I'm getting the 2 1/16 Phantom trans. temp. gauge & Phantom air/fuel ratio for an A PILLAR triple pod. http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...arch&DDS=1&N=0 What is the difference, other than price, in the mechanical and electric gauges? Is one more accurate or easier to install than the other? Will my '87 IROC only use one kind? I don't know anything!! I could ask Summit these questions but I trust your opinions more here. Just tell me everything you know. I'm also getting the new Stewart Warner 2 1/16 ultra-shift lights (BLUE lights) to install in the pod. These look cool. Check it out!!! http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...ts=false&N=115 Then so all the gauges match I'm getting this Covan's Classic dash http://www.covansclassic.com/parts/d...0969.174.63.15 I like the three color dash.

 

i think the best example is oil pressure gauge
a mechanical oil pressure gauge takes pressurized oil from your engine, runs it through a tube through your firewall, into your passenger compartment and to the gauge to be masured
an electrical one measures the pressure at the engine, and sends an electrical signal equal to the oil pressure, to the gauge

electrical are more accurate, easier to hook up

think fuel pressure gauge, and a smoker
bad combination

air/fuel ratio is going to be electrical either way
its on O2 sensor
the trans temp gauge i'm not to sure of

 

The biggest two differences between the two types of gauges are:

1) Electrical gauges use a sending unit that measures whatever type of pressure/temp you're monitoring, & sends a signal to the gauge. Because you're only running wires (instead of tubing in the case of an oil pressure gauge), electrical gauges are probably the best choice for the A-pillar pod you're describing. Mechanical gauges use a fitting that screws into the engine/tranny, & runs the fluid through a tube to the gauge. Not entirely sure that I agree w/ respectirocz's statement that electrical gauges are more accurate, but either one should be fine for a street vehicle.

2) Unless things have changed in the last few years, your typical electrical gauge is usually limited to a 90-degree sweep, whereas mechanical gauges can sweep beyond 180-degrees, & a 270-degree sweep isn't uncommon. If you need to have precise readings, this may be something to consider (either that, or getting a digital gauge ).

FWIW, I used a bottom-dollar mechanical oil pressure gauge (using the cheapo plastic tubing) in my first car for several years, & never had a problem with it...

 

That makes sense. They do offer full sweep electric also. It costs more. Thanks. I'll stick with electric.