7 Best Boost Gauges for Your Supercharged or Turbocharged Car

Whether you want to add an aftermarket turbocharger to your vehicle or tweak your OEM turbo system and have your engine churn out a couple more ponies, you must keep an eye on the boost pressure at all times. Not only can excessive pressure quickly damage your engine, but a lack of boost can also indicate something wrong somewhere in the system. No need to mention that a reliable boost gauge is your safest bet here.

In truth, there are a lot of good gauge options out there, with many renowned manufacturers selling some at quite affordable prices (there are also several pricey ones, though). And since there are so many of them, we know picking the right one can be quite confusing. To help you find one suitable for your car model and specific forced induction setup, we have curated and reviewed some of the best boost gauges currently on the market.

Of course, it’s impossible to literally test every one of them (it would also be super expensive lol). If you use a different model that isn’t listed here, make sure to leave a comment below and we’ll make sure to review it too and add it to the list.

Best Boost Gauge Reviews

Fitting a supercharger or turbocharger to your car will surely lead to an increase in performance or efficiency (or both). However, it will only do so for a long time if it’s set up properly. The boost gauge’s role is to monitor the pressure produced by the forced induction system, flowing into the air intake and then into the combustion chamber. While it’s not necessarily mandatory on a stock turbo car, it’s strongly recommended for any modified vehicle, as the pressure is higher than the OEM standard.

Since low-pressure signals inefficiency and high-pressure can potentially blow off your engine, keeping an eye on the pressure is vital. And if you spent a couple of grand on a turbo setup, what’s a couple of hundreds more to make sure it lasts more than 3 months, right?

1. GlowShift Tinted 7 Color 30 PSI Boost/Vacuum Gauge (Model FBA_GS-T701-SM)

The GlowShift Tinted 7 Color mechanical boost gauge is our Budget Pick because it’s quite cheap but still does the job just fine. Obviously, it’s not the most advanced model out there but not everyone will need all the bells and whistles offered with high-end gauges. Not to mention, it’s also famous for its durability.

In terms of aesthetics, this gauge is one of the best looking on this list. With seven backlit color options and a sharp and easily readable display, it will surely stand out no matter how cool your car’s cabin is.

The boost dial reads from 0 to 30 PSI, while vacuum can go as low as -30 inHg—which should be more than good enough for most common applications. Of course, if you own a drag-only 2JZ Supra running on 35 psi and jet fuel, you might be better with something a little more advanced.

The GlowShift model comes with the gauge itself, a 6’ silicone vacuum hose, a 1/8” t-fitting with hose clamps, a gauge visor, mounting hardware, and instructions—basically everything you need to set it up and it the track in no time!

If you run a low to mild forced induction setup and need a boost gauge that does the job and looks good while doing it without breaking the bank, this is the one!

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 30 PSI
• Vacuum: -30 to 0 inHg
• 7 solid color modes – blue, red, green, teal, purple, white, and yellow
• Day/Night mode
• Tinted lens
• One-year limited warranty and lifetime tech support

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Cool and youthful design
• Customizable backlight

Cons

• The display can be difficult to see during the day

2. Turbosmart 30 PSI Boost Gauge (Model TS-0101-2023)

If you’ve been in the tuning scene for some time, Turbosmart needs no presentation anymore. It’s been around forever and must be the most well-known forced induction system component manufacturer by now. Of course, they have a full range of products and gauges and they are all pretty much awesome. But for the purpose of this article, we had to select only the best ones and the TS-0101-2023 is probably the most used model out there—it was a no-brainer.

The Turbosmart TS-0101-2023 is a smart-looking mechanical boost gauge, with a black face, silver bezel, and red needle. Like the GlowShift above, it also displays up to 30 PSI and -30 inHG (you’ll see that this bracket is somewhat a standard in the industry).

The kit includes a long tubing, gauge’s hood/cap, t-fitting, mounting hardware, and instruction papers. But it is worth noting that the tubing that comes with it tangles easily, so you may need to be careful.

