6 replies to this topic

[run115]

I want to fit Autometer gauges in my mini, rather than use smiths ones. Mt question is anyone uses an Autometer speedometer with the relevant sender unit? If yes, is it difficult to wire in?

[dklawson]

I have not used them but I have an acquaintance in Canada who has a full AutoMeter dash.

For the temperature gauge, be sure you buy the matching AutoMeter sending unit and adapter fittings for the Mini.
For the fuel gauge, buy an AutoMeter gauge calibrated for about 240 Ohms = Empty to 33 Ohms = Full. It won't be perfect but it's as close as you will come without modifying the Mini tank to use the AutoMeter sending unit.
For a mechanical AutoMeter speedometer, the common calibration will be for 1000 turns/mile. You will need to have a ratio converter box made to change the turns/mile of your Mini's speedo cable converted to what the AutoMeter speedometer needs.
If on the other hand you want an AutoMeter electronically programmable speedometer, you will need to source or have a sending unit made. The speedometer itself is programmable to accept input pulses from whatever your sending unit provides. However, I don't know of anyone who sells and off-the-shelf sending unit for the Mini (or other British cars). The speedo cable thread on the gearbox is 3/4-26 (sort of a UNF thread). Some Jaguars had gearboxes with electronic sending units that may be suitable for the Mini gearbox... otherwise you will probably have to have a speedo shop make you an adapter for an existing sending unit.

[run115]

Thanks a lot for the input, much appreciated. Infact I was looking at a programmable speedo, and autometer provide a sending unit for it, as they do with all the other gauges they have. I will think about it, but i think i will go for it.

I have not used them but I have an acquaintance in Canada who has a full AutoMeter dash.

For the temperature gauge, be sure you buy the matching AutoMeter sending unit and adapter fittings for the Mini.
For the fuel gauge, buy an AutoMeter gauge calibrated for about 240 Ohms = Empty to 33 Ohms = Full. It won't be perfect but it's as close as you will come without modifying the Mini tank to use the AutoMeter sending unit.
For a mechanical AutoMeter speedometer, the common calibration will be for 1000 turns/mile. You will need to have a ratio converter box made to change the turns/mile of your Mini's speedo cable converted to what the AutoMeter speedometer needs.
If on the other hand you want an AutoMeter electronically programmable speedometer, you will need to source or have a sending unit made. The speedometer itself is programmable to accept input pulses from whatever your sending unit provides. However, I don't know of anyone who sells and off-the-shelf sending unit for the Mini (or other British cars). The speedo cable thread on the gearbox is 3/4-26 (sort of a UNF thread). Some Jaguars had gearboxes with electronic sending units that may be suitable for the Mini gearbox... otherwise you will probably have to have a speedo shop make you an adapter for an existing sending unit.

[dklawson]

Thanks a lot for the input, much appreciated. Infact I was looking at a programmable speedo, and autometer provide a sending unit for it, as they do with all the other gauges they have. I will think about it, but i think i will go for it.

What I was cautioning against is that most of the AutoMeter, VDO, and Stewart-Warner sending units I have seen come with 5/8-11 threads on them (male or female). That makes them compatible with most U.S. built cars. I have yet to find an off-the-shelf sender that will bolt directly to the 3/4-26 threads of the Mini gearbox. However, I'm sure you can have an adapter machined to fit.

[run115]

I am sure I can do something with that, I recall someone local had an autometer speedo fitted to his mini, might go knocking on his door and ask him, lol!!

[shellspeed]

I use a monster tach with shift light, oil pressure gauge and water temp - very impressed with them all.

I crew for a drag racing team and almost everybody uses autometer gear.

J

[run115]

Yes thats the reason why I want autometer, I have them in my other car, an Escort Mk1 with a cossie engine pushing out 560bhp on the wheels at 22psi of boost. Never had an issue with them.

This time round though, I will need a speedometer as well, and thats the issue which I will have to solve, LOL.