Autometer 2-1/16 Sport-Comp W

OVERVIEW

Monitoring your engine''s vital signs is the single most important insurance policy you can buy for your high-performance Volkswagen. The AutoMeter 2-1/16 Sport-Comp Electric Water Temperature Gauge (ATM3337) represents the gold standard in precision monitoring, blending the iconic competition-ready aesthetic with modern air-core movement technology. Whether you are running a high-compression water-cooled Subaru conversion in your Westfalia or a liquid-cooled VW performance engine in a custom rail, this gauge provides the real-time data necessary to prevent catastrophic engine failure. The Sport-Comp series is legendary in the racing world for its rugged reliability and easy-to-read interface, featuring a signature black face, silver bezel, and high-contrast white increments that ensure you won''t miss a critical temperature spike during a spirited drive or a grueling off-road climb.

This electric water temperature gauge is engineered for seamless integration into your custom dashboard or gauge pod. Unlike mechanical gauges that require bulky capillary tubing, the ATM3337 utilizes a high-precision 1/8'' NPT electrical sender to transmit data through standard wiring, making the installation cleaner and much safer for interior routing. The 100-250 degree Fahrenheit sweep provides the resolution you need to see exactly where your cooling system is stabilizing, allowing you to identify a failing thermostat or a clogged radiator long before the "dummy light" on your original dash ever flickers. With its incandescent backlighting and included red and green bulb covers, you can customize the night-time illumination to match your existing instrumentation, ensuring your VW''s cockpit looks as professional as it performs.

FITMENT

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

• VW Beetle (All Years): Perfect for custom dash inserts or under-dash gauge pods in performance-modified Bugs.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Fits beautifully in center console pods for owners monitoring liquid-cooled engine swaps.
• VW Bus / Type 2 (Split Window & Bay Window): Essential for monitoring temperatures in Suby-swapped or TDI-swapped campers.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Ideal for custom auxiliary gauge clusters.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Rugged enough for open-air driving and off-road monitoring.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: The standard for tube-chassis monitoring where vibration resistance is mandatory.
• Custom Water-Cooled Conversions: Compatible with any engine using a 12V electrical system and the included 1/8'' NPT sender.

SPECS

• Product Series: AutoMeter Sport-Comp.
• Gauge Type: Water Temperature (Electric).
• Gauge Size: 2-1/16 inches (52.4mm).
• Range: 100 to 250 Degrees Fahrenheit.
• Gauge Movement: Air-Core (Short Sweep).
• Bezel Finish: Brushed Aluminum / Silver.
• Face Color: Black with High-Contrast White Numerals.
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red.
• Lighting: Incandescent (Includes Red and Green Bulb Covers).
• Sender Included: Yes (1/8'' NPT Electrical Sender).
• Adapter Bushings: Includes 3/8'' and 1/2'' NPT adapter fittings.
• Voltage Compatibility: 12 Volt DC Systems.

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Perfect Ground for Accuracy

Since the ATM3337 is an electric gauge, its accuracy depends entirely on the quality of the electrical ground. For the most precise readings, ensure that the engine block (where the sender is installed) has a heavy-duty ground strap connected directly to the chassis or battery. If you are using Teflon tape on the sender threads to prevent leaks, be careful not to over-wrap it; the sender requires metal-to-metal contact with the engine block to complete the electrical circuit. If the circuit is interrupted by too much sealant, the gauge may read incorrectly or stay pinned at one end of the scale.

2. Optimize Placement for Visibility

In the air-cooled VW world, we often add gauges where they weren''t originally intended. When mounting your Sport-Comp gauge, consider using an angled trim ring if the gauge is located low in the center console. This allows you to tilt the face toward the driver''s line of sight. Because the Sport-Comp series uses a high-contrast red needle, having it properly aimed ensures that you can monitor your engine''s health with a quick peripheral glance rather than taking your eyes off the road for an extended period, which is vital during high-speed maneuvers or technical off-road sections.

3. Protect Your Wiring Loom

When routing the signal wire from the engine bay to the dashboard, always use a high-quality grommet when passing through the firewall to prevent the wire from chafing and shorting out. We recommend using 18-gauge automotive-grade wire and securing it away from high-heat sources like exhaust headers or moving parts like the throttle linkage. For a professional look and added durability, wrap your gauge wiring in expandable loom or heat shrink. Don''t forget to install a 4-amp fuse on the 12V power supply lead to protect your investment from unexpected electrical surges.