4th gen Gauges in a 3rd gen camaro? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

cw3adkins · 10-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Well first off; I have a 87 Iroc-z (automatic) w/ 305 FI TPI. I've been pondering about what to do with the gauge cluster. I'm not sure if it is possible, but does anyone know if you can modify (both the dash and cluster) in order to fit a 4th generation gauge cluster into my 87? I already know that there will be much needed 'fabrication' in order for it to fit, but does anyone know if there would be any special electrical issues or should I just completely abandon the idea?

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1984_350_lt · 10-07-2009, 09:11 PM

i been wanting to do the same thing with my 92. i have seen pics of 4 gen dashes in 3 gen gars but dont really know what kind of eork is involved

Stephen · 10-07-2009, 09:30 PM

People have been swapping the entire dashes for the last 10+ years, so there are plenty & a good search will provide pics & info on what all is needed to do that. In fact, I KNOW I've see build progress pics.

As I recall, while they aren't a 100% complete drop-in, they aren't all they physically hard, just a LOT of little nuts, bolts & connections to deal with.

Fatal88 (a member here, who I haven't seen on in years), is probably the most "famous" one, since he did it YEARS & YEARS ago. Even cut the inner front end off later & put an entire LS1 front half (engine, suspension, firewall, etc.).
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o...albumview=grid

In fact, you'll see pics of the TPI & LS1 engine as well as the LT1 & LS1 dash he swaped to later.

HCR13 · 10-07-2009, 09:31 PM

anything IS possible. I think I slightly remember someone on here doing that once. Remove the 3rd gen gauges and put the 4th gen gauges in its place. The remaining gaps were just covered by abs plastic sheets... But as far as making them work, I would think you need gauges from a OBD1 car which I think (iirc) is 94 and down. 95 and up I think is strictly ecm controlled...

t-top havoc · 10-07-2009, 10:16 PM

Where have I seen that Camaro....man that looks familiar but I can't remember...

...Beautiful!!!
If you go this route good luck & by the looks of it,you will enjoy the upgrade.

one92rs · 10-07-2009, 10:37 PM

that camaro has been in a lot of shows all over. luckily for me i have known the owner for years. still is a beautifal car. some of the parts on my car are from some of the older builds.

cw3adkins · 10-19-2009, 09:28 PM

Sorry for the (most likely repeat question on here), but I just got a 01 gauge cluster, pulse gen, and signal interface and want to throw it into my 87 Iroc. Does anyone know (possibly have pics or schematics) of the pins on the back of the 01 cluster? I need to figure out what pins go to what. Tried running a search, but after about 70-80 threads I kinda gave in. Thanx.

ChildOfDaLotus · 10-19-2009, 11:02 PM

Hey guys, im new to this whole forum thing. I have often read but never posted before so please bare with me. Im not sure if this is the proper thread or where I should ask this, but if anyone know the answer I could really use the help. Im looking into buying an 85 RS, it originaly came with the 6 cylinder in it, but this guy did a 400 small block engine swap with a turbo 350 trans. The motor was out of a 78 el camino (also swapped to that car I assume). The 78 motor does not have any electronics on the motor everything is mechanically driven, so there are no computers on the engine. This causes a big problem here in PA when you want to get it inspected because all of the dummy lights on the dash are constantly on due to not being hooked to anything. Here in PA if the check engine light is on your vehicle automaticaly fails inspection and emmisions (stupid I know). So my question is, is there anything you guys know of that can fix this problem, like just ripping all the dummy lights out or hooking them to a relay to shut off when the motor starts, I have been searching endlesly for days now and cant find anything, I also know that in Pa they check to see if your dummy lights come on when the key is turned to the on position, so I dont know if just ripping them out would be legal. I thank you in advance for any suggestions.

livewire · 10-19-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChildOfDaLotus

Hey guys, im new to this whole forum thing. I have often read but never posted before so please bare with me. Im not sure if this is the proper thread or where I should ask this, but if anyone know the answer I could really use the help. Im looking into buying an 85 RS, it originaly came with the 6 cylinder in it, but this guy did a 400 small block engine swap with a turbo 350 trans. The motor was out of a 78 el camino (also swapped to that car I assume). The 78 motor does not have any electronics on the motor everything is mechanically driven, so there are no computers on the engine. This causes a big problem here in PA when you want to get it inspected because all of the dummy lights on the dash are constantly on due to not being hooked to anything. Here in PA if the check engine light is on your vehicle automaticaly fails inspection and emmisions (stupid I know). So my question is, is there anything you guys know of that can fix this problem, like just ripping all the dummy lights out or hooking them to a relay to shut off when the motor starts, I have been searching endlesly for days now and cant find anything, I also know that in Pa they check to see if your dummy lights come on when the key is turned to the on position, so I dont know if just ripping them out would be legal. I thank you in advance for any suggestions.

I thought this thread was about a 4th gen dash swap

HCR13 · 10-20-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChildOfDaLotus

Hey guys, im new to this whole forum thing. I have often read but never posted before so please bare with me. Im not sure if this is the proper thread or where I should ask this, but if anyone know the answer I could really use the help. Im looking into buying an 85 RS, it originaly came with the 6 cylinder in it, but this guy did a 400 small block engine swap with a turbo 350 trans. The motor was out of a 78 el camino (also swapped to that car I assume). The 78 motor does not have any electronics on the motor everything is mechanically driven, so there are no computers on the engine. This causes a big problem here in PA when you want to get it inspected because all of the dummy lights on the dash are constantly on due to not being hooked to anything. Here in PA if the check engine light is on your vehicle automaticaly fails inspection and emmisions (stupid I know). So my question is, is there anything you guys know of that can fix this problem, like just ripping all the dummy lights out or hooking them to a relay to shut off when the motor starts, I have been searching endlesly for days now and cant find anything, I also know that in Pa they check to see if your dummy lights come on when the key is turned to the on position, so I dont know if just ripping them out would be legal. I thank you in advance for any suggestions.

welcome to the site ChildOfDaLotus! Thats quite a problem. I normally would have just ripped them out/off but if they check for them to come up. The easiest..."easiest" thing to do is wire up some relays, but you would have to get some creative wiring. Go to the "Electronics" section and click on the "Start New Thread" at the top and make your own dedicated topic so people can see it and answer it...

ChildOfDaLotus · 10-23-2009, 11:57 AM

Thank you HCR13 I will definately look into doing relays, I was stumped for days, thanks for the idea.