REVIEW | Pivot Dual Gauge DXW-W/DXW-R

[mav1178]

You can find more info about the gauge here:

http://pivotjp.com/product/dual-gauge/lineup-e.html
http://pivotjp.com/product/dual-gauge/dxw-e.html
http://pivotjp.com/product/dual-gauge/img/DXW-e.pdf

The difference between the two model numbers is simply the illumination color. W = white, R = red.

I've always wanted a water temp gauge for this car ever since I decided to take it to the track, however it was hard to find something that modified the car minimally. While I liked the P3 gauge in terms of overall functionality, I wasn't particularly fond of the "AEM wideband" design of it.

This gauge had all the things I wanted: water temp monitoring, oil temp monitoring, and some A/C vent functionality. Additionally, it provides a readout of intake temperature as well. All readings come from the OBD-II diagnostics port.

I ended up ordering it from Japan Parts, who added it to their site:
http://www.japanparts.com/db/partsli...EY=402-003-001


What's in the box:


I am not going to bore you with details, except to note that for a Japanese market only product, it comes with a surprisingly detailed English instruction that made installation super easy. In fact, it was so detailed it even marked how the tabs are oriented on the vent (that you have to remove), and is about as plug and play as you can get.




(my apologies for the blurry pictures, my tripod is missing)

I will get some impressions of the gauge at a later time, and I also hope to datalog some temperatures. One nice feature is that the digital readouts (oil temp and air temp) has a peak hold function, where you can play back the highest reading recorded since the gauge was last reset. A handy way of making sure your oil temperatures are in check.

While it is possible to get a cheaper gauge setup, for ~$250 + shipping this is about as good as a "factory" gauge can get. The hardest part was making an incision in the vent tube for the wire to pass through, but even that took less than 3 minutes.

-alex

[mav1178]

Seems like side vent has a problem with the gauge reflecting off the driver's side window when dark outside. Most likely this is more prominent if your windows are tinted. Normally this isn't a problem, but the reflection sits directly where the side view mirror is, causing an annoyance/distraction...

The Pivot gauge allows you to dim the backlight, so the problem can be mitigated at night.

-alex

[FRSfan111]

Nice, I have a defi oil pressure in that spot. Looks Oem!

[Simon99]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Seems like side vent has a problem with the gauge reflecting off the driver's side window when dark outside. Most likely this is more prominent if your windows are tinted. Normally this isn't a problem, but the reflection sits directly where the side view mirror is, causing an annoyance/distraction...

The Pivot gauge allows you to dim the backlight, so the problem can be mitigated at night.

-alex

Could you post a picture showing that ? From fitment picture I've seen on the web, I don't get how the angle of that gauge could cause reflection :O Thanks !

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Simon99

Could you post a picture showing that ? From fitment picture I've seen on the web, I don't get how the angle of that gauge could cause reflection :O Thanks !

The camera was placed in the approximate position of where my head would be while driving. I'm 5'9".



As you can see, there's a clear reflection of the gauge in the window. Best I can tell, it's a combination of the window glare + tint.

Top is on the "Low" setting, bottom is on "high" setting on the Pivot gauge.

-alex

[racecat]

Thanks for sharing, this looks excellent. Just the kind of info I'd want in an additional gauge.

[Simon99]

Originally Posted by mav1178

The camera was placed in the approximate position of where my head would be while driving. I'm 5'9".



As you can see, there's a clear reflection of the gauge in the window. Best I can tell, it's a combination of the window glare + tint.

Top is on the "Low" setting, bottom is on "high" setting on the Pivot gauge.

-alex

Thank you very much for taking time to take pictures. I was set on that gauge, but after seeing that I might have to go back with P3 ! Hopefully you'll find a way to resolve that issue !

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Simon99

Thank you very much for taking time to take pictures. I was set on that gauge, but after seeing that I might have to go back with P3 ! Hopefully you'll find a way to resolve that issue !

P3 gauge will have the same reflection since it's mounted in the exact same location.

As for how much light is reflected, this will depend on your tint (if any).

-alex

[Simon99]

Originally Posted by mav1178

P3 gauge will have the same reflection since it's mounted in the exact same location.

As for how much light is reflected, this will depend on your tint (if any).

-alex

I though it was because of the angle of the Pivot Gauge ... And P3 is a much smaller gauge so I guess less lighting

[mav1178]

Nah, the gauges all sit in the vent the same way, plus the window angle won't change.

P3 is a smaller gauge, yes, but it's still a digital readout. Plus they have a wideband sensor so it may actually have more lights to reflect.

-alex

[86Toyobaru]

I spent 30 min to install it today. Its easy to DIY. The only thing I dont like is that you need to cut a small hole in the air vent. Other than that is a cool high quality meter. Btw, its not a cheap meter which cost me 230USD include shipping.

[Fizz]

@mav1178 what's the OD of this gauge? Will it fit into a 60mm gauge pod?

[Guillaume]

A video I made of the start up sequence.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52flLT0KLcA"]Pivot Dual Gauge DXW start-up - YouTube[/ame]


Almost 2 years later, I am completely satisfied with this gauge! OEM look, no fiddling around with wireless dongles and apps; as many other things on the twins, it should come this way from the factory!

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Fizz

@mav1178 what's the OD of this gauge? Will it fit into a 60mm gauge pod?

http://pivotjp.com/product/dual-gauge/specs-e.html

60mm.