electric vs mechanical oil gauges

[Gambino]

So I have heard that with oil pressure gauges I should go electrical, because with mechanical, I can get an oil leak and get oil in my cabin. I just want to know how big of a problem is this?

 

[wicked]

with electric you only have 2 wires to run through the fire wall,one for your signal,and the other for the engine ground.

the mechanical you have to run a oil line through the firewall,and run the risk of it chaffing and causing a nasty mess.

 

[Gambino]

what if I upgrade the oil line?

 

[AzMz3]

what if I upgrade the oil line?

You don't want a mech oil gauge in the cabin!
Just get an electric one, much easier and safer.

 

[Gambino]

I know, but I am trying to save so I can boost sooner.....gauges are damn expensive......

 

[yellerandahalf]

It's not that bad, I have a mechanical gauge in 3 of my cars. It doesn't leak. and even if it did, it's not that big of a deal. Another big advantage of the electric gauge is it reads much quicker than the mechanical. kinda nice.
-Mateo

 

[Gambino]

Thanks to everyone for their opinions so far, please keep em coming!!! I want advice from as many people about this as possible!

I decided to start a poll too now

 

[cheapmiata1600]

I know, but I am trying to save so I can boost sooner.....gauges are damn expensive......

Perhaps you should be saving your money instead of buying guages? Are you having some sort of problem that requires you to keep an eye on your oil pressure?

A mechanical guage will only ever leak if you install it wrong.

 

[Gambino]

I am just preparing for my turbo, hopefully coming may 1st

 

[Protege2K]

If you can't afford the money difference between a mechanical and electric oil pressure gauge then you will probably never be able to afford a turbo kit.

 

[Gambino]

If you can't afford the money difference between a mechanical and electric oil pressure gauge then you will probably never be able to afford a turbo kit.

I knew I would be getting that.
The thing is I just honestly wasnt planning on boosting so soon. I recently found out i will be getting a turbokit at cost for parts, so I want it asap now

 

[JCell]

get the electric one, u will regret it if it breaks and spills on your interior

 

[Gambino]

bump for poll

 

[AzMz3]

Last thing you want to do is go cheap. Cheap and turbo should never be used.
Having any type of fluid ran into the car is not smart. And even if you did it the right way with good lines it would most likely cost more than the electric gauge.

If you are looking to keep the price down then only get what you need.
Oil temp/pressure is good to keep an eye on but not a got to have.
I'd get just the boost gauge for now and save for future upgrades/repairs.

 

[Gambino]

yeah, that thought has crossed my mind. The only problem is I already ordered a triple gauge pod. Maybe I will still only run a boost gauge and leave the other two empty for a minute

 

[Gambino]

another bump. I spoke with another local person about this and he said that mechanical oil pressure gauges are more accurate, and that the oil leak will likely never happen.....??? keep your guys thoughts coming

 

[Jeph]

Electrical FTW!

 

[Bigg Tim]

If you search, there a was a guy that had a mechanical one that the line broke and sprayed oil all inside his car. It was a while ago, like over a year ago or so. Go electric and don't risk it to save a couple bucks.

 

[BBSF2]

i have had a mechanical oil gauge in my car for almost 3 years now, and have not had one problem, nor have i had one leak. I beleive that the mechanical is quicker responding than the electical, but gauges have come a long way and the electrical gauges are getttin better and better. Its all gonna come down to personal opinion. some people like mechanical, and others like electrical. some people have had problems with mechanical, and others with electrical. as long as u run the line for the mechanical oil pressure gauge good, and have the line go thorugh a rubber grommet, i dont think that there will be any problem! just my 2 cents!
craig

 

[TheMAN]

why would you want more failure points in your car? stay with electric!