Autometer 5 Sport-Comp Tach S

OVERVIEW

When it comes to monitoring the heart of your high-performance air-cooled engine, nothing carries the weight of authority quite like the AutoMeter Sport-Comp series. This 5-inch pedestal mount tachometer is the absolute gold standard for serious Volkswagen enthusiasts, whether you are rowing through the gears in a street-legal sleeper or screaming across the dunes in a high-revving sand rail. The silver brushed aluminum dial and matching silver anodized bezel provide a professional, competition-ready aesthetic that complements any dashboard or steering column. Its massive 5-inch face ensures that even in the heat of a race or the vibration-heavy environment of a Baja bug, your engine''s RPM is always crystal clear and instantly readable, allowing you to hit your shift points with surgical precision every single time.

Beyond its iconic looks, the AutoMeter Sport-Comp Tachometer is engineered for the rugged demands of the air-cooled world. Designed to operate on 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines, this versatile instrument is perfectly suited for everything from a standard 1600cc dual-port to a radical 2332cc stroker motor. It is fully compatible with traditional points-style distributors, modern electronic ignitions, and most 12V high-performance racing ignitions like MSD or Pertronix. With a 10,000 RPM range, it provides plenty of headroom for the highest-revving VW powerplants, ensuring that you never outgrow your instrumentation. The pedestal mount design allows for maximum flexibility, giving you the ability to position the gauge exactly where you need iton top of the dash, on the steering column, or even hanging from a roll cage in a dedicated off-road machine.

FITMENT

This universal high-performance tachometer is widely used across the entire air-cooled Volkswagen spectrum and custom off-road applications, including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years and models (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: Split-window and Bay-window models.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies: Meyers Manx, Berrien, and custom fiberglass bodies.
• Sand Rails & Baja Bugs: All custom tube-chassis or modified Beetle frames.
• Kit Cars: Speedster replicas, Bradley GTs, and more.

SPECS

• Product Model: AutoMeter Sport-Comp (ATM3910).
• Gauge Diameter: 5 inches (127mm).
• RPM Range: 0 - 10,000 RPM.
• Dial Color: Silver Brushed Aluminum.
• Bezel Finish: Silver Anodized.
• Mounting Style: Pedestal Mount (surface mount).
• Engine Compatibility: 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines.
• Signal Compatibility: Points, Electronic Ignitions, and 12V High-Performance Racing Ignitions.
• Operating Voltage: 12 Volts DC.
• Lighting: Incandescent perimeter lighting (adjustable with optional LED bulbs).

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Rock-Solid Ground Connection

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, electrical gremlins are almost always traced back to a poor ground. When installing your AutoMeter tachometer, do not simply rely on a screw through the dashboard sheet metal. For the most accurate and steady needle movement, run a dedicated ground wire directly to the chassis or the engine block. This prevents the needle from "fluttering" or jumping erratically when you turn on your headlights or other high-draw accessories, ensuring that the 10,000 RPM range stays perfectly calibrated to your engine''s actual output.

2. Proper Ignition Triggering for High-Performance Builds

If you are running a high-energy ignition system like an MSD 6AL or a similar CDI box, do not connect the tachometer''s signal wire directly to the negative side of the coil. Doing so can damage the internal circuitry of the gauge or result in inaccurate readings. Instead, use the dedicated "Tach Output" port on the side of the ignition box. If you are still running a traditional Pertronix or points-style distributor, the negative side of the coil is the correct trigger point, but always double-check your specific ignition manual to ensure the cleanest signal possible.

3. Manage Vibration in Off-Road Environments

For those mounting this 5-inch monster in a sand rail or a Baja bug, vibration is your primary enemy. While AutoMeter gauges are built to be incredibly tough, constant high-frequency vibration from off-road racing can cause wear over many years. When using the pedestal mount on a metal dash or roll bar, consider using a thin rubber isolator or grommet between the pedestal base and the mounting surface. This small amount of dampening goes a long way in protecting the precision internal movement and keeps the silver anodized bezel looking pristine regardless of how rough the terrain gets.