Thread: Engine Management Systems - What's the Go?

Slightly off topic, but on my first trip in my new Defender last month ( 4000 km), what gave me most peace of mind was a TPMS, esp with only one spare.

I have an 04 D2a TD5 auto but also like the security of gauges.

I have a mild towing/economy chip from Jose at TD5Inside - excellent customer service, and the transmission lockup option - yet to be connected.

I have my Nanocom Evo permanently set up in a riveted cage onto what was my ashtray cover.

I have the large version Mudpod with the excellent Thermoguard centrally mounted for EGT - AUS and very accurate with the red light digital display, but I would do just as well with a simpler circular version With normal at vertical). Its an interesting conversation piece for first time passengers.

Also on the Mudpod are 2 x 12V sockets (both active at all times) for USB & misc electronics charging, a 3 way combined engine oil P, auto trans temp and Amps digital Autron (AUS) gauge (Autron now bought out by Redarc and this particular option discontinued unfortunately), and a space for a battery management or whatever gauge - still undecided. I also have an engine saver, electric brakes controller and TomTom GPS unit, plus my music system included a slide out/pop up screen for reversing camera, DVDs, phone use etc. I like the ease of TomTom for city use and elected not to use their GPS system, but have a Hema for bush use.
The cradle for a mobile phone has since gone with my phone staying safely in my pocket thanks to Bluetooth.
I seriously considered madman as a supplement to the Nanocom, but at that stage the customer service was so woeful, I demurred.

I also now have my bucket list 95 RRC Softdash LSE with TD5 for which I have just bought a Mudpod and a Nanocom, but otherwise still undecided. Car already has the all important EGT, and Nanocom provides the boost info (but it also has a Bruce Davis chip, so ?).

Essentials for me are engine oil P, Coolant temp (via Nanocom and engine saver for overkill) and AT temp for towing, remembering that Nanocom also provides volts, plus I like at least 1 additional power socket as the standard one does duty as GPS power supply. With all the gauges spots on the normal RRC dash already taken up, the auto trans lockup switch will also go on the Mudpod, along with some Traxide USI 160 bits and the engine saver LED.

I also liked the idea of the scangauge, but could find little details at the time and not sure how good they were with TD5s - WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THEM for our vintage machines.

Ramble over
Gavin