I am patiently waiting for my whipple supercharger, where is a good place for to buy gauges, gauge pods and which ones do you recommend for it. also should I only focus on analog? Are all of them illuminated? I have never messed with this stuff before, any help is appreciated

 

do I get mechanical or electrical gauges....what is the difference....anybody with a supercharged car please let me know what to do....my s/c gets here in about a week and I haven't ordered the gauges yet

 

There are lots of options for gauge pods, it depends on what you want and how many gauges. There are 2 gauge and 3 gauge pods that clip on to the A-Pillar. There is a 2 gauge bullit pod that replaces the A-Pillar. There are 2 and 3 gauge pods that go on the top center of the dash. Decide what you like, then we can point you in the right direction. Many people have pics of their interior with gauges here.

As far as gauges, with a supercharger, I would always add a vacuum/boost gauge. Next, I like Air/Fuel but make sure it is a good wide band or don't waste the money. Next maybe EGT (exhaust gas temp). In addition to those 3, I also have fuel pressure and oil pressure. Both are electronic full sweep. Many hardcore racers stick with mechanical. There's no way I'm pumping oil into the passenger compartment of my mustang and fuel pressure, well, I don't think I need to explain that one. Just about all gauges are backlit with lots of variations of colors and whether the needle is lit and the numbers are lit or a simple back light with different color bulbs and filters.

Think about what you want to do, colors, where they are placed, how much money and stuff like that and I can help and I'm sure lots of others will as well. You can start looking at gauges and get a feel for price at Autometer's web site. I've used Autometer gauges for a long time and will continue. Plus they make about every style, color and type of gauge that you could want. -Joe

 

^^^what he said^^^

 

The difference between mechanical and electrical is, the mechanical works directly. For example, mechanical oil pressure passes oil through a thin tube right to the gauge and a small bourdon tube in the gauge measures the amount of pressure in the line and deflects the needle accordingly.

Electrical sends the oil to a transducer which measures the pressure and converts that into an electrical voltage. The transducer is mounted in the engine compartment. The voltage level is passed over wires into the passenger compartment to the gauge. One problem with traditional electrical gauges is they typically have a very narrow sweep for the needle. Autometer makes gauges that are called "Full Sweep Electrical" which give you the entire 270* or whatever of needle deflection. Electrical respond slightly slower than mechanical but not enough to worry about. I prefer electrical full sweep although they cost more. -Joe

 

For coolness factor check out Defi-Link BF gauges. They are pricey but pretty sweet. When your car is off they are blacked out meaning you cannot see the gauge face or needle. Then when you start the car up the gauges come to life. Pretty cool looking. You can get them in white or amber and they are electronic gauges.

Mechanical gauges would make me a little nervous.....imagine the hose popping off of your oil pressure gauge. YUCK!! Granted I have not heard stories of this happening to people....although I am sure it has.

 

what is meant by shipped with sending unit? Is that required or recommended

 

It's the actual sensor that measures whatever it is the gauge reads. For example, for oil pressure you'll have a small sender that screws into the engine block or the oil filter manifold. A wire hooks up to this sender and then runs through the firewall into the cabin and hooks up to the gauge. It's required or the gauge will not work.