Electric vs. Mech gauges.

[Sl1dewaysSupra]

I am looking into getting gauges soon.(Boost, oil press. and A/F ratio.) and need a little help. Just wondering what the differance is, besides one being mech. the other being electric. Any advantage one has over the other? What are some of you guys running and why you went that route.

 

[Doward]

I am looking into getting gauges soon.(Boost, oil press. and A/F ratio.) and need a little help. Just wondering what the differance is, besides one being mech. the other being electric. Any advantage one has over the other? What are some of you guys running and why you went that route.

I prefer (and run) electrics, simply because I never want a hose with any kind of fluids to come undone in my dash

 

[Jaguar_5]

^^ Thats reason enough for me!

But just curious, Electrical gauges are more accurate, respond quicker, correct? I'm talking quality electric, i.e. Defi, vs. a quality mechanical

 

[Sl1dewaysSupra]

So the electrics would need sensors right? Aret they included with the gauges?

 

[MassSupra89]

Electric when it comes to any types of fluid. I'd never run coolant, oil, or fuel through my firewall, into into my dash. I'll let those stay in the engine bay, and run a nice wire into my gauges.

I ran a mechanical Apex-i boost gauge last year and it worked great. Simplest hook-up ever too(just a vacuum line, and a wire for light-up)

But when you get into multiple gauges, and anything that requires fluids, best to go Electric.

 

[MassSupra89]

So the electrics would need sensors right? Aret they included with the gauges?

Yes, and usually, unless you're buying used, and the original owner didn't include it. I've never heard of a gauge being sold without the sensor.

Edit: The nicer "peak and hold" gauges such as Defi, Nexus... You will need to buy a control unit, which they all plug into, then you wire the sensors from that unit. It usually costs another 100 dollars or so.

 

[Sl1dewaysSupra]

^ That's what I was thinking. A mechanical boost, electric oil pressure and A/F gauge.

 

[MassSupra89]

Just remember to get a wideband a/f, not narrowband if you're using it for any tuning. Narrowbands are known for just being an inaccurate "lightshow"

 

[Sl1dewaysSupra]

Cool, I think that was all I needed to know! Thanks guys.

 

[Doward]

Check out the prosport gauges

I'm ordering a set of them next weekend

 

[MassSupra89]

Same gauges I'm going with.

 

[Mr.PFloyd]

there is some misinformation with mechanical gauges. As far as temp gauges, all mechanical ones are run using a copper wire (usually) and heating it up to the point where it sends the reading to the gauge. Mechanical pressure gauges also use senders, but in the same way. there is no fluid ever running in the wires.

But i use electric gauges as well.

 

[dbsupra90]

there is some misinformation with mechanical gauges. As far as temp gauges, all mechanical ones are run using a copper wire (usually) and heating it up to the point where it sends the reading to the gauge. Mechanical pressure gauges also use senders, but in the same way. there is no fluid ever running in the wires.

But i use electric gauges as well.

mechanical pressure gauges read directly off the fluid. there is no sending unit. maybe you are thinking about an isolator kit. not sure about the temp gauges, ive never seen what you are talking about. all the ones ive seen if they use copper its hollow tubing.

all that being said, id much prefer a quality mechanical gauge over an electrical if possible.

 

[BrandonW]

Check out the prosport gauges

I'm ordering a set of them next weekend

i was looking at that website, those are pretty nice, i would get the green gauges
-mechanical boost gauge
-electric water temperature gauge
-electric oil temperature gauge
$115.97 + $12.50 shipping seems like a good price for all 3

 

[emiliorescigno]

It all depends on the type of gauge. Usually things like Oil Pressure and Water Temp, electric is preferred, but things like Boost/Vacuum, mechanical is more common.

 

[Sl1dewaysSupra]

Check out the prosport gauges

I'm ordering a set of them next weekend

I almost bought them tonight, but I think I will wait until I am ready to install them.

 

[Ckanderson]

I prefer (and run) electrics, simply because I never want a hose with any kind of fluids to come undone in my dash

Absolutly. Imagine an oil line cracking and then your interior is filled with 200 degree oil.

I'll pass.

 

[JASONA70]

i bought all the gauges as electrical gauges, they come with a sender. i would never run any lines except for the boost gauge into my cabin. its just scary to have the thought of hot burning oil running under your feet.

PS. check out my avatar, they are prosport gauges + lotek 3 pillar pod. i TOTALLY LOVE THME !!!!

 

[jetjock]

Fwiw almost all small aircraft use mechanical oil pressure gages with lines run into the cockpit. They have an orifice installed to prevent that sort of thing. Any decent automotive gage will also have one.

 

[mkIIIman089]

Google says you're spelling gauge the American way, LOL.