Not fair to compare stock gauges because they suck. I think we are comparing aftermarket electrical and mechanical gauges.

 

From what I understand, Autometer electric gauges use the existing wiring. The 73/10 ohms fuel gauge uses the original Mustang sending unit. The Oil Pressure and Temp gauges come with different sending units. Replace the sending units, then re-use the existing wires.

 

I used both wiring up my '71 Chevelle, and I'll tell you that all I'm putting in my Mustang is electrical.

Electrical are easier, you only have to run small wires inside the car. No fuel lines, oil lines, etc.

Its been years, but if I remember correctly, the reason I used some mechanical gauges is because they were a little cheaper, but dont quote me on that.

 

The shuttle uses electric because mechanical gauges are a pain in the *** to route, hard to maintain compared to wire,and in a vacuum environment the liquid in the transfer tubes would freeze. Practically speaking, it would be a nightmare. Not to mention, I'm sure the electrical sending units they use are slightly more accurate than the cheapo units designed for automobiles:P

I have mechanical oil pressure and water temp gauges in my '67. I like them both and I think they work fine. I like the fact that there's a mechanical connection between the sender and the gauge rather than a thermistor or variable resistance pressure sensor. I'm not saying electrical units are bad, and the aftermarket electrical units are certainly very accurate and perfectly acceptable, but there's certainly nothing wrong with a mechanical gauge outside of the tube routing problems.

 

Yeah, they both work fine. The electric is prefered manily for routing/mounting considerations if there are any.

 

I have often read about air pockets forming around the sender in 351c's and giving false readings, would a mechanical gauge eliminate this problem?

 

If you get an air pocket around any sender, be it electrical or mechanical, it's not going to read properly.