Autometer 2-5/8 Sport-Comp Mi

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled powerplant to the limit, whether it''s a high-revving 2275cc street car or a rugged off-road sand rail, precision engine monitoring isn''t just a luxuryit''s a necessity. The AutoMeter 2-5/8 Sport-Comp Mini Tachometer (ATM3708) brings legendary track-proven accuracy to your cockpit in a compact, versatile form factor. Designed with the iconic "Sport-Comp" aesthetic that has dominated the racing world for decades, this tachometer features a high-contrast black face, bold white numerals, and a signature red pointer that ensures split-second readability during aggressive shifting. Its 8,000 RPM range is perfectly indexed for the high-performance Volkswagen enthusiast, providing the resolution you need to keep your engine in the power band without over-revving those expensive valvetrain components.

The beauty of the 2-5/8 inch mini design lies in its incredible mounting flexibility, making it the premier choice for Volkswagen interiors where dashboard real estate is often at a premium. Unlike bulky 5-inch "monster" tachs that can obstruct your field of vision or look out of place in a classic Beetle or Ghia, this pedestal-mount unit can be discretely tucked onto the steering column, atop the dash, or even integrated into a custom center console. Built with AutoMeter''s rugged air-core movement, the ATM3708 is engineered to withstand the heavy vibrations and harsh environments common in air-cooled applications. It is compatible with standard points ignitions, electronic ignitions, and most 12V high-performance racing ignitions, ensuring that no matter what your spark delivery system looks like, you''ll get a steady, bounce-free needle every time you mash the pedal.

FITMENT

This universal performance tachometer is highly recommended for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models and custom builds:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1979 (All models including Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1979 (Split Window and Bay Window).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback).
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All custom tubular chassis and fiberglass bodies.
• Meyers Manx: Traditional and modern reproduction kits.
• Trikes & Custom Builds: Any 12V system utilizing a 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engine configuration.

SPECS

The AutoMeter Sport-Comp Mini Tachometer is packed with professional-grade features to ensure long-lasting performance:

• Product Series: Sport-Comp (Classic Racing Series).
• Gauge Size: 2-5/8 inches (66.7mm) Diameter.
• Readout Range: 0 - 8,000 RPM.
• Movement Type: High-precision Air-Core movement for rapid response.
• Mounting Style: Universal Pedestal Mount (includes mounting bracket and hardware).
• Face Color: Professional Black with White increments.
• Bezel Color: Brushed Silver / Satin Aluminum finish.
• Pointer Color: High-visibility Fluorescent Red.
• Illumination: Incandescent perimeter lighting (Bulb and Socket assembly included).
• Cylinder Compatibility: Selectable for 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines.
• Ignition Compatibility: Works with points, electronic ignitions, and most 12V high-output racing ignitions (MSD, Pertronix, etc.).
• Voltage: 12-Volt negative ground systems.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Rock-Solid Grounding is Key. Air-cooled Volkswagens are notorious for having "floating" grounds due to painted surfaces or old wiring. When installing your AutoMeter tachometer, do not rely on the dashboard sheet metal for your ground. For the most accurate, bounce-free RPM reading, run a dedicated ground wire directly to the engine block or a verified clean chassis ground point. This prevents electrical "noise" from interfering with the sensitive air-core movement, ensuring the needle remains steady even at idle.

Pro Tip 2: Use a Tach Adapter for High-Output Ignitions. If you are running a modern capacitive discharge ignition system, such as an MSD 6AL or similar box, do not trigger the tachometer from the negative side of the ignition coil. Doing so can provide an inaccurate reading or potentially damage the gauge. Instead, use the dedicated "Tach Output" terminal on the ignition box. If your ignition system doesn''t have a dedicated output, you may need an AutoMeter Tach Adapter to convert the signal into something the gauge can accurately interpret.

Pro Tip 3: Strategic Mounting for Visibility. When mounting this 2-5/8 inch tachometer on a VW steering column, position it so that the needle is most visible in your "critical zone" (usually between 3,000 and 6,000 RPM). Many pro racers will actually rotate the gauge within the pedestal mount so that the redline point is at the "12 o''clock" position. This allows you to monitor your shift points using your peripheral vision without having to take your eyes off the road or the track, keeping your focus exactly where it needs to be during high-speed maneuvers.