Explain mechanical vs electrical gauges? ..plus

[Arrvaxx]

About ready to make a final decision on gauges. I need to have them in-hand by October so they can be sent with my car to Fast Intentions for the twin turbo install.

I am thinking these gauges with an EVC electronic boost controller:
- A/F
- Boost
- Oil Temp
- Oil Pressure
- Voltage

Question 1: Some of these gauges are available in both mechanical and electrical versions. Which should I order for which or does it not matter. I ask if it matters because looking at Auto Meter (Auto Meter - Gauges) I get the impression the two are just about sweep...but that can't be right.

Question 2: I was planning on getting new injectors that can run both regular and E85. When looking at the A/F gauges they seem to have two different ranges and there is no 'combined broader range' gauge available. I must be missing something.

Thanks.

[Unique_Z]

From what i saw on the youtube video reviews on comparison between these two, it seems that the Electrical ones reacts much faster.

Edit :

AEM A/F wideband does have a broader range for your second question.

[Zteve]

electrical gauges are powered by electric sending units and wire and easier to install where a mechanical gauge (think old speedometers with the speedo cable) work independantly and require a mechanical means to work them such as a cable or a fluid/vaccum line and that is what makes them a pain to install.

[Read T]

Electrical: My 370z, there are sending units on the engine and wires go to the gauges in my car.

Mechanical: My morgan, there are large spinning cables that run from the engine to the tachometer and the transmission to the speedometer. There is also an oil line that runs from the engine to the oil pressure gauge. When that line came off, my lap was filled with hot oil.

[Arrvaxx]

Originally Posted by Zteve

electrical gauges are powered by electric sending units and wire and easier to install where a mechanical gauge (think old speedometers with the speedo cable) work independantly and require a mechanical means to work them such as a cable or a fluid/vaccum line and that is what makes them a pain to install.

So if I am going to swap the triple console and install one in the a pillar I should default to electronic. Makes sense.

[Haboob]

Aren't mechanical a bit more accurate?



Well, they at least are when it comes to our fuel gauge...

[Arrvaxx]

Originally Posted by Haboob

Aren't mechanical a bit more accurate?

Well, they at least are when it comes to our fuel gauge...

After watching some videos on youtube it looks like they are both pretty much the same.

I'm going to start my own gauge company with a simple motto: All types and all sizes in all designs. This is so stupid. You can get an A/F in this style in this size but not in this size with this style. You can get A/F in this style in all sizes but you can't get Oil Pressure in 52mm but you can get it in 60mm. It's stupid.

[madwi]

Originally Posted by Read T

Electrical: My 370z, there are sending units on the engine and wires go to the gauges in my car.

Mechanical: My morgan, there are large spinning cables that run from the engine to the tachometer and the transmission to the speedometer. There is also an oil line that runs from the engine to the oil pressure gauge. When that line came off, my lap was filled with hot oil.

sorry offtopic...any pics of morgan?
On topic: I got nothing, sorry

[L33T Z34]

Electrical is better and safer IMO. BUT, you have to $pay$ for quality sensors. I doubt most $%&#_455*3 on this forum can afford the 0.5% or < accurate sending units for the Défi gauges. Check out Nagano Keiki sensors in Japan. Mechanical is cheaper and accurate too, but do you want to take that risk

[Alstann]

Some sensors are less accurate if mechanical, in my opinion - boost gauges being one. The long line that leads into the cabin under boost pressure expands, which changes the reading slightly. Also, more line = more room for leaks and cracks.