We’ve compiled an essential buying guide to racing gauges to help you understand what they do and how they work to keep your race car running in top order. As you prepare to rev up your vehicle and conquer the tracks, race car gauges are the crucial aspect that can make or break your performance. Explore a spectrum of gauges—fuel and oil pressure, water and oil temperature, tachometer, boost, pyrometer—designed to keep your car within optimal ranges throughout every lap. Gear up, stay informed, and let our racing gauge guide be your trusted source as you chase victory on the dirt track, sprint car circuits, or any other thrilling auto event.

Most Important Race Car Gauges

There are many different gauges in a street, high-performance, or race car. Our extensive selection of racing gauges features the most respected brands in the industry—including Quantum Racing Products, QuickCar, and AutoMeter—renowned for their accuracy, durability, and exceptional visibility even in the most demanding track conditions. Review the nuances of each gauge in order to decipher how to buy the right one for your needs.

Oil Pressure Gauge

The oil pressure gauge tells you the health of your engine's oil and lubrication system, pointing out potential problems before they escalate and alerting you to any deviations from pressure levels. Trust in the oil pressure gauge to keep your engine running smoothly, ensuring peak performance and enhancing your chances of crossing the finish line first.

Water Temperature Gauge

The water temperature sensor gauge is the unsung hero of high-performance engines, offering valuable information about the cooling system to help you stay ahead of potential issues. These racing gauges go beyond the basics, revealing the coolant temperature to give you deeper insight into the car's thermal state—invaluable for pushing limits while ensuring engine longevity.

Tachometer Gauge

The tach is one of the most important gauges for circle track racing, providing engine information that helps you fine-tune your strategy. A tachometer is a precise tool for maximizing engine output and efficiency, measuring the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine crankshaft for optimal operation. The QuickCar QuickTach and the Tel Tac OTP are two of the best digital tachometers available, each with the ability to read up to 15,000 RPM and powered by a 9 volt battery.

Voltmeter Gauge

This essential gauge measures the electrical voltage within your car's battery and charging system, providing crucial data about the health of your electrical components. The voltmeter displays information to ensure you're constantly aware of the electrical output so you can identify potential issues such as a failing battery, faulty alternator, or other electrical system malfunctions.

Less Common, But Still Important, Race Car Gauges

You may not be well-acquainted with these race car gauges, but they can make a great difference. Like the more common types of car gauges, they allow you to monitor your car, identify potential issues before they become catastrophic, and shave precious seconds off your lap times.

Boost Gauges

For those craving an extra burst of power on the tracks, the boost gauge is a performance enhancer. It enables you to monitor and optimize the turbo or supercharger's efficiency, allowing you to fine-tune your engine's output and achieve maximum power without risking engine strain. Too much boost can result in too much pressure that can lead to total engine failure—the boost gauge will alert you when it's time to back off or head to the pit for an adjustment.

Pyrometer Gauge

The pyrometer gauge measures the exhaust gas temperature (EGT), offering insights into the combustion process within the engine. For those navigating the demanding landscapes of high-speed racing, this gauge is not just an accessory, it's a crucial diagnostic tool that can alert you if there’s a problem with air intake due to a blockage or engine overload. Use a pyrometer gauge to monitor and adjust fuel mixtures and engine timing while preventing potential damage caused by excessive heat.

Fuel Pressure Gage

Unlike the fuel level gauge, which simply tells you how much gas is left in your tank, this vital tool provides valuable data about the pressure of the fuel being delivered to your engine. This critical gauge monitors the pressure levels within the fuel lines and injectors and serves as a watchful eye over the fuel delivery system. For those seeking an edge on the track, the fuel pressure gauge empowers you to fine-tune your engine's fuel delivery, ensuring a consistent and potent flow.

Electric vs Mechanical Gauges

Many gauges come in electric and mechanical versions and several top brands, including Longacre Racing Products and QuickCar, manufacture both. They differ in benefits, considerations, installation, and price. Some of the common benefits of electric and manual gauges include:

Electric Gauges

• Accuracy. Real-time readings are reliable, consistent, and precise, year after year.
• Variety. Electric gauges come in a wide range of display colors and styles with unique features so you can customize to your car or preferences.
• Easy to install. Most electric gauges are easy to install, especially in cars with modern electrical systems—no tubing or extra cables required.

Mechanical Gauges

• Reliability. You can rely on a good old mechanical gauge to provide a reading, even if the entire electrical system goes down.
• Direct connections. Mechanical gauges have direct connections to the system they measure, increasing response time.
• Durability. Made in rugged material such as stainless steel and brass, mechanical gauges are durable enough to withstand the intense heat and vibration in the engine.

If you’re ready to take your racing to the next level, explore Behrents Performance Warehouse gauges and experience the difference that precision data can make. We carry gauges from top brands: Quantum Racing Products, Moroso Performance, QuickCar, COMP Cams, Painless Performance Products, AutoMeter, and Allstar Performance. Whether you're replacing a faulty gauge or embarking on a complete cockpit overhaul, you’ll find the perfect gauge solution to optimize your production. From the firing of the engine to the checkered flag, we'll be with you every step of the way.