So, you want more than the granny speedo and want a triple panel set.
Let's say oil, temp, and volts.
What's your choice, and why?
Let's say oil, temp, and volts.
What's your choice, and why?
Add On gauges - Mechancal or Electric?
- Thread starter WanaBa442
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I like mechanical for the oil and water, more accurate and less of chance to fail.
I have installed dozens of aftermarket gauges in a variety of cars over the years. I always choose AutoMeter electric gauges (except for boost gauges, of course). I like electric gauges for their ease of installation as well as flexibility of install location.
Generally speaking, electric gauges are cheaper and easier to install. Mechanical gauges are usually more accurate and a little more costly and a little more involved to install and you need the appropriate senders to go with them..
Gauges are like anything else, you get what you pay for and the sky can be the limit in what you spend.
Gauges are like anything else, you get what you pay for and the sky can be the limit in what you spend.
I have also used a variety of gauges over the years in different cars but for any performance application where accuracy is key I have always used Autometer's and I also prefer mechanical gauges (oil and water) and even with a cheap off brands the mechanical gauge is more likely to be more accurate and not fail over the same brand electrical due to the "you get what you pay for senders".
I will also buy the high end electrical gauges that are full sweep just to match the mechanical ones.
I will also buy the high end electrical gauges that are full sweep just to match the mechanical ones.
Electric, I hate the bourdon tube (typically wayyyyy too long, and plastic tubing should be outlawed. Copper tube is OK, and was used by GM "back in the day" on trucks at least. Mostly I prefer the cleaner install of the electrics.
Apples to oranges, probably, due to the resources available, but I'm pretty sure the OEs are OK with electrics on stuff they know people are going to flog that they have to offer a warranty on.
Apples to oranges, probably, due to the resources available, but I'm pretty sure the OEs are OK with electrics on stuff they know people are going to flog that they have to offer a warranty on.
I use the braided SS hose for my oil, the same hose I used for my brakes....
There's not an "indifferent" selection in the poll. I think the tech is good enough these days, that it doesn't matter (unless you're buying cheap, offshore crap). I never like the size of manual temp thermocouplers and the limitations they create. I also agree that plastic capillary is one of the most dangerous things ever created.
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