Will Give Up A/C For Boost (Indicators)
By Rick Reimundez
Seeking a home for that aftermarket boost gauge in your late model turbocharged VW or Audi? AWE Tuning are the originators of the vent-mounted boost gauge — or so they claim. Regardless, you can’t argue with their elegant execution and quality design. They start with a CAD application to create a replacement HVAC vent that includes an orifice for a boost gauge that’s designed especially for them. Very slick.
The vent gauges are available for the new Mk5 Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI, as well as the Audi A4 from 1996 until now, 2000-2002 2.7T S4, 2.0T A3, and the 2000-2004 Audi TT. The gauges match the instrumentation lettering and lighting of either the VW or Audi you’re putting it in, making it look as if the designers in Wolfsburg or Ingolstadt thought of it first. In most applications, the redesigned vent still allows (some) air to flow into the passenger compartment. The Audi TT vent doesn’t look like it’s going to allow too much air in though.
Pricing starts at $190 for the VW Mk5 and Audi A3 to $260 for the 2002-on A4s on up to $270 for the TT. Regardless of the kit that you buy, they all come with everything you need to install a working gauge, including the replacement vent and the gauge itself. Also, if you already have a gauge housing – or you want to roll your own — you can purchase the gauge by itself from AWE as well - to ensure that it matches your dash.
Mk5 VW Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI 2.0T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
1997-2001 Audi A4 1.8T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
2000-2002 Audi S4 2.7T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
2002-2005 Audi A4 1.8T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
2005.5 – 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
2005-2008 Audi A3 2.0T Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
2000-2004 Audi TT Vent Gauge [AWE-Tuning]
October 9th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I’m guessing the backs of the gauges are all flat. If they designed a conic shaped tale cap behind the gauge, it would gradually divert the air around the gauge and possibly allow a bit more air to get through. If the cap is further dimpled, like the face of a golf ball, the air may get through faster still.