Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp T

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is a built 2110cc street sleeper or a rugged off-road rail, heat is your absolute worst enemy. The AutoMeter 2-1/16 Sport-Comp Transmission Temperature Gauge (ATM3351) is the industry standard for drivers who demand precision and a classic, competition-ready aesthetic. Featuring the legendary Sport-Comp styling with its signature black face, bold white numbering, and high-visibility orange needle, this gauge doesn''t just look the partit provides the critical data you need to prevent catastrophic component failure. In the world of high-performance VWs, "guessing" at your operating temperatures is a recipe for a melted transaxle or oxidized oil. This gauge gives you a clear, accurate window into the thermal health of your drivetrain, ensuring you can back off the throttle before things get expensive.

The rugged, reliable performance of the Sport-Comp series is why it has remained a staple in the cockpits of race cars and high-end street builds for decades. This electric gauge utilizes a high-quality sending unit to provide real-time feedback without the risks associated with running fluid lines directly into the cabin. The 100 to 250-degree Fahrenheit sweep is perfectly calibrated for the operating ranges of air-cooled transaxles and oil systems, giving you maximum resolution where you need it most. Whether you are climbing a steep grade in a fully loaded Westfalia or launching off a dune in a Manx-style buggy, the AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge offers the peace of mind that comes from professional-grade instrumentation. Do not settle for "idiot lights" or cheap, inaccurate alternatives when the longevity of your air-cooled investment is on the line.

FITMENT

This universal 2-1/16 inch gauge is designed to fit standard dash cutouts and is a perfect addition to the following Volkswagen models and custom applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All Sedan and Convertible models).
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1979 (Type 2, Kombi, Microbus, and Westfalia).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974 (Coupe and Convertible).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Manx clones, and Trikes.
• Mounting: Fits all standard 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) gauge pods and dashboard mounting holes.

SPECS

The AutoMeter ATM3351 is built to professional racing specifications to ensure durability in the harshest environments. Below are the technical details for this unit:

• Gauge Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm).
• Gauge Type: Electric (Air-Core movement).
• Temperature Range: 100F to 250F.
• Face Color: Black with white digits.
• Needle Color: High-visibility fluorescent orange.
• Bezel Finish: Anodized Black.
• Lighting: Perimeter incandescent lighting (includes red and green bulb covers).
• Sending Unit: Includes 1/8 inch NPT electric temperature sender.
• Adapters: Includes 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch NPT adapter fittings.
• Wiring: Requires basic 12V power, ground, and sensor lead (wire not included).
• Mounting Hardware: Includes mounting bracket and nuts for secure installation.

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize a Solid Ground for Accurate Readings

Electric gauges are notoriously sensitive to grounding issues, which is the number one cause of "bouncing" needles or inaccurate readings in vintage VWs. When installing your Sport-Comp temperature gauge, do not simply rely on the chassis ground behind the dashboard. For the most accurate results, run a dedicated ground wire from the gauge directly to a clean, paint-free spot on the chassis, or better yet, back to the negative terminal of the battery. Additionally, ensure the sending unit itself has a good ground through the threads. If you are using Teflon tape on the sender threads, use it sparinglyover-taping can insulate the sender from the engine or transaxle case, breaking the electrical circuit and causing the gauge to stay at the lowest reading or peg to the maximum.

2. Strategic Sender Placement is Key

To get the most relevant data, you need to place the sender where the fluid is at its hottest or most representative of the system''s state. For a Volkswagen transaxle, many builders choose to drill and tap the lowest point of the gear carrier housing or use a specialized drain plug adapter. If you are using this gauge to monitor engine oil temperature (a very common modification for high-performance air-cooled VWs), we recommend placing the sender in the oil pressure relief gallery or using a "sandwich" plate at the oil filter. Avoid placing the sender in a location that receives excessive airflow, as this can "chill" the body of the sender and result in a reading that is 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the actual internal fluid temperature.

3. Manage Your Wiring for Long-Term Reliability

The environment underneath a Volkswagen is brutal, involving heat, vibration, and exposure to the elements. When running the signal wire from the transaxle or engine back to the dashboard, always use a high-quality, 18-gauge automotive wire and protect it with split-loom tubing or heat-shrink wrap. Secure the wire every 12 inches using insulated P-clips or zip ties to prevent it from sagging and touching the exhaust system or getting snagged by road debris. If your VW is an off-road buggy, use weather-tight Deutsch connectors or heat-shrink butt connectors at the sender junction to prevent corrosion from mud and water, which will eventually increase resistance in the wire and throw off your temperature calibration.