How acurate are autometer boost gauges?

[stealthex]

I have a sc'ed 99 civic ex with a autometer 30 psi phantom boost gauge. I always thought that my car was screwed up since it read 16.5-17 in-Hg at idle. But now I'm thinking that it might be the boost gauge that's screwed up because it reads close to 7 psi at redline. I have I/E it should have relieved a little pressure. Is it possible that my gauge just reads a one tick too positive? Some people say it's probably a vacuum leak but the idle doesn't fluctuate widly. I did have a low idle but it seems fixed now that I put an intake manifold gasket in yesterday but I have to watch it some more.

[MDA]

so what's the problem here ? the idle vacumm that it creates can be different per motor... mine is 20 in-HG at idle.... but some could be higher or less....

is there a prob ?

[Marc]

Mine usually pulls 16-18 in/hg at idle. No biggie. It may depend on the number of accessories on your car. It will pull the necessary 20-22 in/hg if I let of the throttle while cruising. So I'm not worried.


Marc

[stealthex]

Thanks for the replies. I always thought mine was low because people with gsr's were getting around 19-20 in-Hg at idle. Well it's relieving to know that after a year I finally got my car in working order .