Anyone done this. I'm thinking about switching my stock guage cluster (91 t/a) over to a digital guage cluster (88 t/a)

I did a search but came back with "0" that would help me.
1. will my stock wiring harness work w/o cutting it up
2. will the interior trim package stay the same?

 

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd214.htm

Direct fit panel, but you need to splice into your stock harness to run new wires to it's microprocessor. I have one in my 92 RS and the stock harness is still in place and useable.

http://www.nordskogperformance.net/p...nels/page2.htm

Build your own, the installation is similar to the Dakota Digital piece as far as wiring is concerned.

EDIT: I suppose I mis-read that post. I read that you were looking for aftermarket instead of a stock style Pontiac cluster, but the info is there.

 

Short answer---------- nope the digital will not even sorta "bolt/plug into" the analog setup. ALMOST NONE OF IT! The engine harness can stay.


I can tell you anything you need to know. I just finished my swap, froma bone stock 1989 T/A analog set-up to the 1988 digital setup. This included retrofitting my VATS so the thing would start, but all is great now!!!
I had both factory service manuals for the 1987 and 1989 FIRBIRD, to be sure the wires were gonna line up, before adding a battery. My swap start with the dash cluster and "COMPLETE" BODY WIRING FROM A DONOR CAR. This means from headlight to taillight, and all non engine stuff in the middle. This may or may not be critical, but there are many DIGITAL specific things, that cannot just be cobbed together. Resistance matched wired for the (burnout light indicators), low coolant signals, extra door jamb switches, and such are just the beginning. I am VERY HAPPY with the outcome. I have been wanting the factory digital set-up for a while, and would never go back. Get from the donor car what you can, and then expect to dig up a relay or two, and door switches. When if you get serious about it shoot me a line, I will give more info.
shawn, "lovin' his new digital setup"

 

I'm in the process of purchasing the digital dash right now. if I can get it for a reasonable price I'll be all in.

I posted this tread to see if it was something I'd be interested in doing. It doesn't sound like an easy change, but I think it would look real nice.

 

Naahh, NOT TOO BIG A DEAL. Depends on your skill/curiosity level and the amount digging you are comfortable doing. The car will need to be stripped of the interior and the complete dash (frame and all) will need to come out. Then pull up old wires, lay the new stuff down ,and reinstall. Steady work it could be done in a weekend. It's like T-TOPS you either get it or you don't.
shawn

 

I could get the dash for 100.00 but I pasted. I don't think I'm ready to gut the inside of the car just yet

 

what do digtial dashes go for? i have a mint one in an 88 gta im parting out, harness and all..how much could i get for it?

 

firechicken76, I think you could get 300+ for all of it, including the harness'.

ezliving4ume; It depends on what you are looking for. If you must have the stock digital look, then you will spend a lot less money on the stock 88 setup, but with a lot more work. The dakota digital setup will be a lot of money, but will take a lot less work.

 

$625 new and I can't even have red LEDs?

 

thanks, someone just emailed me offering 85 for everything grrr

 

yah ive got an 85 T/A and as far as i know i havent seen a stock digital gauge cluster is there and about the wiring harness i could do some splicing but i heard that you have to replace all the sensors to vss or somethin like that and the 300 for the dakota gauges just isnt quite possiable right now i have found others like cyberdyne gauges and someting called a vds gauge that actualy projected the reading on the windshield or on a screen and it was only a little over 200 anybody know if i should go for it and witch way should i just save for the dakota approx total cost for all hardware/software its a carb 305 700r auto trans W/ od in an 85 T/A and im redoing the dash anyway so i dont need the dash kit