Aux. gage device

[Navl AV8R]

Is there a device that plugs into the computer that provides generic engine/tranny info? In the old days we would just install the gages under the dash, but if such a device is available today I suppose it would be a selectable LCD display.

Mostly I am interested in a really accurate avg mpg readout, not Actia's screwy and inaccurate idea of avg mpg. Additionally, in addition to real avg mpg info I would like to quickly access basic engine/tranny info such as oil press, water temp, tranny temp, etc.

I know there are expensive OBD scanners out there, but they are a tremendous overkill for the basic, easy to read info I desire. I just don't want (nor do I know what to do with) all the data and capabilities provided by the OBD units.

Plus, since my Actia information display continues to disappear, I could still read pertinent powertrain info without having to suffer the expense of replacing the Actia with another Actia that will probably fail over the next few years.

Thanks

[M&EM]

NavlAV8RCheck this out:

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showph...83&ppuser=2758

It wont give MPG though. Monitor is a heads up virtual dashboard. Also serves as a sun visor. When not in OBDll mode it can display any of many navigation map/GPS system also.

[JonBrazel]

ScanGaugeII - It has various monitoring functions built in, with the ability to program in several others...including trans. temp.

http://brazelsrv.com/Misc.htm

[oemtech]

I have a complete writeup on various OBD2 Scan Tools on my web site.

[DriVer]

I started "blogging" about it! See "Head on a Swivel"

[JCM]

Look at the interceptor gauge from http://www.aeroforcetech.com/products_interceptor.html

You just plug it in and away you go. It will read out 28 different paramaters X2 including what you want.

[oemtech]

The Aeroforce gauge has one big drawback.... You can't program it. Any new OBD2 PIDS or changes to the current PIDS require you to send it back to the OEM. It also does not work with an Allison 6 speed.

[Don & Michele]

I vote ScanGage II. It shows all needed engine functions plus a great trip meter function. Each time you gas up you input the amount of gallons and the more fill ups the more accurate it becomes. My gage is now within 1-2 tents of a MPG. It shows gallons per hour used, miles to empty, time to empty. The list just goes on & on. I wouldnt go any where with out it!

[Navl AV8R]

Appreciate your quick responses. Yes, I am familiar with the write-ups on OEMY's site as well the other units mentioned (familiar only from reading up on them).

What I hoped for is the monitoring capabilities of the ScanGaugeII unit but without the scan features. I had hoped there might be an ~$75 unit that provided just the engine/tranny monitoring and avg mpg features only.

Guess what I want just isn't available.

Thanks anyway for your comments.