Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp F

OVERVIEW

Precision fuel management is the backbone of any high-performance air-cooled engine, and the AutoMeter Sport-Comp 2-1/16 Inch Fuel Pressure Gauge (ATM3311) delivers the professional-grade accuracy that Volkswagen enthusiasts demand. Whether you are running a stock 1600cc dual port or a high-displacement stroker engine with dual Weber 44 IDFs, knowing your exact fuel pressure is critical to preventing lean conditions that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This gauge features the trademarked Sport-Comp competition styling, characterized by its high-contrast black face, silver bezel, and glowing red pointer. It isn''t just about aesthetics; it''s about having a rugged, vibration-resistant instrument that can handle the harsh environment of a Beetle dash or the bouncing cockpit of a rugged off-road sandrail. In the world of air-cooled VWs, fuel pressure stability is often the difference between a podium finish and a long tow home, and AutoMeter has been the industry standard for decades.

This mechanical fuel pressure gauge operates with a 0-15 PSI sweep, making it perfectly scaled for carbureted applications where low-pressure accuracy is paramount. Most performance VW carburetors, such as those from EMPI, Weber, or Dellorto, require a very specific pressure windowtypically between 2.5 and 3.5 PSIto prevent needle and seat blow-through or fuel starvation. The ATM3311 allows you to monitor these minute fluctuations in real-time. The mechanical movement ensures that you receive a direct, analog reading without the lag or electrical interference sometimes associated with digital sensors. Constructed with a seamless bezel and a high-quality bronze bourdon tube, this gauge is designed to withstand the test of time and the heat of a Volkswagen engine bay. When you install an AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge, you are investing in a legacy of American-made racing excellence that complements the timeless engineering of your classic VW.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (1946-1977 Standard and 1971-1979 Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: All years (1950-1979 Split Window and Bay Window)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: All years (1973-1974)
• Dune Buggies & Sandrails: Custom dash panels and pods utilizing 2-1/16 inch mounting holes
• Meyers Manx: Traditional dash mounting configurations
• Custom VW Trikes: Using standard 12V electrical systems for lighting

SPECS

• Brand: AutoMeter
• Series: Sport-Comp
• Part Number: ATM3311
• Gauge Type: Mechanical Fuel Pressure
• Size: 2-1/16 Inch (52.4mm) Diameter
• Range: 0-15 PSI
• Dial Face Color: Black
• Bezel Finish: Silver / Brushed Aluminum
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red
• Illumination: Incandescent (includes red and green bulb covers)
• Movement: 90-degree sweep
• Fitting Size: 1/8 inch NPT male connection
• Country of Origin: Proudly Made in the USA

PRO TIPS

Safety First with Mechanical Gauges

When installing a mechanical fuel pressure gauge inside the cabin of your VW, it is highly recommended to use a fuel pressure isolator. A mechanical gauge brings a live fuel line directly to the back of the instrument. In the event of a line failure or a loose fitting, fuel could leak into the interior of your vehicle. An isolator keeps the flammable liquid in the engine bay while using a non-flammable fluid to transfer the pressure reading to the gauge. If you choose to mount the gauge directly, always use high-quality braided stainless steel lines and ensure every fitting is double-checked for leaks before your first test drive. Safety is the most important part of any performance upgrade.

Dialing in your Weber or EMPI Carburetors

Most Volkswagen performance carburetors are extremely sensitive to fuel pressure. For example, Weber 40 or 44 IDFs generally perform best at exactly 3.0 to 3.5 PSI. Anything over 4 PSI can overwhelm the needle and seat, causing the carburetor to flood or "weep" fuel down the venturis, which leads to a poor idle and potential engine fire risks. Use this AutoMeter gauge in conjunction with a high-quality adjustable fuel pressure regulator. By having an accurate 0-15 PSI gauge, you can see the difference between 3.0 and 4.0 PSI clearly, allowing you to tune your fuel delivery system with surgical precision for maximum horsepower and throttle response.

Optimizing Night Visibility and Customization

The Sport-Comp series includes red and green bulb covers (boots) to help you customize the look of your dashboard at night. For a classic VW look that matches original VDO gauges, many builders prefer the green covers. However, if you are going for a modern racing aesthetic, the red covers provide excellent contrast against the black face without ruining your night vision. When wiring the lighting, ensure you tap into the "dimmer" circuit of your headlight switch so the gauge brightness adjusts along with your speedometer. Always ensure you have a solid ground connection to the gauge case or the dedicated ground wire to prevent flickering or dim lighting issues commonly found in older VW electrical systems.