I have gone through multiple OEM gauge clusters just trying to get something working, and I am just about through with that. I may have an opportunity to pick up some new gauges. Looking through the web and Summit, I see that we have a few different options.

The covans Classic gauges



http://www.covansclassic.com/parts/d...0424.175.2.129


Dakota Digital gauges





http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...prd_zm_168.jpg

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku


and these Nordskog's



http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku


Last option is to piece together some autometer gauges individually.

So my concern is the wiring on each of these systems. I like that the Dakota digital has a hub for all of the wires, but what about the nordskog gauges and the Autometer gauges?

Is it cheaper to piece together some Autometer gauges and would they be more reliable than the dakota digital (over time) ?

I am hoping someone else has had this debate or has taken this path. Any input ?

 

No real input. I was very interested in the Covan set-up until I discovered that it wasn't plug and play.

JamesC

 

I felt the same way honestly, I didn't want any of the hassle, the dakotadigital gauges are starting to look "worth it"

 

i'm a noob at electric and wiring in cars. what do you guys mean the covan isn't plug and play?

what would you have to do?

i was actually looking at getting the plain dash panel with holes, and then get stewart warner gauges.

 

Plug and play means just that, I can unplug my old cluster, plug in the new one and start playing again.

I was looking into the Nordskog's and Dakota Digitals. I am now thinking of going with the Dakota, but only if there is a way I can change the lens or color to red instead of blue.

 

Check the following link:

http://applegetone.com/pub/82-89%20C...on%20Sheet.pdf

JamesC

 

hmm seems like a lot of work, well moreso when putting it into the dash.

i think i'll get one of those when i'm around to doing that

 

Well I figured I would post an update. My question was answered, a friend (a very good friend) got tired of me fiddling with my old gauges and he actually ordered the Dakota Digital gauges for me. (He is a blessing)

The control box from dakota digital allows you to run all of your lines to a remote location rather than trying to fit all of that junk behind the gauge cluster. I would note that their is minor modification needed to the stock IROC gauge housing assembly that is not mentioned in the instructions. Their is a hollow column inside the assembly that will need to be dremelled out before it will fit properly. Otherwise, the install was relatively easy.

It was a challenge getting to the oil sending unit to replace it, but not at all impossible, and the water-temp sending unit on mine was on the front of the manifold.

I ran new wires for the oil pressure and water temp sending units. (although I I did splice in the stock connector for the water as i thought the ECM might need to know whats going on with the water temp)

It has many cool features, 0-60 meter , quarter mile time, odometer, high speed, high rpm etc.

Verdict: Worth every penny