Jimbo1367

Can anyone think of any pros or cons of using mechanical vs. electric (engine Oil pressure/ water temp and maybe trans temp)gauges? I am looking to go Autometer C2. I've always used mechanical in all my builds growing up but am I missing a added bonus running electric gauges?

thanks,
Jim

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

The electrics can give you a cleaner firewall / engine bay appearance. They could possibly be more accurate (vs. factory stuff).

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

Electric are easier to run/ put where you want because they don't have the large, stiff lines. They also keep the oil out of the cabin, which is good since it means it won't leak in there.
I put electric in my gauge pod and mechanical in the dash.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

I used to prefer mechanical gauges only because they have a 270° sweep, but you can now buy stepper-motor electronic gauges that have that feature. As mentioned above, much easier to route wiring than tubing.

01cherryreds10

iTrader: (9)

Electric gauges all the way. Simple to hook up, clean installation and no oil lines running inside the car too.

What if you want to change up your gauge panel once you've been driving the car because you don't like where a certain gauge is? Then all you have to do is extend/shorten the wires for the gauge.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

Mechanical gauges use to have a reputation for being more accurate than electric gauges. I don't know if that is still true since the advent of the computer chip.

digitalsolo

iTrader: (24)

I've had weirdness with electric oil pressure senders before, so I always use mechanical for that (mine is all braided lines/AN fittings, no cheesy plastic/brass lines), but I run electronic for everything else.

Honestly, at this point, I'd probably have gone electric for oil pressure too, if I was doing it over. The last time I had issues was probably almost 10 years ago, I'm sure things have improved since then.