all the boost gauges that i see are available in several different pressure ranges. how do i know what range to get, and this also raises the question what are normal boost pressures, what can i expect out of my minor mods and what is a dangerous amount of boost?

 

Dangerous would be 50+ before the head gasket is in question.
I'd suspect you could get into the 40PSI range with your set up, and a pinched wastegate. I'd suggest a 0 - 60 PSI gauge, unless you plan on more modifications. Then I would suggest a 0 - 100. I have a 60, and will soon need a 100.

 

Depending on what you have as a turbo and what your wastegate is set at, will determine which boost gauge to get. If you think that you are pushing 35 psi all day, then you should look into a 60 psi gauge, etc.

On a stock truck with no mods to the turbo, the most pressure put out by the turbo is about 20 psi. With modifications, a HX35 will be able to put out about 30 psi all day, any high then you will start having turbo issues(larger turbo needed).

 

We usually recommend the 60psi gauge unless your never going to upgrade.