After racing last year with only the tach, I'm ready to purchase and install temp and oil pressure gauges. The choice is between mechanical and electrical. Electrical would seem to be easier since I have the original connections still in place on the motor and radiator. It's a 79 with a 13B, used only for autocrossing, and maybe a track day or two. What are the recommendations?
Thanks

 

I prefer electrical, easier to install, and don't have the possible hassle of hot liquid in the passenger compartment. However, in the case of my water temp sender, i have had one sender already fail (Autometer). YMMV.

PaulC

 

very true

 

I used mechanical on my FP car. Oil pressure isin't hooked up yet but I'll be using the copper tubing from autometer. On hindsight I'll buy electrical next time even though I'm not unhappy with the mechanical. I'm not much of an electrican so thats why I initially went with mechanical.

 

I always prefer electrical gauges for the simple reason that they don't bring fluids into the cockpit. But of course if you botch up the install you could have electrical shorts which are just as bad

 

I have a mech oil temp quage and have never had any issues with fliud in the cockpit. I supose it could be an issue, but I haven't noticed.
I was able to use factory holes for both my pressure and temp, so there was not hassle finding a mounting locations.

 

Electrical seems easier to me too. Don't know if something would have to be drilled into the motor for mechanical. Can the water temp gauge be attached to the small connetor on the radiator? Oil press to the "brass" looking part that was originally used? I'd like to see the directions for the gauges, but will probably be ordering from Summit or Jeg's.
Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 

You're going to have to put in sender units for any electrical gauge. I recommend and use the RB oil pressure/temp block that sits under the oil filter, though I think there's some cheaper ones out there that do the same. It makes it very easy to install those two. For water temp, you'll have to tap into something. Usually people use the thermostat housing. There's writeups for this around here.

Oh, and I prefer electrical gauges, too. Just make sure all your connections are good and follow instructions/warnings. I bought mine off egauges.com, not sure if that's the lowest price but just wanted to give you another option.

Good luck.

 

f/p 79, I have a Racing Beat sender unit that I am not using if you are interested. I sandwiches inbetween the oil pedistal and the filter. It is for a 13b, I don't recall if you are using a 12a or 13b, or if they are compatable.
Let me know if your interested, I can bring it to an event.

 

All of my gauges (AutoMeter Ultralite's) are electrical, except for the oil pressure. I went mechanical since I run about 120-130psi and the electrical gauge is only good to 100psi.

Use a -AN line to the mecahnical gauge and you will be fine.

 

The sender unit sounds like a good solution. 25BP, I've PM you. It will be nice to have more idea what is happening under the hood. Thanks

 

I modified my stock oil pressure sensor to use with my mechanical oil guage. Basically cut the top off of it and tapped it for the oil line. So far it works but I think I might have to open up the orifice a little bit cuz my oil press seems high.

 

gauges for autox? U have time to look at the numbers on your gauges?

 

^^^^ good point

 

i have enough problems trying to figure what the next turn is in a sea of orange pointy things

 

HAHA!!! :LOL:

 

I guess to be accurate they're for before and after. I don't really even have time to look at the tach. Just that annoying light glaring at me