Gauge Cluster Swap???
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: East
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt/ 3.23 Gear.
Gauge Cluster Swap???
I did a search in the forums, and didn't find what i need.
If i have an 89 Camaro with a gauge cluster that goes up to 115mph, can i swap it with a 145mph cluster, and have it still read speeds and rpms correctly ?
If i have an 89 Camaro with a gauge cluster that goes up to 115mph, can i swap it with a 145mph cluster, and have it still read speeds and rpms correctly ?
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html
JamesC
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Ohio
Car: 1991 Chevy Camaro RS w/t-tops
Engine: BBC 396 .090 over (414)
Transmission: LS1 T-56
Axle/Gears: Shortened Ford 9, 3.25, discs, posi
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
Yeah same question somewhat. i have a 91 and the speedo only goes up to 110 and that is not high enough. i dont like the gauges that much either. is the gauge pannel from 82-89's swapable?
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
Only if you swap out the entire dash, the cluster is a different shape in those years.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I have an '82 Sport Coupe, I probably can't, but I figure I should ask, can I swap the gauge cluster out for a digital one from an '84 Berlinetta? Also, can I pretty much swap out any of the gauges from any 82-89, or do I have to change the whole cluster? I basically want to get rid of the dummy lights, I don't mind the 85 MPH speedo. Anyone's help would be appreciated, thanks in advance!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
The digital is not a direct swap there was some differences with the berly dash from regular models IIRC.
Yes you can swap guages pretty much freely between 82-89 camaros, however if you swap from idjit lights to real (well as real as stock gets) gauges you will need to change your oil pressure and water temp senders.
Also if you go from lights to full cluster you will need the whole cluster with the circuit panel on the back.
Yes you can swap guages pretty much freely between 82-89 camaros, however if you swap from idjit lights to real (well as real as stock gets) gauges you will need to change your oil pressure and water temp senders.
Also if you go from lights to full cluster you will need the whole cluster with the circuit panel on the back.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I had a feeling the Berlinetta dash was out, I was wondering about the circuit on the back though, glad you told me. The sending units I knew as well, but thanks so much for your help!! Now if anyone can tell me where to post this question, or the answer, I'd be one happy Camaro owner:
I have no courtesy lights, lighter, horn, or constant power to my radio (though I do have ignition power, so the radio is rigged to turn on so long as the car is running). When I tried to change the fuse for the dome & lighter........the car tried to start! I just bought the car about a month ago, and all I know is that the owner before the guy I bought it from was a volunteer firefighter, and he had replaced the front turn indicators with blue lights, and put 2 additional lighters in the dash (presumably to plug in more lights). I'm positive there is a short somewhere, but can anyone tell me anything about this, perhaps where to find the short? I have traced all the courtesy light wires to the firewall, then I cannot tell where everything is going from the connector under the hood. Should I just run a new constant power wire to the lighters & radio? Any help would be much appreciated & thanks again for the dash cluster help!!
I have no courtesy lights, lighter, horn, or constant power to my radio (though I do have ignition power, so the radio is rigged to turn on so long as the car is running). When I tried to change the fuse for the dome & lighter........the car tried to start! I just bought the car about a month ago, and all I know is that the owner before the guy I bought it from was a volunteer firefighter, and he had replaced the front turn indicators with blue lights, and put 2 additional lighters in the dash (presumably to plug in more lights). I'm positive there is a short somewhere, but can anyone tell me anything about this, perhaps where to find the short? I have traced all the courtesy light wires to the firewall, then I cannot tell where everything is going from the connector under the hood. Should I just run a new constant power wire to the lighters & radio? Any help would be much appreciated & thanks again for the dash cluster help!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
post your wiring problem on the electronics forum
look at the wiring at the ignition switch on the top side of the lower steering column (white thingy with lots of wires goin to it). See if anything odd is spliced into that harness, since that is the circuit that engages the starter.
look at the wiring at the ignition switch on the top side of the lower steering column (white thingy with lots of wires goin to it). See if anything odd is spliced into that harness, since that is the circuit that engages the starter.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
Hey, does anybody have a picture or part number of the correct temp sending unit for guages? I just did the swap and that is the only thing not working. The part number I have Borg Warner WT359Z, TSU64. Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Car: 95 Z28/IROC-Z
Engine: LT1/L98
Transmission: 6 Speed/700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42/2.77 Boo!
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
My IROC originally had the 145 mph speedo. The speedo and tach are broken. I plan on upgrading to Autometer gauges eventually, but I need something for now. I've found a 85 MPH cluster cheap and was wondering if it would work accurately until I can get the Autometer setup. I'm really just worried about the speed. The other gauges should be the same as the one's in the 145 mph cluster. I assume the difference in the speedo's would be in the actual speedo assembly and it should work fine, is this correct?
Also from the searching I've done here, it seems the V6 and V8 Tachs are different. Is this true? I'm more worried about the Oil pressure being correct than the Tach, but hey, I might as well ask. I'm sure if I put the V6 cluster in I can swap out the Tach from a V8 for a little of nothing, but want all the info I can get.
Also from the searching I've done here, it seems the V6 and V8 Tachs are different. Is this true? I'm more worried about the Oil pressure being correct than the Tach, but hey, I might as well ask. I'm sure if I put the V6 cluster in I can swap out the Tach from a V8 for a little of nothing, but want all the info I can get.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay, FL
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
Oil pressure is different depending on engine. Tach is different between 6 and 8. Oil pressure gauges came in 60psi and 80 psi types...both will work, but will not read accurately unless matched with the correct sender. Tach is "programmed" to read for v6 or v8 (counts number of ignition pulses). Other than that, all gauges are plug and play into the dash cluster and are fully interchangable between 82-89 although there may be some variation on 82-84 cars (not sure)
The speedo will work, provided there is nothing else wrong with the system. Most often the cause of speedo failure in these cars with mechanical speedo is not the gauge head itself, it is usually due to a broken or binding speedo cable or a broken driven gear.
before installing the new gauges, check your cable (remove, inspect, lube and reinstall), since you have to disconnect it anyway. If speedo still doesnt work, check the driven gear at the trans tailshaft.
