- Mechanical liquid-filled oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 4.5” X 4.5” X 4.5”
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- 2 5/8” or 66.7 mm size
- Bourdon tube meter movement
- Racing-focused option
- Filled with 350cs liquid silicone
- Mechanical oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 8.27” X 6.3” X 6.3”
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- 2.9” or 74 mm size
- Premium option
- Mechanical oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 3.9” X 3.9” X 3.9”
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- 2 1/16” or 52.4 mm size
- Bourdon tube meter movement
- Budget option
There are generally two types of car owners—those who buy a car and drive it as it came from the factory and others who go straight to the customization shop after leaving the dealership. For the latter, anything from minor performance or aesthetic upgrades to swapping the entire engine is on the table. If you belong to this category, you may know that due to the complex electronic wizardry carmakers use these days, even the most minor modifications may cause several errors in the system. Such errors may affect the plethora of sensors and other diagnostic equipment due to the modified behavior. Pretty much any mod can cause faulty, or “out-of-threshold”, readings of essential parameters, which is why one of the most important instruments for a modified car or off-roader is an oil pressure gauge.
The oil pressure of any given internal combustion engine is a reliable and relatively accurate indicator of its overall condition. If you own a modified car, you certainly cannot rely on the factory diagnostic system anymore; you need to monitor the car’s vitals in real-time to make sure everything is running as it should.
That being said choosing the best oil pressure gauge for your pride and joy isn’t as simple as picking one that fits into your car’s cabin’s color scheme; there are a few other things to consider. To make the process easier for you, we have curated and reviewed 5 of the best oil pressure gauges we could find. And worth mentioning, these devices aren’t exactly cheap, so make sure to read until the end before deciding.
5 Best Oil Pressure Gauge Reviews
1. Auto Meter 4321 Ultra-Lite Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge
First up, we have an analog model by Auto Meter. Part of the brand’s Ultra-Lite series of lightweight and rugged gauges, the 4321 is a classic through and through. It has a 2 1/16” dial with a range spanning from 0 to 100 PSI. The Ultra-Lite 4321 may be on the affordable side of this list, but thanks to an advanced Bourdon tube movement mechanism, you get remarkably accurate and precise readings.
This oil pressure gauge scores big points in the aesthetic aspect, with a silver dial face beautifully complemented by black lettering and an orange pointer. Besides, even the bezel is painted silver to project a unified appearance. You can also customize minor details that significantly impact the overall appearance; options such as bezel and pointer colors and available LED upgrades will go a long way in personalizing this oil pressure gauge and make sure it matches your car’s interior—we said a gauge needed to be more than good-looking but that doesn’t mean the overall look isn’t important too.
Overall, the Auto Meter 4321 is the most affordable oil pressure gauge on our list and is suited for beginners in the tuning world. If you need a simple yet reliable gauge that won’t break the bank, look no further;
Highlighted Features
- Mechanical oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 3.9” X 3.9” X 3.9”
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- 2 1/16” or 52.4 mm size
- Bourdon tube meter movement
- Budget option
Pros
- Incandescent backlight for optimum usability at night time
- Comes with all required fittings and brackets for installation
- Accurate and reliable readings
- Made in the USA
- Attractive black-on-silver color scheme
- High-quality and robust oil pressure gauge
- Customizable bezel and pointer
- Functional yet straightforward mechanical mechanism
- No electrical system required
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Not suited for hardcore cars or off-roaders
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2. Auto Meter 5421 Pro-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge
The Auto Meter 5421 Pro-Comp oil pressure gauge is an advanced and refined version of the previous model. It is a mechanical gauge that also employs a sophisticated Bourdon tube meter movement to provide accurate readings. However, the accuracy of this gauge is further improved thanks to the smooth pointer movement caused by its liquid-filled construction. Besides acting as a damping force against vibrations or shocks, the liquid also helps in lubricating the mechanism’s moving parts.
The Auto Meter 5421 has a 2 5/8” size and an effective PSI range of 0-100. You get a traditional orange pointer that provides optimum visibility against the black dial face and white pressure markings spanning 270°. Also, visibility at night is guaranteed by an integrated white incandescent light that illuminates the dial face.
