Omori, EMS Powered or OEM Boost Gauge?

mr2boost · 06-26-2008, 01:56 PM

Well, here is the comparison that I came up with. Just note that this is IMHO!
Little background first. I bought an Omori 45mm boost gauge from TwosRus for I was TIRED of the A-Pillar gauges, just did not have the "stock" feel to me & every Honda in town has them. So, I wanted something a little different & more OEM looking.

While I had the Instrument Cluster out I decided to replace all the interior bulbs with LEDs, i.e. the IC bulbs, the Climate Control unit, the ring around the ignition key, the power control box for PM, PW, PDL on the driver's side. I did a little How-to with pics and posted everything I did here... LEDs & New Omori Boost Gauge Just know that every little trial & error is listed in that fairly long thread.

While posting all of that & this too... Completed LED Install in Interior
I was contacted by baktasht of EMS Powered products. He had read my posts & then sent me an e-mail. He asked how easy it would be to return to stock & I told him "piece of cake." He then asked if he were to send me one of his boost gauges would I do a comparison. I told him YES!

I asked him "how much for the gauge?" & he stated "nothing." As long as I give a HONEST opinion & details about my opinion. So, the gauge was FREE & EMS Powered has NOT compensated me ANY OTHER WAY!

So, to be true to my word here is that comparison!

Daniel

mr2boost · 06-26-2008, 01:58 PM

First the OEM gauge.
Hey, it is free (so to speak for it comes with the MR2). It will tell you that you are boosting or that you are NOT boosting & that is about it. It is notorious for being slow to respond & of course it has NO numbers & NO references to the amount of boost (or vacuum) you may be making. But, it does look like it is OEM but then again, IT IS. That is about all I can say about the OEM gauge for I do not like it & wanted to get rid of it anyway.

Now for the Omori.
If is a very nice gauge. Comes with a nice & neat wiring harness that is fully sheathed. It is an electrical gauge with a remote sensor that you can mount anywhere. I personally like having the sensor in the cabin to protect it from heat & debris. So, I installed the Omori in the OEM location. It takes some modifications of the Instrument Cluster to make it fit well & I learned (almost the very hard way) that you really need to drill holes for the 2 wiring harnesses from the gauge, in the back of the IC & NOT on the top. If you drill to the back the very thin wires will not "kink" up & break loose (mine almost did - whew) if you try to route out the top of the IC like I did, as you can see in that link to the thread I posted above. So, make 2 holes out the back for the Omori.

Now the Omori looks OEM. It has a black face, white numbers, & red needle & with the white back light looks like it came in the MR2. Only thing is that white back light is VERY BRIGHT! I had to use a 470 or 510 Ohm resistor to tone it down so it was NOT blinding at night. A potentiometer put in line can allow you to manually adjust the brightness & works well too.

Each time you turn on the Omori (turn on car) it does a needle sweep to calibrate itself. This makes for some very accurate readings & keeps the readings accurate.

I really like the Omori. But, it has a few drawbacks. One being how bright it is, but you can fix that without too much trouble. Another is that there is no peak hold or other features to the gauge. Another is that the gauge reads from -30 vacuum to +30 psi boost. So, the numbers & lines for the numbers are kind of hard to read at a glance. Maybe I'm getting old, but the numbers & lines are pretty small. I think if it read -30 to +20psi it would be easier to read & if it came with a remote that could be mounted anywhere to access a peak hold function it would be perfect. But, it is NOT a BAD gauge at all & I really like it.

Here is another pic of the finished Omori with resistor in place & LEDs in IC on... DSCN2061.JPG

Daniel

mr2boost · 06-26-2008, 02:00 PM

Now for the EMS powered gauge.
First off, once past taking the dash apart to get the Instrument Cluster out, then EMS Powered gauge is an EASY install to place their gauge unit in the OEM location. Now I got the RED colored one to offset my interior scheme of black & red with some blue so the BLUE gauge of theirs would probably look good too if NOT look MORE OEM. But, I like the Red. Now, the EMS Powered gauge has instructions at their web-site on how-to install & they are VERY GOOD instructions with pics. The Omori comes with generic instruction sheet, but it is pretty easy to figure out.

