Installing Isspro's Performax Instruments

9. The gauge instructions will tell you which ESP connector and numbered position in that connector the sensor wires go into. To install, remove the orange wedge lock and the red pins that seal the empty holes, then insert the pins and reinstall the wedge lock.

10. The ESP is a durable unit that can be mounted in the harsh environment of the engine compartment without fear. It's waterproof, highly vibration- and shock-resistant and suitable for temperatures up to 257 degrees Fahrenheit. For mounting, it comes with screw bosses or some super HD Velcro.

11. We mounted the ESP to the AEM Brute Force CAI box. We used plastic conduit to shield all the sensor wires from damage and used electrical tape as necessary. We drilled a special hole in the firewall to feed the three wires for the gauges, using a grommet and RTV to protect and seal.

12. If you have to shorten or lengthen the wires, the best method is to install a new connector (A), though you will need a suitable crimping tool. Isspro recommends the Deutsch DTT-20-00, or an Ideal Crimpmaster 30-506 with 30-599 dies, which can usually be found at Home Depot. You can cut and splice with butt connectors, but be sure to use shrink tubing or waterproof connectors (B ) to avoid corrosion.

13. You can push the wires individually into the gauge connectors, but for a few extra bucks you can get some of Isspro's wire installation tools. Having done it both ways, we'd highly recommend the tool; it cuts the install time by three-quarters and ensures a good connection. Get a couple of them, as you may break one if you get ham-fisted. The orange connector snaps into the back of the gauges.

14. Using Isspro's 2004-08 F-150 pillar pod, we installed the oil pressure and coolant temp gauges. We had to relocate our Gryphon programmer from its integrated dash pod onto an old-style Edge mount.

15. On the top, in the foreground, are the exhaust backpressure and EGT gauges in a Lotek twin mount pod, designed to fit in the 2004-08 F-150 dash tray. Behind them is a universal Glow Shift triple swivel pod that holds, left to right, fuel pressure, air temp, and volts. Below, as indicated by the arrow, are the diff and trans temp gauges in a Glow Shift universal dash pod adapted to fit in the empty ashtray pocket.

16. Optional are the hardware and software needed to data-log ESP inputs on your laptop. The kit includes the software CD, USB cable, dongle, and a connector. The dongle connects into the three wire harnesses, just like a gauge, and you plug the small end of the USB cable into it. Once connected, you can read real-time data on up to 17 sensors, and the software creates a running file that can be turned into an Excel spreadsheet for graphing. Minimum computer requirements are Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating systems, and you must have Microsoft Excel installed.