Autometer 3-3/8 Sport-Comp 12

Overview

Upgrade your air-cooled Volkswagen''s dashboard with the legendary precision of the AutoMeter Sport-Comp Series 3-3/8 inch Electronic Speedometer. For decades, AutoMeter has been the gold standard for performance monitoring, and the ATM3987 brings that racing heritage directly to your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom Sand Rail. Featuring a high-contrast black face, a rugged silver bezel, and a vibrant red pointer, this speedometer doesn''t just tell you how fast you''re goingit transforms your cockpit into a professional-grade command center. Unlike mechanical speedometers that rely on fragile cables and are prone to needle bounce, this electronic unit provides rock-solid accuracy and a smooth, responsive needle sweep that can handle the vibrations of a high-performance flat-four engine.

The true beauty of the Sport-Comp Electronic Speedometer lies in its effortless programmability. If you have ever changed your tire size or swapped your transaxle for a different gear ratio, you know the headache of a mechanical speedometer being wildly inaccurate. With the ATM3987, calibration is as simple as a two-mile drive; the internal microprocessor calculates the pulse frequency and locks in your speed for perfect precision regardless of your wheel and tire setup. It features a digital LCD odometer with a resettable trip function, allowing you to track fuel stops or maintenance intervals with ease. Whether you are building a concours-level restoration with a modern twist or a rugged Baja Bug meant for the desert, this speedometer offers the reliability and visibility that air-cooled enthusiasts demand.

Fitment

This 3-3/8 inch (85.7mm) gauge is designed for universal high-performance applications and fits perfectly into many standard air-cooled Volkswagen dash configurations with minimal to no modification. Common fitments include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle models with 3-3/8 inch dash cutouts).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955-1974 (Ideal for center-mounted performance gauge conversions).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback custom dashes).
• Volkswagen Bus/Transporter: 1950-1979 (Perfect for custom overhead consoles or modified instrument clusters).
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits all standard 3-3/8 inch gauge pods and fiberglass dash panels (Meyers Manx, Berrien, etc.).
• Custom VW Trikes: Ideal for handlebar or console mounting.

Technical Specifications

• Product Brand: AutoMeter.
• Series: Sport-Comp.
• Model Number: ATM3987.
• Gauge Diameter: 3-3/8 inches (85.7mm).
• Speed Range: 0 to 120 MPH.
• Gauge Type: Electronic Programmable.
• Face Color: Black with white high-contrast numbering.
• Pointer Color: Red (Incandescent backlit).
• Bezel Finish: Silver / Brushed Aluminum.
• Odometer: Digital LCD with resettable trip meter.
• Input Signal: Works with most hall effect and magnetic pickup sensors.
• Calibration: Simple push-button two-mile calibration.
• Mounting Hardware: Included (U-bracket and nuts).
• Voltage: 12V DC compatible.

Pro Tips from the Master Specialist

Pro Tip 1: Eliminate Cable Failures for Good. One of the biggest weak points in an air-cooled VW is the long speedometer cable running from the front driver-side wheel. By switching to the AutoMeter Electronic Speedometer, you can eliminate that cable entirely. If your VW doesn''t have a modern electronic signal, I highly recommend using the AutoMeter 5291 or 5292 GPS interface or a transmission-mounted pulse generator. This setup provides a much cleaner signal and prevents the "needle flutter" common in old Volkswagens.

Pro Tip 2: Master the Calibration. Don''t be intimidated by the programming process! To get the most accurate reading, find a flat, straight stretch of road with mile markers or use a GPS-based app on your phone to measure exactly two miles. Once you enter calibration mode, the gauge counts the pulses over that distance. This is especially critical for those of you running oversized 31-inch tires on your Baja Bug or low-profile tires on your Cal-Look Beetle, as it ensures your speedometer is accurate to within 1 MPH.

Pro Tip 3: Wiring for Longevity. Vintage Volkswagens are notorious for "noisy" electrical systems and poor grounds. When installing your Sport-Comp speedometer, I always suggest running a dedicated ground wire back to the chassis or the battery negative terminal rather than relying on the dash metal. Additionally, use a switched 12V source that is active only when the ignition is on to prevent any parasitic draw. Using heat-shrink connectors will protect your wiring from the elements, ensuring your gauge stays lit and accurate for years of cruising.