Now here's a nice toy. The MGL Avionics E1 Engine Management System.
This little 3-1/8" gadget can monitor Voltage, RPM, CHT and/or EGT (up to four channels), Oil Pressure and Temperature and has an inbuilt password-protected Hobbs and service timer.
How much would you expect to pay for something like that?
It's a mere $289.95 right now from AS&S.
In fact if you use one of these, not only will your panel be a lot less cluttered, you'll save about $50.00 over the cost of the cheapest analog meters and save a ton of airplane weight to boot.
I like it. I want one.
Altimeter, E1, Air Speed indicator and Compass. That's all you really need outside controlled airspace. Add a VHF radio and you're good to go cross-country.