Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp O

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, your oil pressure is the lifeblood of your engine. Unlike water-cooled modern vehicles, an air-cooled flat-four relies heavily on its oil supply to not only lubricate moving parts but to carry heat away from the cylinders and heads. The AutoMeter 2-1/16 Inch Sport-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM3327) is the gold standard for enthusiasts who demand precision and reliability. Featuring the iconic Sport-Comp styling with its signature black face, white accents, and high-visibility red pointer, this gauge provides a professional-grade aesthetic that looks right at home in a vintage Beetle dashboard, a custom Ghia cockpit, or a rugged off-road rail. This isn''t just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a critical diagnostic tool that gives you a real-time window into your engine''s health, allowing you to spot potential issues before they become catastrophic failures.

The ATM3327 utilizes a high-performance electric air-core movement, ensuring that the needle remains steady and accurate even in high-vibration environments typical of a modified VW engine. Because this is an electric gauge, you don''t have to worry about running high-pressure oil lines into the interior of your car, which eliminates the risk of messy and dangerous leaks under the dash. The kit includes a high-quality 1/8 inch NPT sending unit that is compatible with most air-cooled engine blocks and oil pump covers. Whether you are cruising the strip in a Cal-Look Bug or hammering through the dunes in a Manx-style buggy, the AutoMeter Sport-Comp series delivers the ruggedness and lightning-fast response time you need to protect your investment. When you see that needle sweep, you can rest assured you are getting the most accurate data available in the industry.

FITMENT

While this gauge is technically a universal 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) fitment, it is the preferred choice for the following Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (1946-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years and models (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: Type 181 (1973-1975)
• Custom Rail & Dune Buggies: Sand rails, Manx clones, and tube chassis builds using Type 1 or Type 4 engines.
• Porsche 914: Using 4-cylinder air-cooled powerplants.

SPECS

• Product Brand: AutoMeter
• Series: Sport-Comp
• Product Number: ATM3327
• Gauge Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm)
• Readout Range: 0-100 PSI
• Gauge Type: Electric Air-Core
• Face Color: Black
• Bezel Finish: Silver / Brushed Aluminum
• Pointer Color: Red
• Lighting: Perimeter Incandescent (Includes red and green bulb covers)
• Sender Included: Yes (1/8 inch NPT thread)
• Mounting Hardware: Included (U-bracket and nuts)
• Voltage: 12V Compatible

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Use the Correct Adapter for Your Case

Most stock VW engine cases are tapped for a M10x1.0 thread for the original oil pressure switch (the "idiot light"). The AutoMeter sender included with this kit uses a 1/8 inch NPT thread. To install this correctly, do not force the NPT sender into the metric case. We highly recommend using a "T-fitting" adapter or a specific M10-to-1/8-NPT adapter. This allows you to retain your factory warning light while also providing the port for your new high-accuracy AutoMeter sender, giving you two layers of protection for your engine.

Tip 2: Ensure a Perfect Ground Connection

Electric gauges rely on resistance to calculate pressure, and a poor ground is the number one cause of "bouncing" needles or inaccurate readings. When installing the sender on the engine block, avoid using excessive Teflon tape on the threads, as the sender often needs to ground through the engine case. If you must use sealant, use a very small amount of liquid thread sealer and ensure there is still metal-to-metal contact. Additionally, make sure the gauge itself has a dedicated, clean ground wire connected to the chassis under the dashboard for the most stable signal possible.

Tip 3: Optimal Placement for Air-Cooled Visibility

In a vintage Volkswagen, dashboard space is at a premium. For a clean look that doesn''t involve cutting your original steel dash, consider using a radio-hole gauge pod or an under-dash mounting bracket. If you are building an off-road buggy, mount the gauge as close to your line of sight as possible. Because air-cooled engines can see significant oil pressure drops when the oil gets hot in summer traffic, having the Sport-Comp gauge where you can see it at a glance allows you to monitor the "hot idle" pressure, which is the most critical time to know exactly what is happening inside your case.