Factory gauges usually only show the bare minimum of information which is hardly adequate for a modified vehicle. As aftermarket products are added to your truck, the need to closely monitor your truck's vitals increases. For lifted trucks and trucks that tow, transmission fluid temperature is critical. For trucks with forced induction, boost pressure, intake air temperature, and ignition timing are important to maintaining a healthy engine. David Lamanno's '04 Silverado will soon house a potent big-cube LSX engine, and the last thing he wants is to destroy his investment, especially if a heads-up from a set of gauges will allow him to prevent mechanical failure and prolong the life of his truck. SoCal Diesel had just the right piece to house two Aeroforce gauges in a spot that was both highly visible and unused, the factory overhead console, and the Aeroforce gauges provide a plethora of information from the truck's On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) port, so we wouldn't even have to install any sensors. We visited Auto Essentials in Thousand Oaks, California, where Dave left the truck in the experienced hands of shop owner Richard Chronister for a quick and easy install.
The gauges come with the OBD-II...
The gauges come with the OBD-II wires we'll be using plus an additional set of wire leads to use optional analog inputs. The gauge bezel is machined from billet aluminum and came with optional LED switches.
Here's the overhead console...
Here's the overhead console as found in millions of Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs from '99-'06. The little nook isn't much bigger than a garage door opener, and isn't good for much.
Before he tore into the truck,...
Before he tore into the truck, Rich plugged the gauges in to check them out. All of the information that's displayed on the gauges comes from the factory OBD-II port at the bottom of the dash.
It looked like we had a problem...
It looked like we had a problem right out of the gate, as one gauge appeared to be defective. After a close look we found that the contrast was off on the gauge. After a call to Aeroforce to get the button sequence to get to the right menu, both gauges were up and running and we were ready to proceed.
One screw and two metal clips...
One screw and two metal clips held the overhead console in place, it was out in a matter of seconds. Next, Rich removed the small plastic pocket from the console using a Phillips driver.
Rich used a Dremel tool with...
Rich used a Dremel tool with a sanding drum to remove the flange on the top and bottom of the opening and also to match the curve of the gauge pod exactly. There's a little bit of variation in these cast plastic parts over the years, so expect to do some fine-tuning.