difference in gauges

[kevdog240]

what is the difference between mechanical and electrical gauges? i have seen mechanical ones for a LOT less. would i be missing out if i save the money and go that route? im assuming they might break faster?

[trpower7]

Mechanical guages measure the pressure or temperature at the actual gauge. For example, a mechanical oil pressure gauges has you run a line all the way from the pressure output source to the cabin gauge. Electrical gauges use a sending unit mounted either on or very close to the pressure output. This allows you to simply run a sending wire to the cabin. The disadavantage of a mechanical gauge is that if something goes awry you get a fountain of oil/coolant in your face. The advantages are some say they are more reliable. Electrical guages are SLIGHTLY more expensive because of the cost of a sending unit. For a street car electrical gauges are almost a no-brainer. Go with electric, they won't dissapoint.

[quiksilvia]

do u get a sending unit with all elec. guages? or do u have to buy it additionally

[SpeedRacer1]

Yes the electrical gauges come with everything needed for install. Except for some of the rare units like the HKS Camp system.

[Cyberkreig]

Except for some of the rare units like the HKS Camp system.

which looks amazing, but comes with nothing.

[SpeedRacer1]

Yeah, you need to buy an LCD screen, and all the sensors individually. And each sensor is not cheap.