thanks dude!
James, check em out, it's just a totally customizable data collection / display system. the dude has been hugely helpful to discuss custom programming and options.
https://www.theonegauge.com/
as for nav vs gauges, I'm hoping once i get everything dialed in that i won't NEED to constantly watch gauges. or there's PIP for maps in android. i'm also trying to figure out if i can set up a warning light output from the OneGauge to trip a check engine light on the dash.