Noticed you were more civil than some of the posts that happen on this forum. Some people really go nuts on those that take the time to write up how they did something. Makes it not all that worthwhile to do the writeup if you have to spend a bunch of time defending your work or something
.
I don't think any of my gauges are fused themselves, but their controllers probably are. Most of them are so low of a current draw that it doesn't really matter I think. This wideband is just different I guess. Probably because of running the heater and stuff that is needed for a wideband O2. Running things off the distribution block is a good and easy way. I hate running tons of wire as well, so that's why I tried to just do it straight and right and that way I wouldn't have a mess under the dash or in the engine bay as well.
Certainly had never heard of the "on" position as being called 2nd ignition. Always learn something. My car has racing seats in it, and they do recline, but I've never found out how far yet to see if they are comfortable to lay on. I've had the car for about 2 or 3 weeks now. It's Terry's old car, (spoolinmp3). But I've spent a little time with my brother Little Beavis the last few months helping on his car and so forth, so I've learned some to deal with the turbo stuff.
The boost gauge, old narrowband, and the EGT gauge were all wired in by Terry. The EGT sits on centered behind the steering column. Not a bad position, but blocks the odometer, and it's not really the gauge I look at the most anyway. Then the boost and narrowband are in the old "storage" pocket above the environmentals and below the radio. They look pretty good there. I put the wideband that I wired in where the ash tray used to be, and will put my custom J&S safeguard display there as well. The power circuit I wired in is purely for supply gauge power for now. I'll probably do something similar for illumination. I'll power it off this new power circuit as well. That way less wire running, and since I sized the circuit to 20 amps more or less I should be good for current.
Part of the whole thing that made this complex is that gauges really shouldn't be run off accessory mode, only should be on when the car is actually on. For example, does it make sense to have the fuel pressure gauge running when the fuel pump isn't??
. But it's actually important with the wideband, as the heater in the O2 will get run when the controller is on, and it is necessary that it be on when the car is running or you will foul and eventually ruin your sensor. So wiring gauges can be kind of important. I'm still learning, but trying to do things right.
The turbo in this car is amazing. It's running really rich because of the cold weather for safety sake, but it is ridiculously fun. I have lots of good plans for the car over the next year. Keep an eye out
Especially next spring. I bought the car because of the autocrossing and some of the high speed racing I'll be doing. Wanted a good car for that. I'd say it's worth it. But you need to have a lot of free cash and a lot of patience to deal with all the hickups. As things get ironed out more and the knowledge base on here grows it'll get easier and easier.
Have a good one!