Autometer 5 Sport-Comp Silver

OVERVIEW

When it comes to high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engines, precision timing and gear shifts are the difference between a podium finish and a catastrophic engine failure. The AutoMeter 5-inch Sport-Comp Silver Tachometer (ATM3911) is the legendary "Monster" tach that has defined the look of competition cockpits for decades. Featuring a massive 5-inch silver dial face, this tachometer provides unparalleled readability at a glance, allowing you to keep your eyes on the track or the trail while monitoring your RPMs with surgical accuracy. Whether you are rowing through the gears in a synchronized drag Beetle or navigating the dunes in a high-revving sand rail, the silver finish offers a clean, professional aesthetic that perfectly complements the classic styling of a VW interior while providing modern, race-proven technology. This isn''t just a gauge; it is a critical piece of performance hardware designed to withstand the high-vibration environment typical of a built Type 1 or Type 4 engine.

The standout feature of the Sport-Comp Silver series is the integrated, pedestal-mounted Amber Shift-Lite. This bright signal allows you to pre-select your optimal shift point, providing a clear visual notification that cuts through the chaos of a race so you never miss a shift or accidentally bounce off the rev limiter. Utilizing AutoMeter''s signature air-core movement, the needle response is lightning-fast and incredibly smooth, ensuring that you see real-time data without the lag found in cheaper, generic alternatives. The pedestal mount design offers maximum versatility, allowing you to bolt it directly to the dashboard, the steering column, or even a roll cage using standard hose clamps. For the air-cooled enthusiast who demands the absolute best in American-made instrumentation, the ATM3911 is the gold standard for monitoring your Volkswagen''s heartbeat.

FITMENT

This universal performance tachometer is designed to work with a wide range of ignition systems and is a staple in the following Volkswagen applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Standard Beetle, Super Beetle, and Karmann Ghia (All Years).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Westfalia (1950-1979).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing.
• Off-Road: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Baja Bugs.
• Custom Builds: Compatible with 4-cylinder air-cooled engines using points, electronic ignitions (like Pertronix), or high-output CDI boxes (like MSD).

SPECS

• Product Type: 5-Inch (127mm) Pedestal Mount Tachometer.
• RPM Range: 0 - 10,000 RPM.
• Face Color: Silver with Black Accents and High-Contrast Red Needle.
• Bezel Finish: Brushed Silver.
• Shift Light: External Amber "Shift-Lite" included.
• Movement Type: High-Precision Air-Core.
• Lighting: Perimeter Incandescent (Backlit).
• Compatibility: Works with 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines with standard or electronic ignitions.
• Voltage: 12-Volt DC Negative Ground systems.
• Mounting: Includes adjustable pedestal mount and hardware.

PRO TIPS

1. Shield Your Signal Wire for Peak Accuracy

In the compact engine bay of a Volkswagen, electrical interference is a common culprit for a "jumpy" or erratic tachometer needle. When installing your AutoMeter tach, always route the green signal wire as far away from your spark plug wires and ignition coil as possible. If you must cross them, do so at a 90-degree angle. For the cleanest signal in a high-performance VW, we recommend using a shielded wire or running the signal wire through a dedicated loom to prevent "ghost" readings caused by electromagnetic interference from the ignition system.

2. Understanding CDI Box Compatibility

If you are running a high-output ignition system like an MSD 6AL or a similar CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition) box on your air-cooled engine, do NOT connect the tachometer signal wire directly to the ignition coil. Doing so can damage the internal circuitry of the gauge. Instead, use the dedicated "Tach Output" terminal located on the side of the CDI box. If your specific ignition setup doesn''t have a clean output, you may require an AutoMeter Tach Adapter (typically model #9117) to ensure the gauge reads the RPM signal correctly without interference.

3. Vibration Dampening and Mounting

Air-cooled Volkswagens are notorious for vibration, especially those with solid motor mounts or large-displacement stroker engines. When mounting the pedestal base to your dashboard or steering column, ensure the mounting surface is rigid. If you are mounting to a fiberglass buggy dash, we suggest using a small backing plate on the underside of the dash to sandwich the material. This prevents the weight of the 5-inch "Monster" tach from cracking the fiberglass or vibrating excessively, which ensures the longevity of the internal air-core movement and makes the gauge easier to read at high speeds.