Hello all,

I'm slowly building up my arsenal of tools to work on my Mopar with and it looks like a vacuum gauge would be very helpful to have.

Do any of you guys have a moderately priced one that you'd recommend? Any features I should definitely make sure to have?

For setting carb idle/timing -- where is a good recommended spot (on intake?) to attach in the gauge (or "tee" it in)? This is for a 440-6 motor.

Thanks very much for any tips!

I run one in my under dash. Run it off the vacuum port on the carb. Nice easy installation. I run a oil pressure (the stock gage is very slow responding) vacuum gage, and A/F ratio gage - all autometer - Good stuff.

I use this one from Sears.The quality of their tools isn't what it used to be but this gauge works OK for me as I don't use that often. I usually hook to the choke pulloff nipple on the carb as it fits the gauge hose & it's a manifold source. For a permanent conection anywhere on the intake where you can easily add the fitting to connect it to the gauge hose is good including the PB hose & a manifold vacuum nipple on the carb.

I run Summit brand gauges on the dash, but for a great multi-tasker, buy a Mity-Vac tool!

my own personal opinion
is that a vacuum gauge
is a very valuable diagnostic tool,
but because you are looking for
small 'bounces' in the needle
you really need a large 6 inch diameter
gauge face from a good manufacturer
like Ashcroft, Taylor, etc

http://www.ashcroft-usa.com/

http://www.motor.com/article_pdf_download.asp?article_ID=457

Thanks all for the replies.

When testing vacuum at the intake or carb -- what is the targeted vacuum level that I should be seeing? Or is it more important to see if the vacuum is not steady?

Also, I've heard these gauges can be used to measure fuel pump pressure psi ... If you attach the gauge after the pump - do you just crank the engine and see the pressure? What happens to the fuel it's pushing up the gauge?

Thanks a lot !