Now, right off the bat I noticed the wires from the EMS gauge were much more "robust" than the Omori's. There is more wiring to do with the EMS than with the Omori. But, if you have a test meter (or light) it is pretty easy to figure out. Here is pics on how I installed the EMS gauge... Index of Dan\EMS Powered Gauge\ - ASP ListPics

Notice the last 4 pics that show the back of the Instrument Cluster. That will show you how I got switched on power for the gauge, I used the OEM location, crimped an eyelet on that red wire & as I bolted on the gauge, BINGO, I had my power source & did not have to run a wire to another location. Now the 2 ground wires have eyelets crimped on them & are grounded to unpainted metal (chassis) under the dash for a good solid ground. I also drilled a hole in one of the blank plugs next to the fog light switch to mount the controller for the EMS gauge.

I like the fact that the gauge's light intensity can be adjusted to 1 of 9 settings for when the gauge is on & again for when the parking/head lights are on. You also get a NICE peak hold function that you can set to flash that peak hold from 1-5 seconds (pretty slick). There is also instructions on how to calibrate the gauge to your climate which the Omori did not mention. Plus, the EMS gauge resets or calibrates itself each time it is turned on by showing all 8's across the gauge (kind of like the Omori's needle sweep).

But, I have to admit I don't really like the flashing of the digital gauge for when you are stuck right in between 2 readings. But, I used to own a 1984 300ZXT that had a digital dash, so I am kind of used to it. And I don't care for the QUICK moving of the numbers as you go from vacuum to boost but, it is pretty easy to get used to. But, that is to be expected from a digital gauge. It will take you a little longer to wire it up over the Omori but the EMS gauge's wires are much stronger/larger & I like that.

I did compare readings of all the gauges with my old AutoMeter mechanical boost gauge just to see & the Omori & the EMS gauge was right on the money with each other & the Autometer was off from them about 1/2 to 1 whole value. See one of the pics here... DSCN2239.JPG

So, now for the direct comparison...

Daniel

mr2boost · 06-26-2008, 02:00 PM

OEM, forget it, it does NOT compare at all. If you think you can do this type of install, guess what YOU CAN! Buy an Omori or the EMS gauge & you will NOT regret it.

Omori to EMS... The EMS gauge has functions & features that the Omori does not (mentioned above). The EMS is easier to install but harder to wire up for you have to buy/get extra lengths of wire to fully install, almost everything you need is with the Omori as long as you put the sensor in the cabin like I did. With BOTH gauges you will need MORE tubing to go from the sensor to the intake manifold like I did. So, with both you will need more tubing OR more wiring depending on where you mount the sensor.

The Omori just looks MORE OEM! I mean it looks great. If it did not say Omori on the face you would swear the MR2 came with that gauge. The EMS looks OEM for it sits in place just like the OEM gauge & needs NO modifications to the gauge or the Instrument Cluster (like what I did to the Omori to get it to fit perfect). But, the EMS gauge being digital just does not quite have that OEM feel like the analog Omori does.

The BIG number reading of the EMS is MUCH easier to read over the Omori. Both seem to be of very HIGH quality too.

So, with all this being said, which gauge am I keeping????

The winner is........ EMS POWERED gauge!

Why, I like the peak hold & the other features. If the Omori had readings to 20 or 25psi, & had peak hold that could be accessed I would be keeping the Omori. But, the EMS was faster to respond to changes, easier to read, has lots of features, & easier to install & get a perfect fit. Now don't get me wrong I still like the Omori (so it is NOT for sale I may go back to it later or maybe not). But, the EMS just beats it out in almost every category & definitely beats the Omori in features.

Thanks must be given to David at TwosRus for the Omori (I paid for it) & to baktasht for the EMS Powered gauge. I must say that even if I had paid full price for the EMS gauge I still would have chosen it over the Omori.

But, take a long look at both gauges & determine which you would like most & purchase it. Either one will NOT disappoint!

Daniel

lsgheero · 06-26-2008, 02:06 PM

Thats nice and yeah if i didnt know what the factory boost gauge looked like I would never have even guessed it wasnt OEM...

kk made comment too soon lol :P you were still posting...

The omori does look OEM but im glad you like to ems gauge thats cool.

baktasht · 06-26-2008, 05:55 PM

Daniel, thanks for taking the time to do an in-depth review. I know you had a lot going on at the time. Also, give me a call when you have some free time. I wanted to see if you have any more input on the gauge and ways we can make future versions even better.

skillzo1 · 06-26-2008, 06:15 PM

AWESOME review.

