Autometer 2-1/16 Ultra-Lite B

OVERVIEW

Precision monitoring is the backbone of any high-performance air-cooled engine, and the AutoMeter 2-1/16 Ultra-Lite Boost/Vacuum Gauge (ATM4301) stands as the gold standard for enthusiasts demanding both accuracy and style. Engineered specifically for the rigors of motorsports, the Ultra-Lite series has become an icon in the Volkswagen community, offering a lightweight aluminum construction that doesn''t compromise on durability. Whether you are running a draw-through turbo setup on a street-legal Beetle or a high-boost fuel-injected sand rail, this mechanical gauge provides real-time, analog feedback that digital displays simply cannot replicate. The satin anodized aluminum dial face reduces glare during high-noon desert runs, while the bright red fluorescent pointer ensures you can track your manifold pressure with a split-second glance, keeping your eyes on the road or the dunes where they belong.

When it comes to your VW''s cockpit, fit and finish are everything. The ATM4301 features a classic 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) diameter, making it a direct fit for most aftermarket dash pods, under-dash panels, or the factory clock-hole blanks found in many vintage Volkswagens. This mechanical gauge operates without the need for complex sensors or wiring harnesses for its primary function; it relies on a direct pressure line from the intake manifold, ensuring that you get a lag-free reading of both vacuum (up to 30 In. Hg) and boost (up to 20 PSI). For the air-cooled specialist, this means fewer electrical gremlins to worry about in the harsh, vibration-heavy environment of a rear-engine layout. It''s the perfect marriage of old-school mechanical reliability and modern racing aesthetics, providing the peace of mind that your turbocharger is performing exactly as intended without over-boosting and risking your expensive engine case.

FITMENT

This gauge is a universal high-performance instrument commonly installed in the following Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (All years with forced induction setups).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (Ideal for turbocharged engine upgrades).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Fits perfectly in custom dash configurations.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: Rugged enough for open-air utility vehicles.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits all standard 2-1/16 inch gauge pods and custom aluminum dashes.
• Baja Bugs: Designed to withstand high-vibration off-road environments.
• Custom Kit Cars: Including Bradley GT, Sterling, and Meyers Manx clones using VW chassis.

SPECS

• Brand: AutoMeter
• Series: Ultra-Lite
• Part Number: ATM4301
• Gauge Type: Mechanical Boost / Vacuum
• Diameter: 2-1/16 Inch (52.4mm)
• Vacuum Range: 0 to 30 In. Hg
• Boost Range: 0 to 20 PSI
• Dial Color: Satin Anodized Aluminum
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red
• Bezel Color: Brushed Aluminum
• Lighting: Incandescent (White) with Red and Green bulb covers included
• Tubing Kit: Includes 10 ft. nylon tubing and 1/8 inch NPT fittings
• Movement: High-precision bronze Bourdon tube 270-degree sweep

PRO TIPS

1. Protect Your Nylon Line from Engine Heat

The ATM4301 comes with a high-quality nylon tubing kit, but in an air-cooled VW, the engine compartment temperatures can soar, especially near the exhaust or turbo header. When routing your line from the intake manifold to the dash, ensure you use a rubber grommet whenever passing through the firewall to prevent chaffing. More importantly, keep the nylon line clear of any direct heat sources. If you are running the line near the cylinder heads or exhaust, we highly recommend sleeving the nylon tube in a heat-resistant fire sleeve or upgrading to a copper line kit for the section inside the engine bay to prevent the line from melting and creating a massive vacuum leak.

2. Perfecting the Night-Time Aesthetic

AutoMeter includes both red and green bulb covers (condoms) with the Ultra-Lite series. For a classic VW look that matches the vintage green glow of a VDO speedometer, use the green covers. However, if you want a modern race-ready look that highlights the red pointer, the red covers are the way to go. For the best results, tap your gauge''s power wire into the factory headlight switch rheostat terminal. This allows you to dim the gauge lighting along with your factory dashboard lights, preventing the Ultra-Lite dial from being distractingly bright during night-time cruising.

3. Ensuring an Air-Tight Seal at the Manifold

Mechanical gauges are only as accurate as their connections. When installing the 1/8 inch NPT fitting into your intake manifold or pressure T-fitting, always use a small amount of Teflon tape or thread sealant to ensure there are no leaks. A tiny leak at the fitting won''t just give you an inaccurate boost reading; it can actually cause a lean condition in your engine''s air-fuel ratio because it acts as an unmetered air leak. After installation, start the engine and spray a tiny bit of soapy water on the connection; if you see bubbles under boost or hear a hiss under vacuum, tighten the fitting slightly until the seal is perfect.