Another drawback is that it can be extremely bright at night. And although wiring a dimmer switch is possible, the extra hardware is sold separately.

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 30 PSI
• Vacuum: -30 to 0 inHg
• One-year limited warranty and 30-day no-questions-asked return available

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Renowned manufacturer
• Reliability track record
• Super Bright (can be a pro or a con depending on your preference)
• Clean design

Cons

• Undimmable
• Not the best tubing (but that can easily be replaced, right?)

Download your engine repair manual here!

3. AutoMeter Ultra-Lite Mechanical 30 PSI Boost/Vacuum Gauge (Model 4303)

AutoMeter is another well-known company specializing in gauge manufacturing and data acquisition systems. It’s been around since 1957 and never stopped growing since then. By now, it also produces OEM gauges for large carmakers and also supplies advanced instrumentation systems for NASCAR. With such an impressive pedigree, you simply can’t go wrong with this brand.

The Ultra-Lite boost gauge is a highly reliable and retro-looking mechanical boost gauge that is very easy to use and simple to install. It deserves our Editor’s Pick due to its traditional but practical approach. There is no backlighting or customizable LEDs. Instead, it uses a simple incandescent bulb that illuminates the entire dial. This means that an electrical connection is not needed for the gauge to operate (aside from connecting the light bulb to the 12V lighting system, of course), and would fit any type of vehicle with no issue.

No bells, no whistles; just like good ol’ gauges from the past. Yes, it might not look as fancy as other backlit, colored models, but if you intend to use it in a race car with a stripped interior, who cares about those LEDs anyway? Not to mention that fewer electrical components also mean fewer risks of something going awry in the long run.

This gauge comes with 1/8” nylon line, vacuum and compression fitting, t-fitting, bulb, and socket assembly, bulb covers (red and green), mounting hardware, and installation instructions.

It might not be the best looking boost gauge out there but if you want is a professional model that won’t cost an arm and a leg, look no further; this is the one you need!

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 30 PSI
• Vacuum: -30 to 0 inHg
• Incandescent lighting
• One-year limited warranty

Pros

• Easy installation
• Accurate readouts
• Lightweight and durable
• Perfect for race-oriented vehicles

Cons

• Not the fanciest gauge ou there

4. Holley EFI 30 PSI Vacuum/Boost Gauge (Model 553-130W)

Holley’s model is another mechanical boost/vacuum gauge with 0-30 PSI boost readings and -30-0 inHG vacuum readings. However, it is made specifically to be used with Holley EFI systems—the same fuel injection system developed for NASCAR, now available for street/race setups.

Indeed, this gauge is compatible with Holley’s Sniper, Dominator, Terminator, and HP EFI systems, allowing them to be installed in Holley EFI-equipped cars. The module that comes with it also allows direct communication between the gauge and the ECU; hence a simple plug-and-play installation process is possible through a single wire ECU connection.

Don’t be fooled by the basic look, though, as it carries a load of modern and functional features, including an LED warning light with low and high trigger points and configurable day/night brightness settings. It also has a peak memory function that lets you recall minimum/maximum readings on-demand and comes with a spin lock ring to secure the gauge in place.

However, if you don’t have a Holley EFI system in your vehicle and don’t plan to have one installed, you might want to skip this one. But if you do, it is a very practical option that should give you a hassle-free installation process.

But honestly, this one is mostly oriented towards hardcore tuners.

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 30 PSI
• Vacuum: -30 to 0 inHg
• Adjustable LED warning light with low and high trigger points
• Peak recall memory function
• Day/Night mode
• 90-day limited warranty

Pros

• Reliable
• Accurate
• Slim design
• Swappable bezel
• Plug and play installation with the Holley EFI systems

Cons

• not the best warranty
• Only compatible with Holley EFI equipped vehicles

5. SpeedHut 30 PSI Boost Digital Gauge (Model GR-DG-BOOST-02)

SpeedHut’s boost gauge is the only digital boost gauge on the list. It also has the cleanest design of the bunch, with only three digits shown. Worth mentioning, while all the previous models had a vacuum reading to measure backpressure, this one only measures boost pressure from 0-30 PSI. The lack of a vacuum meter isn’t a real drawback but if you really need one, you’ll have to add another gauge besides this one.

