Thread: Review: Motorsports Authority Gauge Pod

I've been working on my pillar pod for quite some time now (last December), and I'm apparently insanely hard to please when it comes to fit and finish on products. After trying a few different pods nothing even came close to what I had in mind for a pillar pod. I wanted OEM looks with aftermarket appeal.

I was literally trolling the internet minding my own business when I came across a company advertising yet another "OEM fit and finish pillar pod". All I could think was, wow... more garbage. After reading that they take an OEM pillar and fab a gauge pod on, then smooth, texture and paint the pod, I was all ears (or eyes I should say).

This time though, I wanted no BS, so I went directly to the owner of the company and asked about the pod. For once I wasn't told "you should talk with our sales guys and they'll help you out", the owner, Bryan, was very helpful, knowledgeable and polite. He appologized that there were none in stock and told me he would let me know when they had built some more, and he did. Allowed me to pay with PayPal, factored in my Canadian shipping and provided a tracking number.

For customer service MSA is top notch, I spoke with other sales staff who also were very polite and up to date on their products. Timely responses to my inquiries and even dealt with my pestering gracefully!

Enought about the company for now, because honestly they are represented by their work, and their work is good. You might have noticed the Hot Wheels GC at SEMA 09'? That's thiers. Here's a link: Genesis pictures by msauthority - Photobucket

You might be thinking "well thats nice, but what about the pod?"
The pod is great! By far the best I've tested. The fit and finish is perfect, the look is amazing and the price might be a bit high but factor in their willingness to refund $30 as a core fee and offer free return shipping of the old pods (USA only), it's a bargin.

My official review this time though, is video:


The MSA Pillar pod is worth a look if you're serious about OEM quality styling and fit. A great product backed by people who feel the same about cars as we do, how could you go wrong?

Initial Quality: 5
Perfect! Paint was fully cured, packaging was beyond excessive to protect the product and nothing feels cheaply made or half-assed.

Ease of Use: 5
Nothing to use. It just sits there holding things for you, perfect.

Features: 4
I'm just being picky at this point, it's got everything you need: spots to put gauges in, spots for wires to come out, it's just not that nice to analogue boost gauges. And I'm insane about strapping things down so I wish there was a secure fastening method for the gauges, but the hot glue did work perfectly.

Installation: 5
If you could take your old pillar out, you can put this one in. With the OEM locking points intact, it's as easy as push and connect.

Cost: 5
Might seem a bit high compared to it's competitors, but none other offer a core return fee (which actually takes it down to it's competitors price) and free shipping of old pillars (USA only). Add in the fact that you can get the one pillar as a stand alone, or get both to match, is simply genius.

Total: 24/25