AutoMeter (Aluminum or Platinum???)

[Don.F.Broadus at ucm.com]

This does seem high for a "K" type thermocouple. The kit might come with
clamps and adapters to connect it to the manifold or
pipe. A friend bought a unit for his snowmobile, dual indication that went
for around $100 with 2 thermocouples. Replacement
K type couples were $40. The bad news is that the extreme operating temps
will cause failure, they might last a year they might not. The Dyno
operators change them often.   




> -----Original Message-----
> From:	d houlton x0710 [SMTP:tc75918 at hpra5.msc.az.boeing.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, March 10, 1999 1:52 PM
> To:	diy_efi at efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu
> Subject:	AutoMeter (Aluminum or Platinum???)
> 
> Anybody know what's up with AutoMeter and their seeming astronomical
> prices
> on some of their gauges?
> 
> I asked about their electric fuel pressure gauges a while ago.  I had 
> wanted one for tuning my turbo install until I found out they were $180.
> So, I passed and may end up getting one of the Intellitronix ones though.
> 
> Kinda bites though as I really like the UltraLite series gauges and
> would prefer to keep mine all the same.
> 
> So now I'm also looking for an EGT gauge.  I had seen somewhere that 
> they had these in the 2" UltraLite and Phantom series, but couldn't find
> a listing for them.  So I called AutoMeter and yes, they do make them and
> I got the part numbers.  Called Summit to check on price and availability.
> 
> Yes they've got em.  $101 for the EGT.  Kinda high I think, but for an 
> EGT gauge, maybe not.  So feeling moderately gouged, I'm figureing I might
> as well get it because I really do want one.  But, AutoMeter also said I
> need a thermocouple.  So I have Summit check that.  I'm expecting another
> $20 or so, but I'm willing to part with it.  Guess what, it's $141.00!!!
> WTF is up with that?  $141 for a thermocouple?  What's with AutoMeter?
> 
> $180 for an electric fuel pressure gauge.  Around $250 for an EGT gauge.
> Do people actually pay these prices?  Am I expecting too much for too 
> little?  Most of their other gauges seem reasonable, but these are so
> over priced I can't believe it.
> 
> BTW, is a thermocouple a thermocouple a thermocouple?  I mean are they
> like O2 sensors at all.  Can I go find a cheap one from Wick's (I think
> I've seen them for under $20) or someplace else and expect it to work?
> 
> thanks
> --Dan