As the Pro-Comp moniker suggests, the Auto Meter 5421 is specially designed for racing applications where vibrations are much more severe than typical road cars. Nonetheless, this oil pressure gauge is compatible with every vehicle type.
We recommend getting the Auto Meter’s model if you want a rugged and long-lasting oil pressure gauge without having to spend twice or thrice the amount for a premium option.
Highlighted Features
- Mechanical liquid-filled oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 4.5” X 4.5” X 4.5”
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- 2 5/8” or 66.7 mm size
- Bourdon tube meter movement
- Racing-focused option
- Filled with 350cs liquid silicone
Pros
- Incandescent backlight for optimum usability at night time
- Comes with all required fittings and brackets for installation
- Liquid-filled construction improves accuracy while ensuring a long life
- Made in the USA
- Attractive color scheme
- Reasonably priced
- Perfect for racing applications
- No electrical connections required
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- If broken, it will be challenging to re-seal the dial
- Spare internal liquid is not readily available
3. AEM Electronics 30-0307 X-Series Oil Pressure Gauge
With the AEM Electronics 30-0307 X-Series oil pressure gauge, we get into the premium category. It is a standard 2 1/16” size digital gauge with excellent readability and a host of convenience-enhancing features.
The best things about this oil pressure gauge are the features aimed to make your life easier. Firstly, since this is a digital gauge, it provides a programmable setup. As a result, you can switch between standard PSI & metric BAR measurements using the two buttons on the dial and even set warnings if the pressure crosses a pre-set limit.
The 300307 features a stealthy all-black appearance with contrasting white pressure markings. The markings are surrounded by 24 green LEDs that accurately indicate the oil pressure in real-time with a “sweeping” motion. There is also a large central LED readout that provides exact values for better monitoring as a bonus.
If you have space constraints, the AEM 300307 is one of the best oil pressure gauges for you. Unlike analog models, this gauge is pretty slim with an 0.825″ overall depth allowing you to mount it virtually anywhere.
Highlighted Features
- Digital oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 5.4” X 5.4” X 5.4”
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- 2 1/16” or 52 mm size
- Programmable option
Pros
- Comes with all required electrical wiring and brackets for installation
- You can set threshold warnings
- Attractive black color scheme
- Sweeping outer LEDs are easy to monitor
- Large and bright central LED readout
- Standard and metric measurements available
- Auto-dimming functionality for optimum brightness
- Slim and compact body allows for several mounting options
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Costs more than previous models
- Requires electrical connections
4. GReddy Sirius 16001733 Oil Pressure Gauge
When it comes to car tuning, nobody does it better than the Japanese; and who better to buy tuning parts from than a 45-year-old reputed Japanese brand. Meet the GReddy Sirius Meter 16001733, a premium oil pressure gauge aiming to be the absolute best at what it does. The gauge measures 2.9” and features unique 3D components to bestow a feeling of luxury that other brands simply cannot match.
The GReddy Sirius Meter has a black dial face with pressure markings from 0 to 1000.0 kPa. During normal functioning, the gauge has a white LED backlight for optimum visibility. However, if the oil pressure exceeds a specific fixed pre-set value, the white color will be replaced by pulsating red lights to get the driver’s attention. Moreover, there is a peak memory function that tells you the highest oil pressure value recorded, which can be useful for fine-tuning after a race, for instance.
If money is not a concern in your hunt for the best oil pressure gauge, you should seriously consider the GReddy Sirius 16001733. It is a high-quality model that will give reliable and accurate readings for a long time.
Highlighted Features
- Mechanical oil pressure gauge
- Dimensions: 8.27” X 6.3” X 6.3”
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- 2.9” or 74 mm size
- Premium option
Pros
- Comes with a pressure sensor, wiring harness, and mounting brackets
- White LED lighting for optimum readability
- Red flashing light for warning
- Programmable oil pressure limits
- Wide measurement range
- 3D elements in the dial add to the premium feel
- Peak memory functions recall maximum recorded oil pressure value for diagnostic purposes
- 1 year manufacturer’s limited warranty
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Measurements are marked only in kPa
5. Auto Meter ST3501 Pro-Control Oil Pressure Gauge
Another great offering from Auto Meter is the ST3501 Pro-Control gauge. It is also a premium model loaded with features and ergonomic aspects aimed at improving its usability. And worth mentioning, the ST3501 gauge combines the reliability of mechanical movements with the efficiency brought by modern technology.
