Eclipse Gauge Pod for the Z31

I only wanted to install one gauge inside the Z, a boost gauge (Autometer 4301). So, I looked for a single gauge pod. I found out from many posts that the Autometer gauge pod for the Eclipse was a pretty good match for the Z31 A-Pillar. The Autometer part # is ATM-20611 (for a black single pod) for Mitsubishi Eclipse 95-99. I found it at SummitRacing.com for $21.95 and I didn't need anything else -- shipping from Summit is free, but they tack on a $9.50 handling charge per order. So, the single pod would be $32.

I felt this was too steep, so I got on eBAY. I found a listing for a "Custom single pillar gauge pod Eclipse 95-99". It was 99 cents and $12 shipping. I got the pod and quickly found myself hating it. It did not look like a good fit at all. I tried to mess with it a bit, bending the edges, cutting off excess material. I just couldn't get it to work out (and ruined it in the process). Since the vendor set the price into shipping, it would've been useless to try to return it.

So, I found myself back at Summit -- luckily I had other things to buy at this point. I got the pod in and it indeed is a pretty nice fit. So much for replicas...go with the Autometer. I made no modifications and the fit is rather nice. There are instructions on how to install a gauge pod in a Z, so I won't go into all the detail.

When installing, just make sure you don't stress the thin nylon tubing as it goes around corners, etc. Make sure you don't crimp it where it goes through the A-Pillar backing into the pod and gauge. It's kind of stuff so it likes to bend and crimp under pressure.

I ran the tubing through a hole I made with a thin screwdriver in the hood release grommet (on the firewall). After making the hole, I stuck a drill bit into the tubing and then shoved the end of the tube through the hole. This made it pretty easy to get through. Without the drill bit, the nylon tubing would just bend and be difficult to get through.

For wiring, I wanted dimmer capability. One Z31.com member suggested using unused bulb wiring from one of the stock radio lights. Generally you will have a couple unused sockets if you replace your radio. So, I pulled wire down from the A-Pillar, across the driver side kick panel, and spliced into an unused socket (cut off the socket and used wire). I used these really thin butt connectors I picked up from Radio Shack, and used a bit of shrink wrap to make it nice.

Old bulb wires with socket cut off (left)

I tapped the vacuum line into a port behind the throttle body, the same port that leads to the stock boost sensor and AIV near the front of the engine bay.

Pretty simple and clean. That's it.