Oil Pressure gauge ... mechanical VS electronic

I just purchased a cheapo OBX oil pressure gauge. The shop refused to install it, saying that since it was mechanical, and not a good brand, it could squirt very hot oil onto my face while driving. He said that electronic is not only better, it is way safer.

Any comments?

Eh....I would suggest that you buy Autometer gauges for your aftermarket choice. But it is true that mechanical gauges do carry the fluids through capillary lines/hoses, but if the install is done properly (i.e. no chafing of lines) and the materials used are of quality there should be no problems. Electrical gauges rely on good grounds and electrical systems (which most newer cars have) to operate accurately.

Either way they are both as accurate as the manufacturer makes them.

Safety first. Either do the eletric guage, or a mechanical gauge with an isolator. You'll find though that the electric option become cheaper when you add an isolator. I use the 48 dollar autometer guage.

Now, if you plan to have a high vibration motor (high rev limit, solid motor mounts, no balance shafts, etc), I would look at the mechanical with isolator again. In these conditions, you cant put an electric sender on the block and expect it to last. I learned the hard way :D I Relocated the sender to the firewall with AN lines, but that adds to the the cost, making the mechanical version cheaper.

See, its simple :D

thanks... so safety wise what is the verdict? I mean,the shop is pretty reputable, and he said that there was no way he was going to touch the mechanical gauge (legal issues maybe). So this isolator thing...what does it do?

You can find them at places like summit. They just keep the fluids out of the car by using some other harmless fluid to transfer the pressure to the guage.