electric vs. mechanical gauges?

[wrex5]

Im getting a Prosport Boost and EGT gauge.... whats the deal/difference between an electric boost gauge and a mechanical gauge? thanks....

[teflon_jones]

Cars have gone to electronics in the last 20-30 years for a reason. However, mechanical gives you something that'll never go because of a fuse or electrical problem. I often struggle with this given my built 77 Ford. That's purely mechanical including the fuel pump and everything else and it's much simpler. But that's old school. Today electrical/electronic rules.

[Anub1s]

Electronic gauge will have a module somewhere in the engine bay for hooking into your vaccuum lines, then you'll just have to run wires from there to the gauge. Mechanical you will have to run the vaccuum line (from a T you will install) to the gauge, as well as wiring it up for lighting and what not.

Either way you have about the same amount of work. The electronic gauge often gives better results, though, but they are far more expensive.

[sjcurtis]

I like running wires alot better than trying to get the vaccuum line thourgh the firewall.

[Anub1s]

I like running wires alot better than trying to get the vaccuum line thourgh the firewall.

There are grommets, it's really not that difficult.

[wrex5]

thanks for the info guys... looks like im goin electric

[Donkey]

Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges - Auto Meter Tech Tips:

[spnkdrm]

I like running wires alot better than trying to get the vaccuum line thourgh the firewall.

Thats why when I did my boost gauge, I did an electrical. With my luck, i would have pinched the line...

My friend had an evo8 for a while and we did a mechanical one - PITA compared to the electrical in my opinion.

[ninefourteener]

I have a bit of a different theory on this. Both my Boost and my oil pressure gauges are mechanical. I consider them the most important, and I intentionally chose mechanical gauges for those two.

Simply put, because there is less to go "wrong". They are more simple.

Everything else however, is electrical.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[jd92677]

My opinion is that I'd use a mechanical boost, but any that involve fluids will be electrical. I don't want oil running through the cabin.

[zax]

I'd use a mechanical boost

+1 to this. It seems that electronic gauges have a small amount of a lag present from digital sampling. For something like oil temperature/oil pressure, that's OK... But a parameter that continuously varies from high to low (like boost) should be monitored by a mechanical gauge.

[ninefourteener]

My opinion is that I'd use a mechanical boost, but any that involve fluids will be electrical. I don't want oil running through the cabin.

Agreed... which is why I use copper tubing on my OP gauge. That nylon stuff will wear out eventually.

5 years... haven't had a leak yet with my OP.

[wrex5]

damn.I just ordered an electric boost gauge the other night. guess i shouldve went mechanical with that. so the mechanical gets a more accurate read is what ure saying?.

[jd92677]

damn.I just ordered an electric boost gauge the other night. guess i shouldve went mechanical with that. so the mechanical gets a more accurate read is what ure saying?.

I don't know if it is more accurate if the electrical gauge is working properly, but there is less to go wrong with a mechanical gauge.