However, due to the simple display, it’s also the most straightforward to use. It obviously doesn’t come with a load of features but does allow to adjust brightness and program warning conditions.

The purchase of the gauge also includes a vacuum hose, t-fitting, pressure sensor, spin lock ring, and an 8 feet long pressure gauge wiring harness. Also, SpeedHut is confident enough to cover it with a lifetime warranty on the electronic circuit board and a 5-year warranty on everything else.

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Digital
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 30 PSI
• LED display with day/night setting
• Lifetime warranty on electronics and 5-year warranty on other components

Pros

• Clean digital interface
• Reliable
• Quite affordable for a digital gauge
• Generous warranty

Cons

• No vacuum indicator
• Not waterproof

6. AutoMeter Spek Smoked Digital Stepper Motor 35 PSI Boost Gauge (Model P30352)

The second AutoMeter boost gauge on the list, the Spek Smoked Digital Stepper Motor, is a step up from the traditional Ultra-Lite mechanical model. With the vacuum gauge removed, the boost readings now go from 0-35 PSI, which is a life-saver if your car runs above 30 PSI of boost—there are not that many options out there that can go that high.

The vacuum gauge is traded for something else, though. Like the GlowShift gauge we reviewed at the beginning, this boost gauge also features seven options of backlit colors and a smoked lens. But I might be biased here since, I gotta admit, this is probably the model I prefer.

A few modern features are also present, such as independent dimming of the dial and pointer for night mode, adjustable low and high warnings, memory function for recalling maximum gauge readings, and pro-control output that activates the relay and triggers the warning lights of your choice.

Combining class-leading accuracy and top-notch durability with those modern features, the Spek Smoked Digital Stepper Motor boost gauge could be one of the best options for both advanced and beginner-tuned car owners.

Keep in mind the price, though, which is more than twice as high as the old-fashioned counterpart on this list.

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Size: 2-1/16” (52mm)
• Boost: 0 to 35 PSI
• Movement Type: Electric Digital Stepper Motor
• 7 solid color modes – blue, red, green, orange, violet, white, and yellow
• Day/Night mode
• Smoked lens
• Configurable low and high warnings
• Pro-Control for relay activation and warning lights trigger
• Peak recall memory function
• One-year limited warranty

Pros

• Cool design with configurable backlighting
• Next-level quality
• More functions than most
• Goes up to 35 PSI, unlike most models
• Independent dimming
• Smoked lens looks super dope!

Cons

• Quite pricey
• No vacuum indicator

7. GReddy Sirius Unify Turbo Boost Set (Model 16001740)

If you are looking for the most advanced boost gauge on the market; look no further! With its truly futuristic look and advanced functionality, the GReddy Sirius Unify Turbo Boost Set is a professional gauge set that would intrigue every tuned car owner—it simply doesn’t get any better than this!

Purchasing the set gets you not only the 74mm mechanical boost gauge (known as the Sirius Meter) with -0.99 to 2.5 kPa boost readings but also a 68mm Electro Luminescent Display (known as the Sirius Vision display), which is a transparent glass displaying digital readouts.

The Sirius Vision is configurable to display any parameter, such as boost/fuel/oil pressure or water/oil temperature. Hence, the GReddy Sirius Unify features every important measurement parameter of a modified vehicle, all in one device.

The futuristic look is complemented by a couple of high-tech features, such as a warning function that lets you set a warning point at a certain kPa and a Peak Hold Memory function to recall maximum value readings.

The set also includes a dedicated meter mount and harness. However, activating the full capability of the Sirius Vision display requires more sensors and harnesses for each parameter, and are sold separately. Obviously, if you want it to display specific data, you’ll need a sensor for it if your car didn’t have one. In some cases, it could use your car’s default sensors but that would require a little ingenuity.

