Gauges

What Types Of Automotive Gauges Can You Install?

Most builds start with oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage, then add gauges for the systems you've modified. Each gauge watches one system, so choose based on what your engine needs to report.

• Oil pressure gauges monitor the lubrication system, so you catch a pressure drop early.
• Water temperature gauges track coolant temperature to help you prevent overheating.
• Fuel pressure gauges confirm your pump and regulator hold steady pressure.
• Boost/vacuum gauges show intake manifold pressure on turbocharged, supercharged, and naturally aspirated engines.
• Voltmeter gauges monitor battery voltage and charging system output.
• Nitrous pressure gauges read bottle pressure, with mechanical versions covering 0-1500 psi.
• Tachometers and speedometers display engine rpm and road speed.

Need an alert you can't miss at high rpm or low oil pressure? Pair your gauges with shift lights and warning lights. A light in your line of sight gets your attention without you looking down at a needle.

Should You Choose Mechanical Or Electric Aftermarket Gauges?

Choose mechanical gauges for a direct physical reading, and electric gauges for easier routing. A mechanical gauge connects to the measured system through tubing or a capillary line. Because there's no circuit involved, an electrical failure won't affect the reading.

Electric gauges read a signal from sending units and sensors, then carry it to the dash through wires. Wire is easier to route through a firewall than tubing. It also keeps oil and fuel lines out of the cabin.

Mechanical gauges are often more affordable, which helps when you're outfitting a full cluster. Electric gauges make sense when the gauge sits far from the engine or the routing path is tight. For a full comparison of how each style works, read our electric vs mechanical gauges guide.

How Do You Choose Gauge Size, Face Style, And Mounting?

Start with your mounting space, then match gauge diameter and face style to the rest of your dash. Common sizes here include 1-1/2-inch, 2-inch (2-1/16-inch), 2-1/8-inch, and 2-5/8-inch. Measure the hole in your gauge pod or panel before you order, since a 2-1/16-inch gauge won't fill a 2-5/8-inch opening.

Smaller 1-1/2-inch gauges suit tight spots and under-hood checks on fuel or nitrous lines. A matching face color across every gauge keeps a multi-gauge cluster easy to read at a glance. You can finish the look with bezels and wiring harnesses from gauge accessories.

No room in the factory dash? Shop gauge mounts, pods, and panels for brackets and dash kits that add space for extra automotive gauges. To work through range, style, and placement step by step, use our Gauge Selection Guide: How To Choose Gauges.

Which Gauge Brands Can You Shop At JEGS?

JEGS stocks automotive gauges, kits, and panels from established aftermarket names alongside its own brand. AutoMeter gauges include dash kits, boost gauges, tachometers, pods, and a diesel fuel rail pressure gauge. Stewart Warner Deluxe-Series gauges include mechanical oil pressure and water temperature gauges plus an electrical voltmeter, all 2-1/16-inch with a black face.

Equus offers tachs, trio gauge sets, 5-gauge kits, a 2-inch two-hole gauge panel, and a 2-5/8-inch double gauge mounting panel. Longacre Racing builds an adjustable oil pressure warning light kit that triggers between 15 and 50 psi. Mr. Gasket offers a fuel pressure gauge with 3/8-inch inline adapters.

JEGS brand gauges include 1-1/2-inch liquid-filled fuel pressure gauges and a 1-1/2-inch mechanical nitrous pressure gauge. You'll also find a 2-1/8-inch OD liquid-filled engine thermometer. For late-model Fords, there's a fuel pressure gauge kit for 2005-10 Mustang 4.6L engines.

How Do You Install Car Gauges, Senders, And Tubing?

Installing automotive gauges takes three things: a mount, a connection to the measured system, and wiring for power or lighting. Mechanical gauges route tubing from an engine port to the back of the gauge. JEGS mechanical oil pressure gauge tubing kits include either 6 ft of nylon or 6 ft of copper tubing.

Electric gauges need a sender threaded into the engine, a solid ground, and a switched 12-volt feed. Use the sender specified for your gauge, since the sender and gauge must share the same resistance range. Route wires away from headers and moving parts.

Tachometers typically take their signal from the negative side of the ignition coil, the ECM, or an aftermarket ignition box. Our step-by-step tachometer installation guide walks through the wiring. When you're ready to finish your dash, shop all Gauges & Accessories.