Mechanical Gauges?

91ghp5.0

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Jan 21, 2007

#1

• Jan 21, 2007

• #1

What senders do mechanical gauges use (autometer, etc.)? The stock ones? Both Summit and Jegs don't have them "included" with the gauges when you buy them, and they only sell electrical senders.

As far as I know, the stock senders are the down fall of the actualy stock gauges...just curious though.

Are mechanical gauges that much more accurate than electrical gauges? This is all stuff I have been told by a mechanic friend. Thanks

Danny

 

HISSIN50

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#2

• Jan 21, 2007

• #2

Danny, mechanical gauges generally either are physically tethered to the gauge (I.e. cap. tubing on mech temp gauges) or don't use a sender (e.g. mech OP gauges).

E-gauges will use their own proprietary sending unit and most new AM E-gauges include a sending unit. You cannot generally use the stock sender for an aftermarket gauge (the senders are all calibrated differently).

In this day and age, IMHO e-gauges are just as accurate as mechanical gauges. I still prefer mechanical gauges to rule out any E-system issues (since these gauges don't use a 5 volt reference) and I like the fuller sweep. Most E gauges are ~120* sweep vs 270* for most mech gauges.



Random thoughts. Good luck.

 

91ghp5.0

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#3

• Jan 21, 2007

• #3

So for oil pressure and water temp gauges that come with fittings and tubing, a new sender isn't required?

 

RYC CUKR

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Jan 21, 2007

#4

• Jan 21, 2007

• #4

The water temp comes with its own "sender" which is attached directly to the back of the gauge with a capillary tube.

For the oil pressure gauge you will have to run a line from where the existing oil pressure sending unit is to the back of the oil pressure gauge. So you will have a line with oil under pressure to where ever you mount the gauge. For the line I prefer to use a stainless braided AN line. Might be overkill but it gives me piece of mind. I have been sprayed on the legs with hot oil from a line that came disconnected in a previous car so I will spend some cash to not have that happen again. It burned a little and made a BIG mess before I could get the car shut down.

Even with that draw back I still prefer mechanical gauges over electrical gauges. Mainly for the same reason that Hissin brought up about the mechanicals being full sweep. I believe the other is pyschological in that it gives me a "hard" connection to the engines vital systems and I don't have to worry about a bad ground or loose wire. With the quality of today's aftermarket electrical gauges that probably isn't an issue but I just prefer the piece of mind.

Also the mechanical vs electrical gauge decision can be impacted by where you want to mount the gauges. If they are going in an a pillar pod electrical is much easier to mount. Not a lot of room in there for an line or capillary tubing. If they are going in a gauge cage or under the radio then there is plenty of room for the mechanical connections.

 

91ghp5.0

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#5

• Jan 21, 2007

• #5

They will be going in a gauge cage in the air conditioning vents. If I require fuel pressure later (blower, nitrous, etc.) it will be going on the cowl probably. Thanks for the help guys!

Danny

P.S. Any specific models you like? I was looking at Ultra Lite because they are the cheapest. Do they still "light up" like the other series do? Thanks!

 

HISSIN50

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#6

• Jan 21, 2007

• #6

They're all good - it comes down to personal preference on what style you like. Some of the newer ones are really neat lookin to my eye. I have old school Phantoms which match the other stuff in my interior (however, were I starting from scratch, I'd go with something fancier if I could).

Good luck.

 

91ghp5.0

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Jan 21, 2007

#7

• Jan 21, 2007

• #7

Thanks...I appreciate the advice. Actually, now that I think of it, I think the Ultralites are the only 2 5/8'' mechanical gauges Autometer sells.

 

stangbear427

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Jan 22, 2007

#8

• Jan 22, 2007

• #8

Not true- mine are Mechanical and liquid filled, Sport Comp Silvers:

 

S

smr

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Jan 22, 2007

#9

• Jan 22, 2007

• #9

if you dont mind running smaller ones (2 1/16") I recommend the ultralite II they are led backlit and silver face during the day w/ black numebrs and black faces with white numbers at nite..very clean...

 

91ghp5.0

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Jan 22, 2007

#10

• Jan 22, 2007

• #10

The ultralite 2 look bad ass, but as far as I can tell, the "gauge cage" in the air vents only comes with 2 5/8'' holes. I saw those a few minutes ago, and I would love to run them. They look bad ASS.

 

91ghp5.0

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#11

• Jan 22, 2007

• #11

Is it possible to mount mechanical gauges on the pillar? That's the only gauge pod I could find that has 2 1/16'' holes for gauges.

 

stangbear427

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Jan 22, 2007

#12

• Jan 22, 2007

• #12

There is a gauge cage that uses three 2" gauges in the vent panel, but you'll lose the vents. Or, you could try Forida5.0, who makes just about anything for just about anything.

 

S

smr

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Jan 22, 2007

#13

• Jan 22, 2007

• #13

florida 50 makes nice stuff. Also any of the three hole gauge cage for the vent use 2 1/16" but you los the center vents... oh well....

 

91ghp5.0

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#14

• Jan 22, 2007

• #14

They are all ordered. I'll post pics when I get it installed.

 

HISSIN50

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#15

• Jan 22, 2007

• #15

91ghp5.0 said:

Is it possible to mount mechanical gauges on the pillar? That's the only gauge pod I could find that has 2 1/16'' holes for gauges.

Click to expand...

It sounds like the ordering is a done deal, but you sure can use mech. gauges in the pillar (an A-pillar pod).

I don't know how it would look but you could probably fill in the 2 5/8" gauge pods to make 2" gauges fit, but it would be a pain.

Good luck.

 

91ghp5.0

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Jan 23, 2007

#16

• Jan 23, 2007

• #16

HISSIN50 said:

It sounds like the ordering is a done deal, but you sure can use mech. gauges in the pillar (an A-pillar pod).

I don't know how it would look but you could probably fill in the 2 5/8" gauge pods to make 2" gauges fit, but it would be a pain.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

Yea, I decided to go with the smaller ones anyways. Plus I just wanted ones that looked cool . I went with the Ultralite 2's. White face by day, black by night. Pretty cool stuff. Thanks again for all your help! Hoping for install this weekend!

Danny