Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp O

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, oil pressure is the single most critical metric for engine longevity. The AutoMeter Sport-Comp 2-1/16 inch Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM3323) provides the precision and rugged reliability that serious VW enthusiasts demand. Whether you are running a high-performance 2275cc stroker engine in a weekend street sleeper or a stock 1600cc dual-port in a vintage Beetle, knowing your exact PSI at all times is the difference between a minor adjustment and a catastrophic engine failure. The Sport-Comp series is iconic in the racing world, featuring a signature black face, bold white numbering, and a high-contrast red needle that ensures readability even during high-vibration off-road stints in a sand rail or Baja Bug.

This mechanical gauge offers a direct, real-time connection to your engine''s oiling system, bypassing the potential electrical interference or lag often associated with electronic sending units. By utilizing a 270-degree sweep, the ATM3323 provides an expansive view of your pressure range from 0 to 100 PSI, allowing you to spot subtle fluctuations that a standard dash warning light would never catch. Designed to withstand the harsh environments of an air-cooled engine bay, this gauge is housed in a durable casing with a professional silver bezel that complements both vintage and modern interior aesthetics. When you install an AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge, you aren''t just adding a tool; you are installing a piece of competition-grade equipment that has been the industry standard for decades.

FITMENT

This gauge is a universal high-performance component. While it can be adapted to almost any vehicle, it is a staple for the following air-cooled Volkswagen applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1979 (Split Window and Bay Window).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback).
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Air-Cooled Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style shells, and Trikes using Type 1, Type 2, or Type 4 engines.

SPECS

• Product Series: Sport-Comp.
• Gauge Type: Mechanical Oil Pressure.
• Gauge Size: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm).
• Range: 0 to 100 PSI.
• Gauge Sweep: 270 Degree Full Sweep.
• Face Color: Black with White accents.
• Needle Color: Fluorescent Red.
• Bezel Finish: Silver / Brushed Aluminum.
• Lighting: Incandescent backlighting (includes red and green bulb covers).
• Fitting Type: 1/8 inch NPT male thread on the back of the gauge.
• Includes: 10-foot nylon tubing kit and mounting hardware.

PRO TIPS

1. Upgrade to Copper or Braided Lines

While this gauge includes a nylon tubing kit, we highly recommend upgrading to a copper line kit or a braided stainless steel line for air-cooled VW applications. The engine temperatures in a Volkswagen engine bay, particularly near the oil pressure relief valve or the case gallery, can become high enough to soften or melt nylon lines over time. A copper or stainless line provides a much higher margin of safety against leaks, ensuring that pressurized oil stays inside the line and out of your interior or off your hot exhaust components.

2. Retain Your Stock Warning Light

Don''t sacrifice your factory "dummy light" when installing this gauge. Most air-cooled VW cases have a single port for the oil pressure sending unit. To run both the AutoMeter gauge and your original dashboard warning light, you should use a "T-Adapter" or a "V-Adapter" fitting. This allows you to thread your stock pressure switch into one side and your AutoMeter mechanical line fitting into the other, giving you the best of both worlds: a bright red light for immediate failure warnings and a precision gauge for constant monitoring.

3. Proper Routing and Vibration Loops

When installing a mechanical oil pressure gauge, always incorporate a small "vibration loop" (a couple of 360-degree coils) in the hard line near the engine connection point. Because air-cooled VW engines are mounted on rubber mounts and move independently of the chassis, this loop prevents the engine''s natural vibration from fatiguing and snapping the pressure line. Additionally, ensure the line is routed through the firewall using a high-quality rubber grommet to prevent the metal edges of the body from chafing through the line, which could lead to a messy and dangerous oil leak inside the cabin.