I can also HIGHLY agree on being tired of trying to read my boost guage accurately while doing 130+. It's just not safe, and i always second guess my first initial reading of boost, cause i'm glancing at a LITTLE ASS LINE. Actuall numbers is soooo much easier and gives more accurate info IMO.

Luni · 07-29-2008, 01:39 PM

The EMS gauge is horribly accurate. Much more accurate than an analog mechanical gauge. Ive compared the EMS gauge to my Blitz DTTs boost gauge that reads in kg/cm2 and theyre within a couple tenths of a PSI of each other.

I LOVE the way the EMS gauge transitions, I love the way it looks, it LOOKS like it belongs there. Mine is the red one.

For power, I just used a 6 wire ribbon I found at radio shack, since I had to run wires down, I figured it was just as easy to run the other wires, and I installed a molex plug to it so its easy to disconnect if I have to pull the gauge cluster out.

For the money, nothing beats the EMS gauge.

mr2boost · 08-04-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luni

I installed a molex plug to it so its easy to disconnect if I have to pull the gauge cluster out.

AWESOME IDEA! I will have to do that, later though. Thanks for sharing this wonderful little tid-bit.

Daniel

Luni · 08-04-2008, 11:31 AM

Ive actually decided to use Cat5 cable.

Think about it, you can install RJ45 connections and make it plug and unplug.

But yeah, if you make it modular, its way easier to plug/unplug. And, you can tap power where you did. Cat5 cable is perfectly adequate to carry the signals.

SnowRocker88 · 09-17-2008, 10:43 AM

I have the Omori in the stock location, and with a potentiometer to control the brightness, it's GREAT!

06-26-2008, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
mr2boost 343 Gone NEVER Forgotten Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bartlett, TN Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 38 Times in 32 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Omori, EMS Powered or OEM Boost Gauge? Well, here is the comparison that I came up with. Just note that this is IMHO! Little background first. I bought an Omori 45mm boost gauge from TwosRus for I was TIRED of the A-Pillar gauges, just did not have the "stock" feel to me & every Honda in town has them. So, I wanted something a little different & more OEM looking. While I had the Instrument Cluster out I decided to replace all the interior bulbs with LEDs, i.e. the IC bulbs, the Climate Control unit, the ring around the ignition key, the power control box for PM, PW, PDL on the driver's side. I did a little How-to with pics and posted everything I did here... LEDs & New Omori Boost Gauge Just know that every little trial & error is listed in that fairly long thread. While posting all of that & this too... Completed LED Install in Interior I was contacted by baktasht of EMS Powered products. He had read my posts & then sent me an e-mail. He asked how easy it would be to return to stock & I told him "piece of cake." He then asked if he were to send me one of his boost gauges would I do a comparison. I told him YES! I asked him "how much for the gauge?" & he stated "nothing." As long as I give a HONEST opinion & details about my opinion. So, the gauge was FREE & EMS Powered has NOT compensated me ANY OTHER WAY! So, to be true to my word here is that comparison! Daniel

