Autometer 2-5/8 Sport-Comp Oi

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing a high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engine to its limits, whether it is in a scorched desert sand rail or a street-dominating Cal-Look Beetle, monitoring your oil pressure is not just a suggestionit is a survival requirement. The AutoMeter 2-5/8 inch Sport-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge (ATM3423) is the gold standard for enthusiasts who demand split-second accuracy and rugged durability. Unlike smaller gauges that can be hard to track during high-vibration maneuvers, this oversized 2-5/8 inch display provides a massive, high-contrast interface that allows you to monitor your engine''s lifeblood at a glance. In the world of air-cooled VWs, where oil serves as both a lubricant and a primary cooling agent, knowing your exact PSI can mean the difference between a successful weekend at the track and a catastrophic engine failure due to a spun bearing or a clogged oil cooler.

The Sport-Comp series is legendary in the racing world for its trademarked competition appearance, featuring a sleek black face, bold white numerals, and a vibrant red pointer that cuts through the glare of a midday sun. This mechanical gauge operates with a Bourdon tube movement, providing a direct, physical connection to your engine''s oiling system for unmatched response time and precision that electrical gauges often struggle to replicate. Encased in a professional-grade silver bezel, the ATM3423 is designed to withstand the harsh environments of an open-cockpit dune buggy or the tight, heat-soaked dashboard of a vintage Bus. When you install an AutoMeter gauge from Appletree Auto, you are not just adding a tool to your dash; you are installing decades of American-made engineering excellence that ensures your flat-four stays within its safe operating parameters through every gear change.

FITMENT

This universal 2-5/8 inch gauge is a favorite for custom dashboard layouts and pod mounts across the entire air-cooled Volkswagen spectrum. It is ideally suited for the following models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946-1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950-1979 (Bay Window and Split Window)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961-1973
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955-1974
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Baja Bugs, and Trikes utilizing 1600cc to 2332cc+ VW powerplants.

SPECS

The AutoMeter ATM3423 is built to professional racing specifications to ensure long-term reliability in demanding conditions:

• Gauge Diameter: 2-5/8 inches (66.7mm).
• Gauge Type: Mechanical Oil Pressure.
• Pressure Range: 0-100 PSI.
• Display: Black face with white increments and a red fluorescent pointer.
• Bezel: Brushed Aluminum / Silver finish.
• Illumination: Around-the-dial incandescent lighting (includes red and green bulb covers).
• Movement: Precision Bourdon Tube for rapid response.
• Fitting Type: 1/8 inch NPT male thread on the back of the gauge.
• Included Hardware: 10 feet of nylon tubing, 1/8 inch NPT fittings, and mounting bracket.
• Mounting: In-dash or pod-mount capable.

PRO TIPS

1. Upgrade to Copper Tubing for Engine Bay Safety

While this AutoMeter kit includes high-quality nylon tubing, we highly recommend upgrading to a copper line kit for air-cooled VW applications. The engine compartment of a Volkswagen can reach extreme temperatures, especially near the cylinder heads and exhaust. Over time, heat and vibration can cause nylon lines to become brittle or melt, leading to a massive oil leak directly onto your hot engine components. Using a copper line with a proper vibration loop (a small coil in the line) near the engine block ensures a permanent, leak-proof connection that can handle the unique thermal stresses of an air-cooled environment.

2. Proper Placement with a T-Fitting

To retain your factory oil pressure warning light (the ''''idiot light'''') while adding the precision of the AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge, you should use a brass T-fitting at the engine block. Most VW engine cases have a single oil pressure switch location near the distributor. By installing a 1/8 inch NPT T-fitting, you can thread your stock pressure switch into one port and the AutoMeter mechanical line fitting into the other. This gives you the best of both worlds: a bright red warning light for immediate failures and a high-accuracy gauge for constant monitoring of your PSI trends during long drives.

3. Master the Night Vision Lighting

The ATM3423 comes with incandescent lighting and colored bulb covers (red and green). For the best driving experience in an older VW, we suggest using the red bulb cover. Red light helps preserve your natural night vision, making it easier to switch your focus between the dark road ahead and your instrument cluster. Furthermore, when wiring the gauge, tap into your factory headlight switch''s rheostat (dimmer) circuit. This allows you to adjust the brightness of your Sport-Comp gauge in sync with your original speedometer, ensuring a professional, integrated look that doesn''t blind you during night-time cruises.