Autometer 2-5/8 Sport-Comp Oi

OVERVIEW

In the world of high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engines, monitoring your oil pressure isn''t just a suggestion; it''s a survival necessity. The AutoMeter 2-5/8 Sport-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM3441) provides the trademarked competition appearance and rugged, reliable performance that professional racers and serious enthusiasts have relied on for decades. Unlike smaller gauges that can be difficult to read during high-speed maneuvers or off-road jarring, this 2-5/8-inch oversized face offers unparalleled visibility. The classic black face, high-contrast white numerals, and fluorescent red needle ensure that you can monitor your engine''s vitals with a split-second glance, whether you are tearing up the dunes in a sand rail or cruising the strip in a vintage Cal-Look Beetle. This mechanical gauge utilizes a precision bourdon tube movement to deliver lightning-fast response times and rock-solid accuracy without the need for complex electrical sending units.

Built to withstand the harsh vibrations and extreme temperature swings common in the VW scene, the Sport-Comp series is the gold standard for durability. The mechanical design of the ATM3441 means you are getting a direct, physical reading of your oil pressure, providing a level of trust that electronic sensors sometimes lack in high-vibration environments like a Volkswagen Transporter or a stripped-down Baja Bug. The silver bezel provides a clean, professional aesthetic that complements both modern aluminum dashboards and classic steel interiors. When you are pushing a high-compression 2276cc stroker motor to its limits, you cannot afford to guess about your lubrication. This gauge gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what is happening inside your case, allowing you to shut down before a minor pressure drop becomes a catastrophic engine failure.

FITMENT

While this gauge is a universal high-performance component, it is specifically optimized for use in the following air-cooled Volkswagen applications and custom builds:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Standard and Super Beetle) using custom dash panels or under-dash pods.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Ideal for modified performance builds requiring precise engine monitoring.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950-1979 models, especially those with performance engine upgrades.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback models.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged off-road use where visibility is key.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Optimized for open-cockpit environments and high-vibration off-road racing.
• Baja Bugs: Designed to handle the abuse of desert racing and rough terrain.
• Custom Kit Cars: Including Bradley GT, Sterling, and Manx-style fiberglass bodies.

SPECS

• Gauge Type: Mechanical Oil Pressure.
• Product Series: AutoMeter Sport-Comp.
• Gauge Size: 2-5/8 Inches (66.7mm).
• Pressure Range: 0-100 PSI.
• Dial Color: Black with white digits.
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red.
• Bezel Finish: Silver / Brushed Aluminum.
• Illumination: Incandescent perimeter lighting (includes green and red bulb covers).
• Movement: Precision Bourdon Tube.
• Fittings: Includes 1/8 inch NPT fittings and 10 feet of nylon tubing.
• Mounting: Includes heavy-duty mounting bracket and hardware.
• Country of Origin: Proudly Made in the USA.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Upgrade to Copper Tubing. While the ATM3441 comes with a high-quality nylon line kit, we strongly recommend upgrading to a copper tubing kit for air-cooled VW applications. The engine compartment of a Volkswagen can reach extreme temperatures, especially near the exhaust and cylinder heads. Copper line is far more resistant to heat-induced melting or kinking than nylon, ensuring that your oil stays inside the engine and your gauge remains accurate for the life of the vehicle.

Pro Tip 2: Use the Right Thread Adapter. Most stock air-cooled VW engine cases are tapped for M10x1.0 threads at the oil pressure switch location. Since this AutoMeter gauge uses standard 1/8 inch NPT fittings, you will need a brass adapter (M10x1.0 to 1/8 inch NPT) to install the line into the block. We recommend using a "T-fitting" adapter if you wish to keep your stock oil pressure warning light functional alongside this high-performance gauge.

Pro Tip 3: Avoid Over-Tightening the Fittings. When installing the mechanical line into the back of the gauge and into the engine block, do not over-torque the compression nuts. Over-tightening can crush the ferrule or the line itself, leading to restricted oil flow or annoying leaks. Ensure the line has a small "service loop" or extra slack near the engine to account for engine movement and vibration, which prevents the line from fatiguing and snapping at the fitting over time.