06-26-2008, 02:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
mr2boost 343 Gone NEVER Forgotten Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bartlett, TN Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 38 Times in 32 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Now for the EMS powered gauge. First off, once past taking the dash apart to get the Instrument Cluster out, then EMS Powered gauge is an EASY install to place their gauge unit in the OEM location. Now I got the RED colored one to offset my interior scheme of black & red with some blue so the BLUE gauge of theirs would probably look good too if NOT look MORE OEM. But, I like the Red. Now, the EMS Powered gauge has instructions at their web-site on how-to install & they are VERY GOOD instructions with pics. The Omori comes with generic instruction sheet, but it is pretty easy to figure out. Now, right off the bat I noticed the wires from the EMS gauge were much more "robust" than the Omori's. There is more wiring to do with the EMS than with the Omori. But, if you have a test meter (or light) it is pretty easy to figure out. Here is pics on how I installed the EMS gauge... Index of Dan\EMS Powered Gauge\ - ASP ListPics Notice the last 4 pics that show the back of the Instrument Cluster. That will show you how I got switched on power for the gauge, I used the OEM location, crimped an eyelet on that red wire & as I bolted on the gauge, BINGO, I had my power source & did not have to run a wire to another location. Now the 2 ground wires have eyelets crimped on them & are grounded to unpainted metal (chassis) under the dash for a good solid ground. I also drilled a hole in one of the blank plugs next to the fog light switch to mount the controller for the EMS gauge. I like the fact that the gauge's light intensity can be adjusted to 1 of 9 settings for when the gauge is on & again for when the parking/head lights are on. You also get a NICE peak hold function that you can set to flash that peak hold from 1-5 seconds (pretty slick). There is also instructions on how to calibrate the gauge to your climate which the Omori did not mention. Plus, the EMS gauge resets or calibrates itself each time it is turned on by showing all 8's across the gauge (kind of like the Omori's needle sweep). But, I have to admit I don't really like the flashing of the digital gauge for when you are stuck right in between 2 readings. But, I used to own a 1984 300ZXT that had a digital dash, so I am kind of used to it. And I don't care for the QUICK moving of the numbers as you go from vacuum to boost but, it is pretty easy to get used to. But, that is to be expected from a digital gauge. It will take you a little longer to wire it up over the Omori but the EMS gauge's wires are much stronger/larger & I like that. I did compare readings of all the gauges with my old AutoMeter mechanical boost gauge just to see & the Omori & the EMS gauge was right on the money with each other & the Autometer was off from them about 1/2 to 1 whole value. See one of the pics here... DSCN2239.JPG So, now for the direct comparison... Daniel Last edited by mr2boost; 06-26-2008 at 02:31 PM..

06-26-2008, 02:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
mr2boost 343 Gone NEVER Forgotten Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bartlett, TN Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 38 Times in 32 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	OEM, forget it, it does NOT compare at all. If you think you can do this type of install, guess what YOU CAN! Buy an Omori or the EMS gauge & you will NOT regret it. Omori to EMS... The EMS gauge has functions & features that the Omori does not (mentioned above). The EMS is easier to install but harder to wire up for you have to buy/get extra lengths of wire to fully install, almost everything you need is with the Omori as long as you put the sensor in the cabin like I did. With BOTH gauges you will need MORE tubing to go from the sensor to the intake manifold like I did. So, with both you will need more tubing OR more wiring depending on where you mount the sensor. The Omori just looks MORE OEM! I mean it looks great. If it did not say Omori on the face you would swear the MR2 came with that gauge. The EMS looks OEM for it sits in place just like the OEM gauge & needs NO modifications to the gauge or the Instrument Cluster (like what I did to the Omori to get it to fit perfect). But, the EMS gauge being digital just does not quite have that OEM feel like the analog Omori does. The BIG number reading of the EMS is MUCH easier to read over the Omori. Both seem to be of very HIGH quality too. So, with all this being said, which gauge am I keeping???? The winner is........ EMS POWERED gauge! Why, I like the peak hold & the other features. If the Omori had readings to 20 or 25psi, & had peak hold that could be accessed I would be keeping the Omori. But, the EMS was faster to respond to changes, easier to read, has lots of features, & easier to install & get a perfect fit. Now don't get me wrong I still like the Omori (so it is NOT for sale I may go back to it later or maybe not). But, the EMS just beats it out in almost every category & definitely beats the Omori in features. Thanks must be given to David at TwosRus for the Omori (I paid for it) & to baktasht for the EMS Powered gauge. I must say that even if I had paid full price for the EMS gauge I still would have chosen it over the Omori. But, take a long look at both gauges & determine which you would like most & purchase it. Either one will NOT disappoint! Daniel Last edited by mr2boost; 06-26-2008 at 02:33 PM..

06-26-2008, 02:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
lsgheero RAR! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 698 Thanks: 9 Thanked 28 Times in 28 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Thats nice and yeah if i didnt know what the factory boost gauge looked like I would never have even guessed it wasnt OEM... kk made comment too soon lol :P you were still posting... The omori does look OEM but im glad you like to ems gauge thats cool. Last edited by lsgheero; 06-26-2008 at 02:40 PM..

