The cockpit ended up costing me a little over $500 aussie dollars, and thats not including the g25. The dash was $250, seat was $130, and the rest covers paint, timber etc.
So i think you can see why i dont think ill be getting the guages to function (not any time soon anyway). From what ive found, it seems it will cost me another $500 odd dollars to get the guages to work. For me thats too excessive.
I just want to use it, i have not played LFS since i started this thing in early december !!
Thanks to everyone for all the positive comments, makes it more worthwhile!