Hi folks, I've bought a '87 T/A yesterday for some parts I actually wanted to restore my '85 T/A. The problem is: I fell in love with the digital dash.

I would like to swap them. Can it be done without any major trouble? The engine is exactly the same (both have a 5.0 TPI) and so for the transmission (the 700 auto). I've read lots of threads and it looks like I would only need to check what's connected to the transmission to swap them (cable vs. digital)

Well, maybe some minor re-wireing stuff.
Am I right?

I do have the '85 service manuals but for the '87 digital dash, I don't have any wireing diagrams... it looks like the '87 digital dash actually knows what door is open while the '85 doesn't have any warning lights for open doors... also for coolant, blah blah...

Regards, eric

 

I had the same question, but I can find out with the search. Well, not a full answer anyway.

 

aside from everything else,there is alot of additional stuff that goes with the digital dash.There is a multitude of sensors for the doors,windshield washer tank,coolant level,a few others I think also.The digital heater switch assy also has it's own unique setup also with a special vacuum motor under the dash on the passenger side.So yes to swap it out there is alot of stuff and wiring to swap over.

 

I would highly recomend against this swap...Get an aftermarket digital cluster. If you must you need The full harness including fuse pannel that connects to the bulkhead connector...all the sensors for the information module....a complete interior wiring harness. I had my dash taken out to Por-15 my floor boards. Its a pain the way that harness weaves in there.

 

ok, thanks a lot for the info. I'd better do some homework and make a good checklist before even thinking of beginning this swap. Hopefully next year's summer holidays are long enough... Both T/As are complete and working, so theoretically all the harnesses are present. The 87 however is technically in pretty bad shape and not really worth restoring.

 

oh well just a minor update, we're actually going to do this.
I think it might be fun to make some pics of all our misery?

 

Yes, take some pics and make a writeup of the process.
Maybe they can submit it for a tech article.

 

Damn are u guys serious ? you guys know if all the 98 GTA's came with digital dashes?
cuz I bought a complete set of wires from a 98 GTA to install on my 87 GTA and thi is making my a** sweat.

 

Ummmmm, a 98 GTA?