Has anyone replaced the stock boost gauge with a mechanical one? I was thinking of replacing the stock one but I dont know how to take the pillar off and, I dont want the mess around with the side curtain airbags.

If you have the side airbag option then you just pop off the little round cover that says SRS.... behind it is a screw... I forget the size... remove it ....
pull a-pillar panel towards center of the dash... it is clipped in... its a little strange if you arent used to taking cars apart.. just be kind of gentle and youll be ok... I actually did a how-to write up for another forum... unfortunately no pics... Heres a link for the How-to maybe it will help... (http://www.*************/forums/showthread.php?t=5831)