You can choose between 7 different LED backlight colors for optimum visibility and assign a specific color when the oil pressure surpasses the pre-set maximum and minimum operational range. Then, if the pressure value moves out of the threshold, you will be alerted by a change in color; if the pressure varies by more than 10%, the LED will start pulsating to convey the situation’s severity. In some cases, you can even program the system to take corrective action, such as engaging cooling fans, pumps, etc., to try and minimize the damage.
Besides, this oil pressure gauge uses an electric stepper motor providing better than 2% accuracy—a specification that only a few other gauges can match. The white needle will then project those measurements on a black dial face with backlit oil pressure markings in BAR.
Get the Auto Meter ST3501 Pro-Control oil pressure gauge if you are looking for a simple yet functional device. Granted, this model is a bit pricey but rest assured, it will be the last oil pressure gauge you buy.
Highlighted Features
- Electric oil pressure gauge
- 2 1/16” or 52.4 mm size
- Electric stepper motor
- Color options include: red, green, yellow, blue, purple, turquoise, and white
Pros
- Elaborate and robust warning mechanisms
- Accurate oil pressure readings
- Choice of 7 available LED color options
- Ability to program maximum and minimum thresholds
- Tells you the highest recorded oil pressure value
- Electrical harnesses and mounting equipment included
- Electric stepper-motor for accurate movements
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- On the expensive side
Types of Oil Pressure Gauges
Oil pressure gauges may seem straightforward, but there are a few different types on the market. It’s important that while some are more accurate than others, every type has different advantages and drawbacks. To make sure you get the most bang for your bucks, make sure to correctly estimate your needs and budget.
There’s simply no need to buy the most expensive oil gauge out there if you are only going for light engine mods. On the other hand, if you plan to go for a full-race setup, cheaping out might not be your best bet either. Never forget that the oil pump is your car’s heart and the lubrication system, it’s blood—and you really don’t want to race a car displaying low blood pressure.
Display type
Analog gauges
Analog gauges are the conventional type with a needle that indicated the pressure value using permanent markings on the dial face. You’ll need to carefully look at the gauge to determine the value, which can be a potential safety hazard. When installed on a jacked-up truck, it might be quite hard to read when flooring the pedal while climbing rocks and such. Also, analog or mechanical gauges need regular checks to ensure there are no problems that may lead to a false or inaccurate output.
Digital gauges
These are often much better as you get a specific pressure value on the digital display unit. However, unlike analog gauges, these need electric power to operate and are often pricier.
Construction type
Dry-sealed gauges
Nothing special here; these are just your typical oil pressure gauges with nothing but air between the dial face and the glass casing.
Liquid-filled gauges
As the name suggests, liquid-filled gauges are those that have casings filled with a special liquid. There are several reasons to do this; firstly, the liquid dampens vibrations, shocks, sudden pressure spikes, etc., and facilitates smooth needle movement, which results in better accuracy. Moreover, it also acts as a lubricant for the moving parts. Liquids like silicone or glycerine are usually used for automotive applications.
The only downside to liquid-filled gauges is the cost involved in repairing broken or leaking seals. Also, it can be quite challenging to find replacement liquid in such small quantities.
Verdict
A good oil pressure gauge can save you thousands of dollars in engine repairs, especially if you run a far-from-stock vehicle. Even though the final decision lies in your hands, here is some advice: the Auto Meter 5421 Pro-Comp Oil Pressure Gauge is the one I am currently using in my JDM ’99 Subaru Impreza STI, and I have to say, it has never let me down. The liquid-filled casing is excellent at dampening vibrations even when rallying, and the incandescent light makes the gauge usable at night time. It is even easy to install with no electrical connections required.
On the other hand, if all you need is a cheap but reliable oil pressure gauge, go with the Auto Meter 4321. It’s super affordable and will do the job just fine. However, if you are the type of car owner who wants nothing but the best, the GReddy Sirius 16001733 is what you are looking for!
