[Rockbridge]

Maybe mine is a stupid question, but here goes anyway.

I'm in a 12 CTS V and it's got this boost gage on the dash that goes from 0 to, I think 15. I know it increases when I accelerate.

What exactly is this gage telling me and why do I need this information?

I'll bet I'm not the only one whith this question but I'd like to be able to explain the purpose of the gage to a passenger if it came up.

THANKS! :bigroll:

 

[gohawks63]

As the name implies, the boost gauge is telling you the amount of boost/pressure the supercharger is providing as you drive. If you drive conservatively there is very little boost. Drive more aggressively and boost increases along with fuel consumption.

 

[tinman]

Don't feel badly about thinking you might be stupid. I have had a regular CTS for years. I bought a '14 V. As I drove the V home I noticed no movement in the Boost gauge. I immediately pulled over, called the seller and freaked out! All of this because in my regular CTS, I have an oil pressure gauge where the V has a boost gauge. I thought I had no oil pressure! Yep, no question is too dumb to ask!

 

[Xaqtly]

Yeah, and more specifically, the gauge indicates boost pressure by PSI, in 3 PSI increments, from 0-15. Stock boost pressure should be around 8 PSI, or somewhere near the middle of the gauge. Note that you won't see that until you place enough load on the engine to produce positive boost.

In other words, when you put the pedal to the metal, you'll see it.

 

[nsaness]

"boost" is positive manifold pressure, where the supercharger is forcing more air into the engine that it could normally suck in (without a supercharger). Various inputs help your car decide if you are trying to accelerate quickly or gingerly, and the supercharger will build boost to varying degrees based on the inputs (or not build boost). Take a ride and play around with the gas pedal while noticing the boost gage. You will understand the concept and relationship immediately (you probably understand already but it can be fun to take that drive). You'll use up some excess gas and tire life, but you will be smiling.

 

[tinman]

You will understand the concept and relationship immediately (you probably understand already but it can be fun to take that drive). You'll use up some excess gas and tire life, but you will be smiling.

Yeah, that^^^^^^^!

 

[thebigjimsho]

It's not a very detailed gauge and it seems some have had faulty gauges in the past.

I'd get a Bluetooth OBD-II dongle and a smartphone app to always know exactly how much boost your supercharger is making...

 

[pmsteinm]

I thought it was the fun-o-meter. A reading of 0 indicates "boring" (possibly stuck behind a mini-van). A reading around 9 indicates "fun".

 

[jackietreehorn]

I thought it was the fun-o-meter. A reading of 0 indicates "boring" (possibly stuck behind a mini-van). A reading around 9 indicates "fun".

hahaha nail on the head

 

[vb48]

Come on guys, even my wife knew what the gauge was for, she read the manual, but thought it was broke because it didn't move..... until she put her foot into it!

 

[tinman]

You let your wife drive it?

 

[thebigjimsho]

You let your wife drive it?

OP was wrong. Stupid question.

 

[tinman]

I misunderstood. My apologies, of course.

 

[vb48]

You let your wife drive it?

Sure I do.Makes it easy to get the 2016 V. you know what else, she can set the clock!

 

[Trapspeed]

I thought it was the fun-o-meter. A reading of 0 indicates "boring" (possibly stuck behind a mini-van). A reading around 9 indicates "fun".

And 15 means, "Ludicrous Speed! Go!!"

 

[Rockbridge]

And 15 means, "Ludicrous Speed! Go!!"

Thanks guys, that was helpful! Even with a few chuckles here and there!

 

[GMX322V S/C]

One of the more peculiar things you might see as a new owner is the boost gauge seemingly "wandering around" when it might not be obvious as to why. An example might be when you're cruising around 80+ MPH, in 6th, and going over gentle rises and drops in the road that aren't drastic enough to warrant a downshift. The engine makes so much torque under boost that there's no need to downshift--it just varies the boost in response to load and makes it seem effortless...

 

[Zderf]

And 15 means, "Ludicrous Speed! Go!!"

The HPE700 package pegs the gauge. I've only seen it once because I'm usually afraid to take my eyes off the road. Kinda like trying to watch the G meter when you are pulling 1+. Yikes....

 

[Xaqtly]

If you add headers/exhaust to that package it will bring the boost back down to around 12. It's only going up to 15 because there is literally more pressure because of the stock headers/exhaust. Mine, with headers, is around 12-13 at full gallop with the same upper pulley upgrade.

 

[thebigjimsho]

Mine was around 11. Hey, wait...