Alright this is where my lack of knowledge will shine... we have an '85 camaro sport coupe with 0 options. This car does not even have vents! But anyhow, it is equipped with a speedo and a gas gauage, everyhting else is idiot lights. If I go get an '85 gauge cluster with full instrumentation is it still plug and play? Or do I need to get stuff to make the voltage, oil pressure, and temp gauge work? tach?

 

I'm fairly certain they use different senders but someone must have done the swap and have a definite answer.

 

Your fuel gauge....is it one of the larger circles like perhaps where a Tach may have gone?

Everything except the Tach and oil pressure gauge should work between I4, V6 and V8 cars. the V6 and V8 cars tach and oil pressure have different electrical reistance. I have cabin wiring out of a V6 car, and engine bay wiring that is orginal to my car (LG4 305 equipped). Both my Tach and oil pressure work. Its easier just to find the appropriate cluster. I just had a parts car to borrow from.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/gauges

JamesC

 

Fuel gauge is in the right side big circle. Totally lame. I have an '87 IROC cluster w/ 145mph speedo and full instrumentation. But lookinbg at this cars dash, I may try and integrate a '92 RS dash in there... suggestions?
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MR JAMES C, I believe you have responded to almost every thread I've ever looked at, is it possible you are the real third gen junkie here?

 

I'm retired . And one of the oldest junkies on the boards. Can you ever know enough about thirdgens?

JamesC

 

Know enough about third gens... hmmmmmmmmm...

Retired, eh, I only dream of the day. But it sounds to me like you want to start the project you've dreamed of since you were my age. A twin whipple charged ZZ572 powered '91/2 RS Camaro. See the RS badging is essential to antagonize rice burners. I have come to realize they see "RS" and assume it means "really slow" but have you ever seen a ***** dumb enough to race a Z? not in this lifetime...

C'mon, you know you want to... Give in to temptation... C'mon... C'mon

Oh yeah, if you do decide this is a good idea, I'd stay away from a convertible or T-top car, lol

 

Haha, pretty much any/every third gen was a slug in stock form! And alot of people out there know this....




As for your question, im 99.999% sure you will end up changing the sending units out. Idiot lights typically use a totally different (and alot cheaper) sending unit than a gauge does.

 

My temptation is a silver 09 Camaro with the works. I'm startin to sweet talk mama, but she says SHE'LL look good driving it. Can that be good?

JamesC

 

I think you should get a 6 speed, that should deter her, lol. If not, you're in trouble. Oh, I have some friends and family that work w/ GM and the word is the SS camaro will be out roughly 2 years after the launch... if this is the case, I'd lease the '09 to hold you over for the '11 model. Rumor has it we should see LS7 or better power for the SS Z28 model :-) Maybe you're just going to have to share :-(

 

Well, the old gal can drive a manual, although she doesn't like to drive my 85. I'm not sure if it's the power or the idea that if she scratches it, divorce will occur immediately. Man Law!

JamesC

 

Well there is only one logical solution, get one for her too! Or please her vehicular appetite with something... I dunno... with a little more... how do I say this... feminine. Such as a ford F-series or whatever chicks drive today. However, if you're ol gal has expensive tastes, get 2 camaros. You know, the cheapest alternative. That way if she scratches it or drives it down a snowy dirt road it's her problem!

 

I hear that, my wife wouldn't even breathe on my 85 because she knew better.