Of course, it’s no use to hide it—the GReddy Sirius meter doesn’t come cheap. But if you want the best, there’s no other way around it. Luckily, the premium feel of the material and all the features it carries makes it well worth it. After all, GReddy is a very reputable producer of aftermarket parts and the Sirius meter is really on another level!

Key Features

• Gauge Type: Mechanical (for the Sirius Meter boost gauge) + Digital (for the Sirius Vision gauge)
• Size: 74mm (Sirius Meter) and 68mm (Sirius Vision)
• Boost pressure: -0.99 to 2.5 kPa
• Fuel pressure: 0-10 kPa
• Oil pressure: 0-10 kPa oil pressure readings
• Water temperature: 0-130 degrees Celsius
• Oil temperature: 0-150 degrees Celsius
• Peak Hold Memory function
• Warning point alert system
• Day/Night mode
• One-year limited warranty

Pros

• Highly functional Sirius Vision display
• Contains much information in one compact design
• Has a premium and futuristic look
• Solid use of material
• If you want the best, this is it!

Cons

• Not cheap
• Trickier installation than most
• The Sirius Vision display needs additional sensors and harnesses for full capability

Why You Should Use a Boost Gauge in Your Supercharged or Turbocharged Car

Shopping and installing a boost gauge can be quite a chore, but we still think it’s worth it. Especially given the fact that you probably spent a hefty sum to get that forced induction system installed. Here are some of the reasons why you should have a boost gauge in your supercharged or turbocharged vehicle and why it might be wise to invest in something a little better than an entry-level model (if you can afford it, of course).

Safety

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, installing a boost gauge has a lot to do with safety. Excessive pressure could have a catastrophic effect on the engine’s internal components and cause failures, and in some cases even blow it up.

That’s because your engine can only handle a certain amount of boost pressure, and a boost gauge is the only way you can keep an eye on it. The gauge can show you if there is overpressure, and you can immediately take preventive action like turning off the engine.

Trust us; if you spent a lot of money on your engine mods, the cost of a boost gauge is really nothing compared to what it will cost you to fix damages cause by a broken connecting rod or a blown head gasket.

Optimized Performance

Boost gauges not only protect your engine from damage but can also help you keep track of the pressure level at which the engine produces the most power while remaining safe. Hence you can tune your engine to easily meet the ideal pressure, enhancing its performance.

Improved Aesthetics

If you remember any car meet scenes from the Fast and the Furious franchise, those modified cars with additional glowing dials all over the dash or side pillars, then you know what I mean. Extra gauges actually look quite cool too!

Boost Gauge Types

The readability of any boost gauge is one of the most important factors. When it comes to that, there are two types of boost gauges—mechanical and digital.

Keep in mind that choosing between the two would depend on the type of setup you have and your personal preference. Ideally, you would want the best-performing compatible boost gauge that also looks good in your car.

Mechanical Boost Gauge

A mechanical/analog boost gauge has the perks of easy readability and installation while being compatible with almost all vehicle types. Its pressure measurement is live; hence it tends to be more accurate and reliable than a digital one. And not only is it budget-friendly, but its retro design also makes it feel at home in older cars.

Digital Boost Gauge

Digital boost gauges work by electronically monitoring the boost applied and estimating the pressure. The information is then sent to a digital display, a process that creates a slight delay, making them less accurate than mechanical gauges. Also, they require a tricky electronic setup, and the kit can often be costlier.

However, the more modern design makes them more intuitive to use and more suitable for newer car models. Digital gauges can also often have more information displayed, multiple warning lights, and preset modes than conventional mechanical ones.

Top Boost Gauge Brands

Although we reviewed boost gauges from several different brands (and all of them are good ones), only a few of them can claim to be pack leaders. Here are some of the best ones.

AutoMeter

For over 60 years, AutoMeter has mastered the craft of vehicle instrument manufacturing and offers one of the most credible and complete collections of gauges. And it’s not only performance gauges and mounting solutions that it offers; it also produces testing and data acquisition equipment.

