Pro's and Con's of Mechanical and Electrical Gauges

[in2thenightaudi]

So I'm buying a new boost gauge since the original one I bought (cheap ebay one) actually came with a smoked lens so you couldn't see the gauge at all when no light source was on. What is the main difference/pros/cons of a mechanical gauge over an electric? Mechanical seems to be a bit cheaper. Reading a bunch of descriptions, it seems that he only difference is that the electric one will do a "self test" with a needle sweep on start up. Any input would be appreciated.

Nick

[Mantis]

Electronic gauge will have no annoying buzz, sometimes mechanical does. Mechanical are usually easier to zero, this becomes an issue if you live anywhere above 2k feet. There is no need to run tubing into the cabin with an electronic gauge, this is a must with mechanical. It comes down to what it is you want, many new electronic gauges can be daisy chained with other types of gauges, making it easy to power them up, and fill multiple gauge pods.

[in2thenightaudi]

Electronic gauge will have no annoying buzz, sometimes mechanical does. Mechanical are usually easier to zero, this becomes an issue if you live anywhere above 2k feet. There is no need to run tubing into the cabin with an electronic gauge, this is a must with mechanical. It comes down to what it is you want, many new electronic gauges can be daisy chained with other types of gauges, making it easy to power them up, and fill multiple gauge pods.

so with an electric gauge, do you just connect it to the ECU to get the reading instead of running the tubing form the engine into the gauge?

[4ringAR]

I like mechanical. I've got a vdo vision mechanical boost gauge, no buzz since I have a restrictor t fitting from 42dd, no problems. Easy to install and reliable.

[in2thenightaudi]

I like mechanical. I've got a vdo vision mechanical boost gauge, no buzz since I have a restrictor t fitting from 42dd, no problems. Easy to install and reliable.

is the needle on those orange or red. ive seen a few different shots of vdo gauges and some look orange and some look red.

[Mantis]

so with an electric gauge, do you just connect it to the ECU to get the reading instead of running the tubing form the engine into the gauge?

Nope you still t into the vacuum line at the FPR, but the tubing runs to a pressure transducer, then wiring from the tducer goes to the gauge in the cabin

[4ringAR]

is the needle on those orange or red. ive seen a few different shots of vdo gauges and some look orange and some look red.

redish orange. during the day it matches the needles in the cluster perfectly, at night the needle isnt quite as red(or as bright) as the stock needles. still looks good, imo, and im pretty picky about what goes into my car.

[Vinchenzo51]

i have mechanical in my built project car and electrical in my weekend cobra

the electrical gauges seem not as accurate as the mechanical ones, so i'll be going mechanical regardless from now on

as far as how they work, the autometer ones i run both tap into a vacuum line. the difference is the mechanical line runs directly to the gauge, the electrical one runs to a pressure transducer deal, then has a wire that goes to your boost gauge... ie, just like nothing77 pointed out

all in all, if its boost, go mechanical, no need for electrical, the only need to go electrical is for fuel pressure or oil pressure so you don't have a live fuel or oil line running into the cabin of your car

just my .02, oh, and no buzzing or noises heard from either kind

[4ringAR]

i have mechanical in my built project car and electrical in my weekend cobra

the electrical gauges seem not as accurate as the mechanical ones, so i'll be going mechanical regardless from now on

as far as how they work, the autometer ones i run both tap into a vacuum line. the difference is the mechanical line runs directly to the gauge, the electrical one runs to a pressure transducer deal, then has a wire that goes to your boost gauge... ie, just like nothing77 pointed out

all in all, if its boost, go mechanical, no need for electrical, the only need to go electrical is for fuel pressure or oil pressure so you don't have a live fuel or oil line running into the cabin of your car

just my .02, oh, and no buzzing or noises heard from either kind

well put, sir.

[Johann2.7t]

my electric podi gauge is awesome! pretty easy install, adjustable colors and brightness (can on mech as well) and looks very oem imho.

[MLFHNTR]

ok, I have been stalking this thread a while. does anyone know a company that makes a good pod for the A^ chassis. I know they are really hard to come by.

[in2thenightaudi]

thanks for all the input guys! greatly appreciated!

[Mantis]

I remember a thread about a month ago, do a search, I am sure someone is making one now. Also I understand that a slightly modified passat pod will work

[Vinchenzo51]

I remember a thread about a month ago, do a search, I am sure someone is making one now. Also I understand that a slightly modified passat pod will work

ironically, i just bought a B5 Passat column pod today. it says for 2003 Passat, and it fits near perfectly, with a little trimming (so the tilts and telescoping still works) and some heat it will mold right in place

[MLFHNTR]

good to know thanks guys

[btsline04]

Ok, so i didnt wanna start a new thread and i've already done my research and now i think i wanna pull the trigger on a boost gauge...my choices are between the Defi Red Racer, Podi Stepper (if i can find it in stock somewhere ) and the Prosport Premium...i believe they are all electrical...now, i understand mechanical is more accurate and gives boost readings faster than a electrical one but can i go wrong with either one of these gauges? does anyone have any of these gauges that i'm lookin to get? you like it, hate it? etc etc