5 Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite

OVERVIEW

When it is time to take your air-cooled powerplant to the limit, you need instrumentation that can keep up with the lightning-fast revs of a high-performance flat-four. The AutoMeter 5-inch Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite Tachometer (ATM6856) is the industry standard for serious racers and street enthusiasts alike. Featuring the iconic silver face and brushed aluminum bezel that has dominated pro-racing circuits for decades, this tachometer brings a high-tech, competition-ready aesthetic to your Volkswagen''s dashboard. Whether you are rowing through the gears in a Cal-Look Beetle or navigating the dunes in a high-horsepower sand rail, the Ultra-Lite series provides the perfect balance of weight reduction and structural integrity, ensuring your needle stays steady even under intense vibration.

What sets the ATM6856 apart from standard gauges is its advanced dual-range shift light functionality. In the world of air-cooled performance, missing a shift can mean the difference between a podium finish and a catastrophic engine failure. This unit allows you to program two different shift light settings, giving you the flexibility to manage your power band with surgical precision. The 5-inch "Monster" display ensures that your RPMs are always in your peripheral vision, allowing you to keep your eyes on the track or the trail. Engineered with AutoMeter''s legendary air-core movement, this tachometer provides the accuracy and durability required for engines that live at the top of the RPM range, making it a mandatory upgrade for any serious VW build.

FITMENT

This universal high-performance tachometer is designed to work with a wide variety of ignition systems and is a staple in the following air-cooled and custom applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (All Years).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (1950-1979).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All Years.
• Volkswagen Thing: Type 181 Off-Road vehicles.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Meyers Manx, Berrien, and custom tube-chassis rails.
• Kit Cars: Replica Speedsters, Spyders, and Bradley GTs.
• Engine Compatibility: Works with 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines with standard points, electronic ignitions, and most high-output racing ignitions (like MSD).

SPECS

• Product Series: Ultra-Lite Pro-Comp.
• Gauge Diameter: 5 Inches (127mm).
• RPM Range: 0 - 10,000 RPM.
• Face Color: Signature Silver.
• Bezel Finish: Brushed Aluminum.
• Pointer Color: High-Contrast Red.
• Lighting: Incandescent perimeter lighting (includes red and green bulb covers).
• Shift Light: External Dual-Stage Shift Lite included.
• Movement Type: Precision Air-Core.
• Mounting: Includes heavy-duty mounting bracket for dash or pedestal mounting.
• Weight: Approximately 2.1 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Signal Selection for Air-Cooled Ignitions

In many vintage Volkswagens, especially those upgraded with high-output CD ignitions like an MSD 6AL, you may experience "tach flutter" or erratic needle movement. To prevent this, always ensure your signal wire (usually green) is connected to the designated "Tach Output" port on your ignition box rather than the negative side of the coil. If you are still running a traditional points-and-condenser setup or a basic electronic module like a Pertronix, a tachometer filter or a 10k-ohm resistor may be necessary to smooth out the signal for rock-solid accuracy at high RPMs.

2. Optimized Dual-Stage Shift Light Strategy

The dual-range shift light on the ATM6856 is a game-changer for drag racing and spirited street driving. We recommend setting your first stage roughly 500 RPM below your actual shift point. This serves as a "warning" or "get ready" indicator, allowing your brain to anticipate the shift without staring at the needle. Set the second stage exactly at your peak power RPM or just before your valve float limit. This tiered approach reduces reaction time and ensures you never accidentally bounce off the rev limiter, protecting your expensive stroker crank and valvetrain.

3. Secure Pedestal Mounting for Off-Road Use

If you are mounting this 5-inch Monster tach in a Dune Buggy or Woods Buggy, the vibration can be extreme. While the included bracket is robust, we suggest using rubber isolation washers between the base of the tachometer bracket and your mounting surface (dash or roll cage). This "soft mounting" technique absorbs high-frequency harmonics that can prematurely wear out the internal pivot pins of the air-core movement. Additionally, ensure your wiring harness has a small "service loop" or slack near the back of the gauge to prevent wires from being pulled tight or chafing during chassis flex.