2-1/16 Sport-Comp, Boost Gauge 35 PSI

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your turbocharged air-cooled engine, precision isn''t just a luxuryit''s a necessity for survival. The AutoMeter Sport-Comp 2-1/16 inch Mechanical Boost Gauge is the gold standard for enthusiasts who demand real-time, accurate data to protect their high-performance investment. Featuring the iconic Sport-Comp styling with its signature black face, white digits, and silver bezel, this gauge integrates seamlessly into any classic VW dashboard, whether you are running a sleeper Cal-Look Beetle or a full-blown sand rail. The 0-35 PSI range is perfectly calibrated for most street and strip turbo setups, ensuring you can monitor manifold pressure with absolute confidence while looking for those crucial peak boost numbers.

Engineered for the rugged environments of a high-vibration air-cooled Volkswagen, this mechanical gauge utilizes a high-quality bronze bourdon tube movement. Unlike cheaper electronic alternatives that can suffer from lag or sensor failure in high-heat engine bays, this mechanical unit provides a direct, physical link to your intake manifold. The 270-degree sweep allows for easy "at-a-glance" monitoring, which is vital when you are rowing through the gears of a Rancho transaxle and need to keep your eyes on the road. This gauge doesn''t just tell you how much boost you''re making; it acts as an early warning system for boost leaks or wastegate malfunctions that could otherwise lead to catastrophic engine failure in your Type 1 or Type 4 powerplant.

FITMENT

This universal 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) gauge is designed to fit standard gauge pods and dashboard cutouts. It is most commonly used in the following air-cooled and custom applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle (All Years): Perfect for dash-mounted pods or center consoles.
• Volkswagen Super Beetle (1971-1979): Fits well in custom under-dash panels.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Ideal for monitoring performance in modified turbo builds.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (Split Window & Bay Window): A must-have for heavy buses running turbo kits to keep up with modern traffic.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): Fits cleanly into auxiliary gauge housings.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Rugged enough for open-air driving and off-road use.
• Custom Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The industry standard for turbo-charged woods buggies and desert racers.
• Meyers Manx & Kit Cars: Compatible with all standard 2-1/16 inch mounting solutions.

SPECS

• Product Brand: AutoMeter
• Product Series: Sport-Comp
• Part Number: ATM3304
• Gauge Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm)
• Gauge Type: Mechanical
• Pressure Range: 0-35 PSI
• Display Sweep: 270 Degree Full Sweep
• Face Color: Black
• Bezel Color: Silver / Brushed Aluminum
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Orange
• Lighting: Incandescent (Backlit)
• Included Hardware: 1/8 inch NPT Fittings, 10 ft. Nylon Tubing
• Internal Construction: Bronze Bourdon Tube

PRO TIPS

1. Protect Your Vacuum Line with Proper Routing

When installing the included 10-foot nylon tubing in a rear-engine Volkswagen, routing is everything. Always use a high-quality rubber grommet when passing the line through the firewall to prevent the sharp metal edges from slicing the line over time. Avoid routing the nylon tube near the exhaust manifolds or the heater boxes, as the extreme heat of an air-cooled engine can melt the plastic, leading to a massive boost leak and an inaccurate gauge reading. If you are racing, we highly recommend upgrading to a braided stainless steel line for maximum durability against engine bay heat and vibration.

2. Ensure an Airtight Seal for Accurate Readings

To get the most accurate 0-35 PSI reading, your connections must be flawless. When threading the 1/8 inch NPT fittings into your intake manifold or pressure source, always use a small amount of Teflon tape or thread sealant. However, be extremely careful to leave the first two threads bare; if sealant enters the line, it can clog the tiny orifice of the gauge or the fitting, resulting in a "lazy" needle or no reading at all. Double-check your connections at the back of the gauge as wellvibration is the number one cause of fittings loosening in a VW, so ensure they are snug but do not over-tighten and crack the brass housing.

3. Optimize Visibility with Custom Lighting

The Sport-Comp series comes with standard incandescent lighting, but for that truly professional VW look, you can customize the backlight. If you want to match the vintage green glow of your factory VDO speedometer, use the included green bulb cover. If you prefer a modern "night racer" aesthetic, we recommend swapping the incandescent bulb for a high-output LED. Additionally, ensure you tap into the factory rheostat (dimmer switch) circuit on your light switch so that the boost gauge brightness adjusts along with your other instruments, preventing night-time glare that can be distracting during spirited driving.