I really like the round gauge/insturment pannel vs. the 90-92 gauges like I have in my 90. I was wondering if there is a write up on how to converte the 90-92 gauges to a 85-89 gauge pannel. Thanks

 

Most ive encounted have always liked the 90-92 style over the 85-89 like myself, but eh we all have different opinions!

First problem that strikes me off the bat...90-92 speedos used a VSS, 85-89 were cable driven speedos. Not sure about the rest.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, im sure someone out there has good working knowledge of if this can be done or not, you bring up a good point though about the VSS and cable.

I use to like the 90-92 better but have come to look at the 85-89 as a more classic muscle car look.

 

Yes it's possible. Easiest would be to swap the whole dash since the gauge panel area is different. It's not a bolt in deal, the dash pads are slightly different with how they mount, and the dash panel mounts don't line up.The wiring is not the same, so you have to have pinouts for both IC boards and repin the cluster harness to make it work. As far as the VSS, you could just go back to a cable drive unit and run the optical VSS on the back of the old style (89 and earlier) to the ECM.
IIRC using TBI the optical VSS would be fine, but using the 730 ECM ( TPI, of MPI ) you would have custom burn a PROM to check or uncheck the VSS flag. It's been awhile since I played with it so I forget exactly.

I went the opposite and swapped 90-92 setup in to my 88.

 

Wow, that just what I wanted to hear! I do have a TBI so from what I understand from you post that, that will make it easier.

When you say swap the whole dash what in all do you mean?

Basically due to the fact that im a newb to any electrical work like this I would need to have instructions that state most if not all of it step by step. What did you have to help you along with this? Thanks!!!

 

electrical diagrams in the factory service manuals I have is what I used for the pin outs on the cluster harness. The electrical is sort of involved for someone who has never done it before.

As for the whole dash you basically need the complete plastic shell from an older car and some trim pieces.

 

so it's not just the top dash but the whole thing, got ya!

I may attempt to do this on my own and if it doesn't work out take it to someone to help me. Thanks again, if therese anything else you can think of that may help me out later down the road please post up and let me know. Thanks!

 

I would look into buying factory service manuals. They are invaluable.
Check eBay, I got my first one at a dealer long ago and it was $85 for 2 books.
The last three I bought were only like $15 used.

something like this is what you need. It covers all wiring diagrams along with TONS of other info.
91 Camaro Service Manual
Haynes and Chiltons don't cover anywhere near what this book will.

 

want to sell your 90 for a reasonable price. i have a 91 that's shot...

 

I wouldn't mind selling it, of course price has to be right. PM me an offer, if you need pics it will have to wait until next weekend as im on business right now.

 

Given any thought to building your own custom cluster with autometer guages installed into a donar 90-92 cluster shell? I'm kicking that idea around. The guy's at autometer told me it would be simple to use their guages since all the electronical wiring is already in place.