Mechanical vs. Electric Boost/Vacuum Guage

[Black Sun 5.0]

I was on Summit looking at Autometer's line of Cobalt gauges and noticed a serious difference in price when comparing electircal vs. mechanical boost guages. What's the difference and is one preferred over the other to reflect cost/value? Also, on a positive note, I have a body shop guy interested in restoring my '91 after THE CRASH. Just waiting on the estimate, I'm getting antsy to get my car back on the road.

 

[Stangdriver627]

I personally like mechanical gauges when they are applicable, they are usually very easy to hook up, i believe they are a little more accurate, and you don't have to worry about some wire crossing or a short, depending on which gauge you have.

~Alex

 

[JChalfan]

I was on Summit looking at Autometer's line of Cobalt gauges and noticed a serious difference in price when comparing electircal vs. mechanical boost guages. What's the difference and is one preferred over the other to reflect cost/value? Also, on a positive note, I have a body shop guy interested in restoring my '91 after THE CRASH. Just waiting on the estimate, I'm getting antsy to get my car back on the road.

I think electric gauges usually have some sort of sending unit which sends the signal to the gauge. With a mechanical gauge, you just have a tube running from the intake to the gauge. I think that's where the price difference comes from.

There is a huge difference in electrical vs mechanical fuel pressure gauges too. It makes sense there though, since you don't want to run a fuel like into the cab of your car. For boost though, I'd just go with the standard mechanical type.

Jeff

 

[Black Sun 5.0]

OK, that's kind of what I figured. I'd just love to know who would want to pay more than $100 more for an electrical boost/vac if the mechanical probably works just as well if not better. I find it almost bizarre.

 

[88_GT_5_oh]

i don't know about electric boost gauges but my mechanical sunpro boost gauge was super responsive.