I have a couple of guage questions:

1) I see that there is a "mechanical" and "electrical" guage for nearly every guage available. The electrical guages are like 4x as expensive. What is the difference? I prefer a non digital readout on the gauge face, -i like seeing the sweeping hands. Is this what the electrical vs mechanical refers to?

2) how difficult is it to install guages on our Mini's? I do most all mechanical work on my cars myself. Yet curious if installing guages on our Mini's requires taking about the dash? -and or removing engine parts to get hoses where they need to go? ...that doesn't scare me, yet just want to know what I am getting into before I make the purchase.

3) Are the Alta pods what you all recommend for holding the guages ...I saw a "dual alta guage pod" i like, ...it's about $100. -kind of pricey. Any alternatives?

I think that's it!
Thanks,

thinking of a boost and oil presure guage. ...water temp would be my 3rd guage choice. Damn you MINI ...why didn't you give us decent guages!

 

i have the alto boost gauge on my car you don't need to take off the dash and all the wireing tucks away nice it almost looks stock

 

The difference between electrical and mechanical gauges is the way the information being sensed gets to the gauge. For example, a mechanical oil pressure guage will have a small oil line that runs all the way to the gauge where as an electrical oil pressure gauge has an electrical wire that goes to the gauge. The electrical oil pressure gauge uses a transducer (sender) at the oil pressure sensing location that changes the oil pressure into an electrical signal which travels through the wire to the gauge.

Both types of gauges can have analog dials with sweeping hands.

I would suggest electrical gauges for the Mini especially if mounting on the Tach near the steering wheel because it is much easier to route electrical wires to the gauge than fluid lines.

I would suggest some type of pod for mounting the gauges. I use a two gauge pod on the tach for oil pressure and boost. As an alternate some people mount gauges in the lower portion of the center console (in the opening below the switches. I prefer up by the tach for better visibility.

 

The Alta gauges show the instructions on their website, you can read them and decide if you can install them. Most gauges are install the same way.
http://www.altaperformance.com/produ...-w-Boost-Gauge
I install them, not too hard.

 

great information,
okay, I think i'll go the electrical route as it sounds like it's a better option.

-yes and I like the tach mounted 2 pod holders as well.

 

I have been contemplating purchasing two of the Alta pods and installing Stewart Warner gauges, (water temp and oil pressure). When the vendor announcement for Alta's Valentine's Day sale popped up at noon today offering 14% off I figured I would see if it would apply to the pods. When I logged on to their site I found that the gauge pods had been marked down over $20 from the original price and the 14% discount could be applied as well. Guess what I just bought myself for Valentines day!

Check it out if you are interested in these, now's the time...
http://www.altaperformance.com/produ...e-Pod-no-Gauge-