I have a dual-pod A pillar gauge holder, and am going to be installing an oil press. gauge, and a water temp gauge... What is the difference when installing these gauges, whether it be electrical or mechanical?

BTW, I have an 86 Z-28 4 bbl.

Thanks,
A

 

I would definetly say go with the electrical...

If you use the mechanical gauges, you are going to have to run hoses from the engine bay into the car, which in itself, is kind of risky considering the fact that it could leak in the cockpit area. And I'm sure it's a hell of a lot easier to run wires than it is to run hoses.

Here's mine, all electrical

Day


Night

 

I have heard that mechanical gauges are more accurate, but they're not worth the trouble of installation. Electric gauges are simple to install, and plenty accurate enough.

 

Could briefly explain where the wires for the electrical water temp gauge would be run??? I don't understan...

Thanks a lot

 

Normally, you will install the sender for the water temp gauge into one of the holes in the heads and then run a wire from the sender to the gauge in the car. When you order the gauges, they have detailed instructions on the install. They also come with the senders too.

 

Given the gauges you intend to install, you need to consider that you'll be running a pressure line with oil in it, inside the car to the oil pressure gauge. This is if you go with a mechanical pressure gauge.

You'll also have to drill a large hole in the firewall for a mechanical water temperature gauge. The gauge has a capillary tube with a big fitting on the end and this will have to be fed thru to the engine compartment from the inside of the car.

If you go with electrical gauges, you'll only be running wires between the engine compartment and the interior of the car.

Since you'll be using a pillar pod, you might be better off with electrical gauges. They usually don't need as much clearance on the back side as mechanical gauges. Expect to cut away part of the existing pillar moulding for clearance in either case.

I prefer mechanical gauges as the dial sweep is larger at 270 degrees. Electrical gauges typically sweep only 90 degrees.

 

ditto, especially for street use.

I also prefer the look of the mechanical with the wider sweep, just don't figure it is worth the extra install effort, especially in the pillar. Not to even mention the risk of the mechanical oil line developing a leak in the interior.