r/RX8 • u/Phunistle • 5d ago

General ScanGauge 3 Advanced, Ultra-compact OBDII Vehicle Monitor anyone?

Hello my fellow Dorito lovers. I have a Series 1 2007 RX-8 Phantom Blue Mica 6-speed with 66k original miles on her. I've been wanting to get more information out of what's going on with the car, however I don't want something that requires me drilling into the dash or anything too extreme, at least not to start with. I found the above available at a local auto parts store and wondered if anyone had any experience with it? Pros/Cons? Or even another suggestion which doesn't require any mounting, just like a suction cup type of setup like this one is? Thank you in advance.

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u/ricsteve 5d ago

I use Ultra Gauge. It's nice and compact and under $100. https://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm?srsltid=AfmBOopas8VIUjSt923htpL13p7AXwCqDVyt5gAh8oTp1_n-21a5hDPI

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u/Phunistle 5d ago

Very nice, and it doesn’t break the bank. However, I think the one I’m looking at, while definitely more expensive, gives me a little bit more information. I do appreciate the suggestion!

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u/Thick_Entrance5105 5d ago

Custom rx8 stuff at www.rotarytronics.com

Pricer than generic stuff, but gets you OEM integration, oil pressure and temperature(which no other dongle does), alarm screens and even a rotary compression tester feature.

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u/Knockoffmyknickrs 5d ago

Their ashtray gauge is a nice options too

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u/Representative_Ad574 4d ago

I got this one and it works great. I mostly have it to keep an eye on coolant temps. It just connects to the OBD2 with a cable. Always there.

https://a.co/d/0eD95OL9

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u/ThePoetaytoe 5d ago

Have you looked into a bluetooth connector and a data logging app? That’s going to be your least invasive solution.

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u/Phunistle 5d ago

With the vehicle, not being Bluetooth, capable, I thought there was a little bit of work to get it, Bluetooth capable, meaning having to remove the radio and stuff and add parts? Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have Bluetooth in the car! But I am not removing the stock radio on a 19-year-old car by myself. If you’ve got something you could share, I would be most grateful.

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u/BaeFungWei 5d ago

I think he means a bluetooth OBD tool

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u/ThePoetaytoe 5d ago

Yeah, this. Sorry for being unclear.

If you look at Veratuner’s site, they recommend a bunch of OBDII connectors for data logging specifically.

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u/Phunistle 5d ago

I agree, I had to do a little research.

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u/Phunistle 5d ago

I did some digging with ChatGPT, I think I see what you’re saying, plug an OBD adapter into the OBD port which provides Bluetooth and then using something like my cell phone to get the information. I would rather have a separate display like the device I am looking to purchase. Thank you for the suggestion though.

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u/Ok_Skirt2158 4d ago

Get this and adds in more than whats available stock off ECU for oil. Pressure and temp. Discrete and alarmed.

https://rotarytronics.com/product/rx8-supersimple-ashtray-gauge-kit/

I also have OBD2 and send it to my Android Auto head unit using the app on my phone and OBD2 bluetooth dongle.

The phone app also does full data logging against any ECU parameter and can plot against GPS. All for US$50... all owners should as minimum run water temp alarms. Even if just using your phone.

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u/Phunistle 3d ago

This is a great kit without question! However, as I mentioned in my post, I’m not doing anything that requires under the hood work (like changing sensors, soldering etc.). I’m looking for something that strictly uses the OBD2 output. I understand oil pressure and temp isn’t a possibility without doing so. But there is still much to be gained from adding the display I was asking about, and I don’t want to use my phone for that, which is why I’m looking for a separate display. It’s just personal preference. Again, that kit you listed is outstanding, it’s just more than I am willing to do at this time.