The speedo will work, provided there is nothing else wrong with the system. Most often the cause of speedo failure in these cars with mechanical speedo is not the gauge head itself, it is usually due to a broken or binding speedo cable or a broken driven gear.
before installing the new gauges, check your cable (remove, inspect, lube and reinstall), since you have to disconnect it anyway. If speedo still doesnt work, check the driven gear at the trans tailshaft.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Car: 95 Z28/IROC-Z
Engine: LT1/L98
Transmission: 6 Speed/700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42/2.77 Boo!
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
It was the cable that was broken, I've figured that out. At the time though, I was all about getting a Autometer setup and broke the speedo getting it out. So unfortunately I can't use it and still need a cluster. Also my Oil pressure gauge works, but my Tach doesn't. I put a multimeter on the pinouts for the Tach while I had the cluster out, and the voltage moved up and down with the engine rpm. So I assume the tach itself is bad. I'm going to try and clean the connections and see if it will start working again. Other than that, the oil, gas, and voltmeter are fine. Like I said though, as long as my Oil pressure works, I'm not to worried about the tach. Especially since my IROC is a auto. Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I just did the swap and everything is working, including the tach. I have an automatic, 6 cylinder, and now you've got me wondering if my tach is accurate. It idles at 500, can anyone tell me what they their tach reads at, let's say 55 MPH so I can compare? Thanks.
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
purpleomega, i see your'e from ansonia ct, thats funny because i lived up there for 2 yrs until 05, right off wakelee avenue by that gas station and the pizza place. I also have an idle of about 500 and will tell you what mine is rotating at 55mph. 2.8 89 fuel injected.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Car: !985 Chevy Camaro
Engine: 2.8L
Transmission: T5
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I did a gauge cluster i went '85 to '88 (there newer V6 models came with tachs) it went without a hitch. the Tach didnt work, so i wired it myself.... it took a few hours to get in there and install my blue dash lights but ya...thought i'd put my 2 cents in... not sure why.... it was the first thing i did with my car:\ i guess i'm happy with it :P
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
it stays at about 2300 to 2400 rmps at 55mph. my main reason for reading this thread is because i ordered reverse glow gauges off ebay for 21 dollars and they have the speedo gauge for 145 only not 115. I believe swapping out gauges (from 115 to 145) should fix this without any other work. (except maybe trying to get the odometer to match mine which i would try at the junkyard b4 i buy it anyways) keep smoking hondas with that 2.8 omega on ROUTE 8!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I wasn't that concerned Denthar, just more curious to see if the swap was as seamless as it was suppose to be. Thanks again Slow2.8, I will check it out on my drive home tonight. Love smoking those ricers on Route 8!!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Car: !985 Chevy Camaro
Engine: 2.8L
Transmission: T5
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
i just reread my post... sounded kinda hostile. my sorries.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia, CT.
Car: 1982 Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: 2.8L V6, 2BBL
Transmission: Auto
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Ga
Car: 1987 Camaro
Engine: 383 Stocker
Transmission: T5
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
ok i drive a 87 camaro 2.8 v6 with the 85mph gauge and the 3 lights. i was wondering if i could juss swap out the entire cluster with one with higher mph, real guages and a tach? i kno im gonna have to change the sending units, i juss wanted to kno if i take the old cluster out will the new one go right in and all he gauges work without rewiring the harnesses???
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: stallings,n.c.
Car: 1989 camaro rs convertable
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 7.5"3.42 gears forth gen 2000 camar
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
ok i drive a 87 camaro 2.8 v6 with the 85mph gauge and the 3 lights. i was wondering if i could juss swap out the entire cluster with one with higher mph, real guages and a tach? i kno im gonna have to change the sending units, i juss wanted to kno if i take the old cluster out will the new one go right in and all he gauges work without rewiring the harnesses???
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Ga
Car: 1987 Camaro
Engine: 383 Stocker
Transmission: T5
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
thanks zenish, im actually not to worryed about the tach right now anyway cause im building a 350 to swap in... i can deal with it bein wrong for awhile untill i get the money up for the the rest of the parts for the swap
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie, PA
Car: 1987 Trans AM
Engine: 355 4-bolt, L98 heads, Holley 650DP
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9-bolt
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I just picked up an 87 trans am. The stock cluster only goes up to 85mph. I also have an 86 that I'm parting out that has a 140mph cluster. Will the 140 work in the new one? The 140mph is electronic. The 85mph one is electronic also.
Last edited by instaldave; Aug 24, 2011 at 12:56 PM.
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie, PA
Car: 1987 Trans AM
Engine: 355 4-bolt, L98 heads, Holley 650DP
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9-bolt
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
I swapped out the gauge cluster in my 87 from a 85mph to a 140mph. No problems at all. Works perfectly. Only thing I had to do was roll the odometer to match the miles of the one I removed.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 9
From: Lynden WA
Car: 84 Trans Am, 84 Fiero, 86 944
Engine: 5.0, 2.5, 2.5
Transmission: 5spd
Re: Gauge Cluster Swap???
cool.......i'll head to the junkyard and get that speedo sometime then, guy said he'd save it for me, its in a box on the shelf
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ambainb
Camaros for Sale
11
Apr 25, 2016 09:21 PM










