I'm looking to install a turbo boost gauge on my 1982 300D Turbo. I went to a "Performance" shop and they said they've never done anything like this before. Estimated labor was quoted at 2-3 hours. Has anyone done this before? Is it possible to do it by myself? Thanks for any input.

You should be able to do this yourself. All you have to do is T into the pressure line on the intake manifold and run that line into the cabin. You will then mount it to the gauge. You should be able to find a gauge online or in a performance Magazine.

Be sure to get a lower boost gauge, the D will only produce about 7-10 psi at max levels. A 30 psi gauge will not be good for your application. I would go with a 15 max.

What exactly do you mean by "T into the pressure line" on the intake manifold? What exactly is the pressure line, what does it look like? Thanks.

You "T" into the pressure line by cutting it and reconnecting the cut hose with a three way fitting. I used a rubber three way vacuum fitting from a junker. Since 2 of the three openings will be occupied by the original pressure line, use the third one to send pressure to the guage. The pressure line comes from the back end of the intake manifold. Its about 3/16" in diameter and is supposed to be clear but is probably filled with soot and looks black. I took more time trying to mount the guage in a visible place than the actual plumbing. Good luck.

Pressure line on back of the intake manifold? Is there only one line, or are there multiple lines? I don't want to end up cutting the wrong line and screwing things up. Can someone provide a picture of this? Any further help would be greatly appreciated.

If you can find the intake manifold you can find the hose referred to. It comes off the back of the intake manifold and goes over to a valve over by the brakebooster area. From that vavle it then goes to the top of the injection pump.Just follow the hose. This is how it goes on my 300sd. I assume the 300d is similar.Be carefull to make good connections because this line provides pressure to the fuel enrichement valve on the IP and also to the engine/transmission overload valve.

whetted appetite!
 

OK
THIS has gotten me interested!
Where have those of you who have successfully completed such a modification, placed the gauge. And again, on a scale of 10, what is the difficulty level of pulling this off???

I placed my guage in the driver's side corner where the center console meets the dash. I attached it to the panel that covers the steering column. If I get a chance, I might email you some pics. On a scale of 10 I give the job a 3.

Boost Gauge
 

The big question for me is once I install a boost gauge, by the way I like the idea; if I find that the boost is running on the low side which I expect to find where does one adjust the boost pressure on a 300D Turbo.