Difference in electric and mechanical Gauges.

ECU, Wiring, Sensors
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Difference in electric and mechanical Gauges.

By hkspowers
- Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:31 am #50021 I am just curious of the differences in aftermarket gauges, I notice that most have the option for either electric, or mechanical. Are there any benefits or drawbacks to either one? Can anyone shed some light onto this?

Thanks
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By teal_dx
- Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:21 am #50033 what gauges were you going to get?

for example with an oil gauge, the electrical uses a sending unit located on the block (or oil sandwich plate adaptor) and you have a single wire to run into the cabin. If it is mechanical, you have an oil line to run in to the cabin.

It is a preference. I prefer the electric because if something comes loose then I won't have oil leaking inside the car.
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By hkspowers
- Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:56 am #50042 yeah, oil gauge, boost gauge, and even tach all seem to have both options. But from what you are saying seems electrical is the way to go. :thumb:
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By LowTEC-Derbo
- Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:43 am #50046 electrical is more expensive.


Its a matter of preference. I use a mechanical boost gauge but eletrical oil pressure and temperature gauges. Mechanicals are usually more accurate as electrical ones will alter itself depending on how well the connections are. (I have a grounding problem to my oil temperature sensor, so my temperatures are all fluctuating) but.. that is more of user error.


Mechanical gauges in the engine bay like fuel pressure would be the best, but like things that go into the cabin where there isnt much room to run proper mechanical lines (or just not wanting oil in the cabin) electrical is the best bet.

Eletrical 270" sweeps are pretty expensive gauges.
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