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06-26-2008, 01:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
mr2boost 343 Gone NEVER Forgotten Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bartlett, TN Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 38 Times in 32 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	First the OEM gauge. Hey, it is free (so to speak for it comes with the MR2). It will tell you that you are boosting or that you are NOT boosting & that is about it. It is notorious for being slow to respond & of course it has NO numbers & NO references to the amount of boost (or vacuum) you may be making. But, it does look like it is OEM but then again, IT IS. That is about all I can say about the OEM gauge for I do not like it & wanted to get rid of it anyway. Now for the Omori. If is a very nice gauge. Comes with a nice & neat wiring harness that is fully sheathed. It is an electrical gauge with a remote sensor that you can mount anywhere. I personally like having the sensor in the cabin to protect it from heat & debris. So, I installed the Omori in the OEM location. It takes some modifications of the Instrument Cluster to make it fit well & I learned (almost the very hard way) that you really need to drill holes for the 2 wiring harnesses from the gauge, in the back of the IC & NOT on the top. If you drill to the back the very thin wires will not "kink" up & break loose (mine almost did - whew) if you try to route out the top of the IC like I did, as you can see in that link to the thread I posted above. So, make 2 holes out the back for the Omori. Now the Omori looks OEM. It has a black face, white numbers, & red needle & with the white back light looks like it came in the MR2. Only thing is that white back light is VERY BRIGHT! I had to use a 470 or 510 Ohm resistor to tone it down so it was NOT blinding at night. A potentiometer put in line can allow you to manually adjust the brightness & works well too. Each time you turn on the Omori (turn on car) it does a needle sweep to calibrate itself. This makes for some very accurate readings & keeps the readings accurate. I really like the Omori. But, it has a few drawbacks. One being how bright it is, but you can fix that without too much trouble. Another is that there is no peak hold or other features to the gauge. Another is that the gauge reads from -30 vacuum to +30 psi boost. So, the numbers & lines for the numbers are kind of hard to read at a glance. Maybe I'm getting old, but the numbers & lines are pretty small. I think if it read -30 to +20psi it would be easier to read & if it came with a remote that could be mounted anywhere to access a peak hold function it would be perfect. But, it is NOT a BAD gauge at all & I really like it. Here is another pic of the finished Omori with resistor in place & LEDs in IC on... DSCN2061.JPG Daniel

06-26-2008, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
baktasht EMSPowered.com Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 5,235 Thanks: 24 Thanked 161 Times in 138 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (44/98% )	Daniel, thanks for taking the time to do an in-depth review. I know you had a lot going on at the time. Also, give me a call when you have some free time. I wanted to see if you have any more input on the gauge and ways we can make future versions even better.

06-26-2008, 06:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
skillzo1 Streets closed pizza boy! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Stankonia Posts: 991 Thanks: 33 Thanked 16 Times in 15 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	AWESOME review. I can also HIGHLY agree on being tired of trying to read my boost guage accurately while doing 130+. It's just not safe, and i always second guess my first initial reading of boost, cause i'm glancing at a LITTLE ASS LINE. Actuall numbers is soooo much easier and gives more accurate info IMO.

07-29-2008, 01:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Luni ST185 Powered SW20 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Salt Lake City Utah Posts: 2,961 Thanks: 9 Thanked 106 Times in 92 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (8/100% )	The EMS gauge is horribly accurate. Much more accurate than an analog mechanical gauge. Ive compared the EMS gauge to my Blitz DTTs boost gauge that reads in kg/cm2 and theyre within a couple tenths of a PSI of each other. I LOVE the way the EMS gauge transitions, I love the way it looks, it LOOKS like it belongs there. Mine is the red one. For power, I just used a 6 wire ribbon I found at radio shack, since I had to run wires down, I figured it was just as easy to run the other wires, and I installed a molex plug to it so its easy to disconnect if I have to pull the gauge cluster out. For the money, nothing beats the EMS gauge.

08-04-2008, 11:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
Luni ST185 Powered SW20 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Salt Lake City Utah Posts: 2,961 Thanks: 9 Thanked 106 Times in 92 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (8/100% )	Ive actually decided to use Cat5 cable. Think about it, you can install RJ45 connections and make it plug and unplug. But yeah, if you make it modular, its way easier to plug/unplug. And, you can tap power where you did. Cat5 cable is perfectly adequate to carry the signals.

09-17-2008, 10:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
SnowRocker88 Tech-Nerd Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 366 Thanks: 5 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I have the Omori in the stock location, and with a potentiometer to control the brightness, it's GREAT!