1/4 miles and 0-60 performance. They offer a universal instrument cluster (it is as ugly as sin).
Speed Hut has a number of gauge sets. They have an online customization program that is quite flexible. In addition, they will further customize anything you want. One of the attractive things is their quad gauge. Instead of 4 holes drilled into to the dash panel, it combines the volts/oil/water/fuel into a single gauge.
 |
| Quad Gauge combines four gauges into a single unit. |
Do I know what I'm going to put in the car? Not yet. Several times I have thought I had reached a decision, only to pause and search some more. I don't have to make a decision until later this year.
