I've got a '71 with a 402 BB and a TH350 that I want to put a decent gauge set up in. I'm only into cruising, no strip action, but I like to know what's going on with my engine.

My question is, what are the pros and cons of choosing between mechanical and electrical gauges. I'm mostly concerned with ease of installation.

Specifically, I want to install water temp, oil pressure, volt meter or amp meter, and definitely a basic tach.

Hi Esq. We put Autometer white face street rod guages in our '71. We got the set with Water Temp., Oil Pressure, Volt., Fuel Guage and Electronic Speedo. I added a matching electronic tach. They work great and look great! IMHO electrics are much easier to install than mechanicals.

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Phil
"I don't believe I'da told that"

I installed electric gauges in my '69 because they were easier for me, but there is alot of wiring, each gauge needs 5 wires. Mechanical gauges are more accurate, cost slightly less, but you will have an oil line running into the passenger compartment, and the capillary tube for the water temp gauge is easily kinked and hole larger than the connector to the coolant system will have to be made in the firewall.

For my gauges (water temp, volts, oil press) I ran 3 wires into the engine compartment using an existing plugged hole ( for the cruise control?) near the accelerator cable and just went right through the plug with the wires.

To use an ammeter, all the electrical has to pass through it, that means a large wire into the passenger compartment, also, I think a voltmeter is the way to go.

Thanks for feed back. It looks like electrical gauges are the way to go.

Hey Uncle, did you start with an original SS dash or do a custom set up. I've got the basic sweep speedo dash but would love to go to a full round gauge package.

[This message has been edited by esq1995 (edited 02-05-2001).]

Hi Esq. I had the ol' sweeper - hated it! One of the team members here had cut a custom panel for his '71 out of aircraft aluminum and agreed to cut me a duplicate. I'd have to check with him to see if he'd let me pass on his name or if he'd rather not do that again.
I can e-mail you a picture of the dash when it was not quite installed.
We got the electronic speedo calibrated weekend before last - SWEET http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif It's great especially if you think that you might ever change transmissions, rear end gears, tire size etc. No gears to fool with, just recalibrate by pushing a button and driving exactly 2 miles.

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Phil
"I don't believe I'da told that"

Doc,

Just wanted to add something that will hopefully be helpful to someone here. You said:

To use an ammeter, all the electrical has to pass through it, that means a large wire into the passenger compartment, also, I think a voltmeter is the way to go.

If you run a shunt, you can keep the high current (and cost of running large gauge wiring) out of the cabin. The gauge reads amps but is really measuring the voltage drop across the shunt. Much safer way to measure amps...

Uncle,

I'd love the replace the sweeper with and SS round gauge type set up, but the $$$ seem prohibitive. Maybe a custom cut setup like you refered to is the way to go. How tough of a job is the swap overall? I don't have much dash or automotive electrical experience.

The advice above is correct. Electrical and a voltmeter. An Amp. gauge has caused us guys more problems than anything you can ever beleive. Everyone just needs to be honest and the manuel oil gauge will over time ruin your new carpet.

Definitely go electrical!! Most electrical guages work on resistance (ohms). The hotter the the water and oil temp, the more resistance and the needle moves!! With mechanical oil guage, a large diameter copper tube must go into the cabin. If you don't connect it right, oil all over the place!!! I bought Stewart-Warner gauges. They have American made parts but assembled in Mexico and last a lifetime. You get what you pay for!!