In a message dated 10/31/05 6:48:43 PM, SVYOLO@YAHOO.COM writes:

> Sorry Frank,
> �� Gotsta dissagree.� But I do like the addtiional instrumentation.� oil
> Temp, pressure, boost, A/F ratio, stuff like that is good to monitor, but
> you don't need a big gauge with a needle like a tach or speedo.� I wiil
> probably use this in my subie conversions.
> � � But I will retain the stock speedo and tach.� I like the vanagons
> instument cluster.� For experimental or not quite perfected stuff, some
> additional monitoring is nice.� Once that is perfected, I prefer idiot
> lights.
> � �� I think a totally perfected engine conversion would have stock idiot
> lights and be totally stealthy.
> 
> � �� John
> 
John,

We get to disagree then. There are two problems with idiot lights: Lack of a 
progressive signal to warn of a problem before the onset of toast. and the 
need to be sufficiently alert to see the light as soon as needed after the event. 
The movement of a needle gives me a warm feeling of control, especially if I 
can trust it. All digital gauges (and the ones offered by speedhut.com) have 
sense level triggers. For example, trigger a blinking light at 7 psi, turn on 
an internal klaxon horn at 4 psi. 

To each his own, but running digits turn to white noise at times, a gauge 
deflection .. well there is something of engineering and Lionel about it all.

Frank Grunthaner