Autometer 2-1/16 Ultra-Lite O

OVERVIEW

Monitoring your oil pressure is arguably the most critical task for any air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiast. Whether you are pushing a high-performance 2110cc stroker engine through the hot desert sands in a rail or cruising the coastline in a vintage Split Window Bus, knowing exactly what is happening inside your engine block is the difference between a successful journey and a catastrophic engine failure. The AutoMeter 2-1/16 Ultra-Lite Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM4341) is engineered specifically for those who demand precision and weight-saving performance without sacrificing visibility. The Ultra-Lite series has become a staple in the motorsports world, and it fits the aesthetic of a custom VW dash perfectly, offering a modern, high-tech look that complements everything from a rugged Baja Bug to a polished street machine.

This electric oil pressure gauge features a stunning satin anodized aluminum dial that eliminates glare during high-noon drives while providing a crisp, professional appearance. The bright red fluorescent pointer provides an instant, high-contrast visual reference, allowing you to check your vitals with a mere glance. Unlike mechanical gauges that require running a pressurized oil line into the cockpita risky move in a tight VW interiorthis electric unit utilizes a high-accuracy 1/8-inch NPT sender. This ensures that the messy oil stays in the engine bay while the data is transmitted via a simple wire to your dashboard. Appletree Automotive recommends this gauge for any builder who wants the reliability of AutoMeter''s race-proven movements combined with the lightweight aluminum construction that defined the Ultra-Lite revolution.

FITMENT

This gauge is a universal 2-1/16 inch (52.4mm) instrument designed to fit standard gauge pods and dashboard cutouts. It is ideal for the following air-cooled applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter / Type 2: 1950 through 1979 (Bay Window and Split Window).
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1975.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973.
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Manx-style bodies, and Baja Bugs utilizing custom dash panels.

SPECS

• Product Series: Ultra-Lite.
• Gauge Type: Oil Pressure (Electric).
• Diameter: 2-1/16 Inches (52.4mm).
• Range: 0 to 100 PSI.
• Bezel Style: Brushed Aluminum.
• Face Color: Silver / Satin Anodized Aluminum.
• Pointer Color: Fluorescent Red.
• Lighting: Incandescent (Includes Red and Green bulb covers for custom night-time illumination).
• Sender Included: Yes, 1/8-inch NPT Electric Sender.
• Mounting Hardware: Includes bracket and nuts for secure dash installation.
• Movement Type: Short Sweep Electric.

PRO TIPS

1. Use a Remote Sender Relocation Kit

In a standard air-cooled VW Type 1 engine, the oil pressure sender location is tucked tightly between the distributor and the fan shroud. Mounting the large AutoMeter electric sender directly into the block can sometimes be a tight squeeze or lead to vibration fatigue on the case threads. We highly recommend using a stainless steel braided relocation line. This allows you to mount the sender securely to the firewall or the side of the engine compartment, protecting the sender from engine vibration and making the wiring much cleaner and easier to service.

2. Ensure a Proper Ground Connection

Since this is an electric gauge, the accuracy of your reading depends entirely on the quality of your ground. Air-cooled VWs are notorious for having "dirty" grounds due to painted surfaces or aged wiring harnesses. Ensure that the gauge itself is grounded to a clean, bare-metal chassis point. Furthermore, if you are not using a relocation kit, ensure the sender has a solid metal-to-metal contact with the engine block. Avoid using excessive Teflon tape on the sender threads, as it can act as an insulator and cause the gauge to give erratic or "pegged" readings.

3. Calibrate Your Expectations for Air-Cooled Pressure

Remember that oil pressure in a Volkswagen engine behaves differently than in a modern water-cooled car. It is perfectly normal for a warm VW engine to show very low PSI at idle (sometimes as low as 5-10 PSI) while jumping up significantly as the RPMs increase. Use the AutoMeter Ultra-Lite gauge to establish a "baseline" for your specific engine build. If you suddenly see a drop in pressure at cruising speeds where you normally see 40-60 PSI, the high-visibility red pointer on this gauge will alert you immediately so you can shut down the engine before the bearings are damaged.