Although AutoMeter’s boost gauges look traditional and somewhat old-fashioned, they are some of the most accurate and durable on the market. In fact, the brand even builds gauges for production vehicles, motorcycles, watercraft, and NASCAR and Formula 1 racing cars.

GlowShift

GlowShift makes one of the best budget-friendly boost gauges on the market. Founded in 2004, this brand is an American producer of aftermarket performance gauges, gauge parts, and gauge pods.

Its products are well-known for being both reliable, durable, and pocket-friendly. And worth mentioning, every product it sells comes with free lifetime technical support.

GReddy

GReddy is a famous Japanese automotive aftermarket manufacturer that specializes in making high-quality performance parts. GReddy’s gauges product lineup is also known as the Sirius Meter Series.

Although on the pricier side, the Sirius Meter Series is one of the best choices when it comes to advanced boost gauges and work very well next to other available gauge sets (e.g., fuel/oil pressure and oil/water temperature). They also look futuristic, come loaded with features, and are made out of premium materials to satisfy your tuning soul.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I need a boost gauge?

If you add a turbocharger or supercharger to your engine or tweak your existing factory forced induction system, a boost gauge is essential. Mainly for safety reasons, but it can also enhance your vehicle’s performance even more.

How does a boost gauge work?

A boost gauge is actually quite straightforward. It will be connected to your engine’s air intake via a small hose, where a mechanical/electronic sensor would monitor the amount of pressure generated by the turbo/supercharger. The harder you accelerate, the more pressure will build up and vice versa.

How hard is it to install a boost gauge?

Depending on the type, installing a boost gauge can either be quite easy or quite complex. Some gauges come with a complete kit and instructions for easy installations, while others often require professional service for proper fitting.

Digital and mechanical gauges also have their own challenges in the setup process depending on the brand you choose, your preferred mounting location, engine setup, etc.

Where does a boost gauge is typically placed on a car?

For convenience, a boost gauge needs to be placed within the driver’s sight. So it is typically mounted on top of the dashboard, in the radio/air conditioning slot, or even on the driver-side A-pillar. If you have other gauges such as oil pressure or air/fuel ratio gauge, they should be placed nearby too.

If you plan to add multiple gauges at once, think about looking for tripods specifically designed for your car model. It will look a lot better but will also make it easier to route all those wires/hoses through your dash and engine bay.

What is the price range for a boost gauge, and are they affordable?

You can easily find affordable boost gauges for under $50, delivering decent performance and offered with a nice warranty. However, if you really want to up your game and have the budget for it, you can find more advanced models between $100 and $400. And if you really want only the best of the best, get ready to shell out up to $700 for a model like the GReddy Sirius meter.

At the end of the day, if you are on a tight budget, there are quality boost gauges in every price range. The more you are willing to spend, though, the better quality you’ll get and the longer it will last. If you are serious about tuning though, paying a little more for a reputable brand may be well worth the higher initial cost.

Verdict

Modifying your vehicle’s performance can be fun, but don’t forget that you need to pay more attention to reliability once it exceeds OEM standards. A boost gauge is a must-have device for any turbocharged or supercharged car that will allow you to keep an eye on the boost pressure while having fun. It is also an affordable preventive measure, as it could save you the cost of replacing expensive engine components.

Luckily, there are good boost gauges in every price range. Our Budget Pick, the GlowShift Tinted 7 Color series, is affordable but a competent measuring device for first-time users. However, if you have a slightly bigger budget, the more durable and accurate AutoMeter Ultra-Lite Mechanical boost gauge is a smart investment.

As for pro users with a little more cash to spare, seek the more advanced AutoMeter Spek Smoked Digital Stepper Motor, or go for the full-blown (but costly) GReddy Sirius Unify Turbo Boost Set. In our opinion, they are some of the best ones you can get, especially for heavily tuned cars.

Still, whichever one you ended up getting, make sure the boost gauge of your choice is compatible with your vehicle, functions adequately, and suits your personal preference.