Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp O

OVERVIEW

Monitoring your oil pressure is the single most important task for any air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiast, and the AutoMeter 2-1/16 Sport-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM3347) is the professional-grade solution for keeping your engine safe. In the world of high-performance VWs, where heat is the enemy and oil is the lifeblood, a factory "idiot light" simply isn''t enough to protect your investment. This Sport-Comp series gauge features AutoMeter''s legendary air-core meter movement, providing the ruggedness and lightning-fast response time required for both daily driving and aggressive off-road racing in sand rails or dune buggies. The signature black face, silver bezel, and high-contrast red needle offer a classic performance aesthetic that blends perfectly with custom dashboards or traditional VDO-style layouts, ensuring you can read your vital engine data at a glance, even under harsh sunlight or high-vibration conditions.

The ATM3347 is an electric gauge, which is a significant advantage for rear-engine Volkswagen applications. Unlike mechanical gauges that require running a pressurized oil line all the way from the engine case to the dashboardcreating a potential leak point inside your cabinthis electric unit uses a high-precision 1/8 inch NPT sender to transmit data via a simple electrical wire. This kit includes the necessary 0-100 PSI sender, making it a comprehensive package for your Beetle, Bus, or Karmann Ghia. Whether you are cruising the coastline or launching off a dune, the Sport-Comp series delivers the accuracy and durability that has made AutoMeter the gold standard in American motorsports for decades. Don''t leave your engine''s health to chance; upgrade to a gauge that provides the precision feedback necessary to catch pressure drops before they lead to catastrophic engine failure.

FITMENT

While this is a universal 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) gauge designed to fit most standard mounting pods and dashboard cutouts, it is specifically recommended for the following air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagen applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All Years
• Volkswagen Thing: Type 181 (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Baja Bugs
• Water-Cooled VW: Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, and Scirocco (Mk1 and Mk2)

SPECS

The AutoMeter Sport-Comp ATM3347 is built to exacting standards to ensure long-term reliability in demanding environments. Below are the technical specifications:

• Gauge Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm)
• Pressure Range: 0 to 100 PSI
• Gauge Type: Electric (Air-Core Movement)
• Bezel Style: Brushed Aluminum / Silver
• Face Color: Black
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red
• Lighting: Incandescent (includes red and green bulb covers for custom night-time visibility)
• Sender Included: Yes (1/8 inch NPT Thread)
• Voltage: 12V DC compatible
• Mounting Hardware: Includes U-bracket and nuts for secure installation

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Sender Installation and Grounding

When installing the included 1/8 inch NPT sender into your VW engine case, avoid using excessive Teflon tape on the threads. The sender relies on its physical contact with the engine block to complete the electrical ground circuit. If you use too much thread sealant, you may insulate the sender, leading to erratic or completely dead readings on the gauge. If you must use sealant, apply a very small amount to the middle threads only, leaving the first few threads bare to ensure a metal-to-metal connection. Additionally, if you are mounting the sender on an aftermarket oil pressure relocation block or a "T" fitting, ensure that the fitting itself is properly grounded to the engine case.

2. Understanding the "10 PSI per 1,000 RPM" Rule

Many new VW owners panic when they see their oil pressure drop at hot idle. In a standard air-cooled Volkswagen engine, it is perfectly normal for the oil pressure to dip as low as 5-10 PSI when the engine is fully up to temperature at idle. A good rule of thumb for engine health is to look for approximately 10 PSI of pressure for every 1,000 RPM of engine speed. For example, if you are cruising at 3,000 RPM, you should ideally see at least 30 PSI. If your AutoMeter gauge shows a sudden departure from these normal patterns, it is a clear signal to pull over and check your oil levels or look for internal wear before a major failure occurs.

3. Protecting the Sender from Vibration

Air-cooled VW engines are notorious for high-frequency vibrations, especially in performance builds with lightened flywheels or aggressive cams. While the AutoMeter sender is rugged, mounting it directly to the engine case can sometimes lead to premature failure of the sender''s internal diaphragm over years of use. For the ultimate "bulletproof" setup, professional builders often use a short length of stainless steel braided -3AN hose to remote-mount the sender to the firewall or a frame rail. This isolates the sender from the engine''s vibration and heat, significantly extending the life of the component and making it much easier to access for maintenance or replacement.