• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Should I get Mechanical or Electric gauges?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Smith
  • Start date Start date Mar 8, 2006

John Smith

New Member
Dec 3, 2005
372
0
0
Mar 8, 2006
#1
  • Mar 8, 2006
  • #1
Hi,

I am going to be purchasing an oil pressure gauge and a water temperature gauge soon, and was wondering if I should get mechanical or electric. The guy who works on my car suggested I get mechanical for the Temp. gauge, but didnt say anything about the oil pressure gauge. What do you guys think? I am leaning towards mechanical for both, since I believe I remember hearing that they are supposed to be more accurate.

Thanks,
 

DropTopPony

Noob Slayer
Founding Member
Aug 13, 2002
2,570
3
48
south jersey
Mar 8, 2006
#2
  • Mar 8, 2006
  • #2
Here ya go...just discussed it yesterday

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=620672
 
R

rpburnette

Member
May 22, 2003
152
0
16
Tampa, FL
Mar 9, 2006
#3
  • Mar 9, 2006
  • #3
I don't have gauges in my car, besides factory, but hopefully whenever I have the money to do serious engine mods, than I will go electrical. I do research for a living so I work with mechanical and electrical guages all the time. I would prefer electrical gauges b/c of the simplicity. It is a lot easier to run wires than tubing. As for the accuracy, I don't know about automotive gauges, but most gauges used in industry and research are going to electrical b/c of the improved accuracy. I don't think accuracy would be a huge problem with automotive gauges. If the guage is off by 1psi or 5 degrees temp. it isn't really going to matter that much.

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth. Hey, I am bored at work right now, just had to type something
 

jeffnoel

Founding Member
Aug 31, 2002
1,638
5
37
Clovis, CA
Mar 9, 2006
#4
  • Mar 9, 2006
  • #4
Go electric, mech gauges bring fluids into the cockpit and if that little plastic hose breaks your spoog'd with oil.
 

elite130

Member
Dec 7, 2005
149
0
16
Denver, CO
Mar 9, 2006
#5
  • Mar 9, 2006
  • #5
I used a mechanical water temp gauge and a mechanical vacuum/boost gauge in my old v6. I used the mechanical water temp gauge because it was a full sweep gauge (im not a fan of the short sweep gauges) plus the accuracy. I also loved the fact that there were no wiring or dependent upon senders, it is just plug and play. It also worked when the car was off. I used the mechanical boos gauge because it is a lot less expensive and not much harder to run a small plastic tube from the engine bay to the gauge. It worked great. I had them in my car for 4 years and had no problems with breaking tubes. I would not get a mechanical oil pressure gauge for the fact stated above. I don't want oil in my car. Just my $0.02.
 

Mike97gt

it doe snot
Founding Member
Jan 26, 1999
10,633
7
89
the people's republic of massachusetts
Mar 9, 2006
#6
  • Mar 9, 2006
  • #6
i go with electrics for one reason.

no extra tubes to break. getting 200 degree coolant in you car spraying around is not much fun. plus you hate to break down for that reason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Progress Thread Sask84gt's 84 GT - Questions and Progress Thread
  • Sask84gt
  • Oct 13, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
589
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 6, 2026
Sask84gt
D
Fuel Erratic Fuel Pressure 1985 GT
  • DienstXIV
  • Jan 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
649
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 16, 2026
AeroCoupe
G
1991 GT 5.0 running hot
  • gvanginkel403
  • Jul 1, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
120
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 2, 2026
General karthief
M
Engine 1988 Foxbody - Overheating Summer
  • MDrisc
  • Oct 26, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
531
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 28, 2025
Mustang5L5
G
2005 Mustang GT AC cycling on and off every minute
  • GeorgeSwadling
  • Jul 12, 2025
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
0
Views
216
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Jul 12, 2025
GeorgeSwadling
G
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?