How do you define a company that is an international leader in the manufacturing of high quality performance instrumentation and stands by its customers without question or hesitation? That company is simply defined as Auto Meter Products, Inc. That's exactly what Auto Meter is all about. They became the industry leader by innovating and producing the best performance instrumentation available, hitting the track along side customers for product testing and racer feedback, and incorporating that feedback to produce the best gauges in the industry. Whether you are a racer or just an enthusiast, Auto Meter unequivocally stands behind their customers and their product.

While planning the buildup of Project "JAKD" we wanted to incorporate the best components possible. Auto Meter's race proven gauges and passionate customer support was the clear choice. For diesel engines there are three parameters that should be monitored at a minimum. Those are Boost, Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs aka Pyrometer), and Transmission Temperature. Although the newer Power Stroke Diesels (2005-2007) come with factory boost and transmission temperature gauges they leave a lot to be desired in terms of accuracy (Transmission Temp) and visual layout (Boost) for "at a glance" monitoring while driving. Although the factory boost gauge seemed fairly accurate it is measured in 5psi increments and can be off as much as 3psi at any given point. However, nothing is more distracting than having to look at totally different locations that "blend" in with the factory gauge cluster while driving and trying to monitor engine parameters. Auto Meter solved this problem in two ways:

1. Innovative mounting solutions which consolidates and arranges critical gauges based on user preference. Whether you choose the A-Pillar Pod, Overhead Pod, Dash Pod, Steering Column Pod, Under Cubby Pod (2004 and below), or a combination of each, Auto Meter has you covered. For Project "JAKD" we chose the Auto Meter Quad A-Pillar Pod. We have found that Auto Meter's A-Pillar Pods do not block or impair the driver's view in any way.
2. Super accurate gauges that are both easy to read during the day or night. If that isn't enough Auto Meter offers gauges in 28 different series enabling the user to choose a particular theme/look, or effect desired, based on the parameter to be measured.

In 2006 Auto Meter revolutionized their successful Ultra-Lite series and developed the Ultra-Lite II series of gauges. Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II gauges feature ground-breaking improvements to the classic silver faced design favored by professional racers around the world. Created using race proven components, Ultra-Lite II has been infused with superior lighting technology, providing enhanced "at-a-glance" readings day or night. All models feature silver dials by day with bold black markings. At night, Ultra-Lite II instruments utilize a reverse lighting effect to create a dark dial that radiates intense bright white light through numbers and major increments, with minor increments appearing in contrasting amber via Auto Meter's signature "through the dial" LED illumination. Patented high contrast, glowing red pointers ensure accurate easy to read information. Not just for street use, Ultra-Lite II gauges feature competition-bred movements in Short Sweep Electric, Mechanical, and Full Sweep Electric Stepper designs.

The Ultra-Lite II gauges chosen for Project "JAKD" are as follows:

1. Full Sweep Electrical Pyrometer (0-1600 deg. F)
2. Full Sweep Electrical Transmission Temperature (100-260 deg. F)
3. Mechanical Boost (0-35 psi)

Full Sweep Electrical Characteristics:

• Powered and controlled by a digital microprocessor.
• Rugged stepper motor drives and laboratory grade sending units.
• Combines extreme durability and readability of the 270 degree sweep mechanical gauges with the easy installation and safe operation of short sweep electrics.
• Precision senders to keep hazardous fluids out of the driver compartment.
• Performs gauge calibration and sensor diagnostics at power up for extreme accuracy every time.

Mechanical Gauge Characteristics:

• Bronze bourdon tube 270 degree sweep movements and durable nylon gearing for proven durability and accuracy.
• Requires the "source" to be measured (Oil, Water, Air) be routed to the gauge for a reading.
• Mechanical gauges require no electrical power for operation (aside from a 12v light source for night viewing) making them an ideal choice for vehicles with no or low powered electrical systems.

To complement the Ultra-Lite II series of gauges we installed Auto Meter's Dynamic Performance Information Center (D-PIC) from the Ultra-Lite series. Like most enthusiasts we are adamant about taking care of our trucks, which is why gauges to monitor basic parameters are a must. However, we as enthusiasts always seem to be on the lookout for new modifications (MODs) in an attempt to improve our ride. Those MODs can be visual or performance oriented. So how do we know if those performance oriented modifications are actually doing anything? Short of forking out some cash and paying a visit to the local track or dyno, we are limited to our own subjective analysis commonly referred to as "SOTP" (Seat of the Pants). SOTP is usually only good for big horsepower gains letting us know that "yes" there was an improvement, but exactly how much did it improve? What about all those modifications that claim small horsepower gains? How do we measure those without going to the track or dyno? How about those visual modifications? Do larger tires reduce your braking distance? If so… how much, and is it necessary to look at possibly purchasing performance rotors and pads? That's where the D-PIC comes in. The D-PIC represents a leap forward in performance meter technology making it possible to accurately monitor Positive/Negative and Lateral G forces, 0-60mph times, 60-0mph braking distances, ¼ mile data including reaction time, and peak wheel horsepower from the self contained electronics held within a standard 2 1/16" gauge casing. Not only is it fun to use, but all those features will help you accurately answer all those questions posed above.

Now that we have all our gauges selected the installation can begin.

About Auto Meter

Auto Meter is 49 yrs old and will be celebrating their 50th year of operation in 2007. The company was started by founder Vern Westberg who intended to improve upon performance tachometer design back in 1957. From there the business has progressed from a cottage industry run out of Vern's garage to its current state as an industry leader of performance instrumentation and automotive test equipment. Auto Meter now operates out of two plant locations, one in Sycamore, IL and the other in Pleasant Grove, UT.

The Sycamore facility is home to the company headquarters as well as the bulk of the high performance gauge design and production. All of their electric gauges, tachometers, and speedometers are designed and assembled in house. Auto Meter also produces private label instrumentation for companies such as Ford Racing, Mopar, GM High Performance, and others through this facility, in addition to a line of motorcycle instrumentation under their Pro-Cycle line.

The Pleasant Grove facility is responsible for the design and creation of automotive and industrial test equipment, mechanical high performance gauges, and performance marine instrumentation under Pro-Comp Marine. Their OEM production includes vehicles such as the Ford GT, Hummer H1, Prowler, SRT-4, Cobalt SS, Ion Redline, and the Mercury Marauder.

Auto Meter gauges have competed in just about every form of motor sport conceivable, from the Bonneville Salt Flats to the Baja. They dominate the fields of every Busch, Cup, & Truck race, and can lay claim to more motor sports victories than all other instrument manufacturers combined. Auto Meter travels to a large number of events each year to support racers and consumers in the field and answer questions and provide technical help. They are dedicated to delivering the most innovative, highest quality products to their customers to help keep them ahead of the competition and in the winners circle, whether it's at the Brickyard or the local cruise.