Hello everyone I need some information on low cost gauge cluster upgrades for my Firebird.
I'm asking because my bird has the basic of basic gauge cluster setups

(Pic borrowed from a member of this forum)
I want to add a tachometer and a couple of temperature gauges,however I can't afford a complete dash swap nor have the knowledge to do so. out of those 12 smaller gauges which ones actually mean something and which ones are 100% useless,and if so can I replace those with aftermarket gauges seen on more higher optioned 3rd gens

 

You probably just need to swap the cluster and bezel. You may need to refer to the pin outs on the back of what you have now, and what you end up replacing it with so that they work properly.
Here are some pics of the bezels so you can see the difference. I don't have any pics of the clusters but you can easily find them by searching google etc.
There are also examples of after-market clusters on this site that you can find by searching.

 

If I do this method will I be able to wire a tachometer and other gauges to my car even though they didn't come with one from the factory?

 

The wiring should be there for the gauges, but the sensors on the engine etc. would need to be changed because the outputs are different. If your profile is correct, you'll need a tachometer for a V6, and I'm not sure if your speedometer is mechanical so you would need to find that out as well. There are minor differences in clusters over the years and also between auto or manual transmissions (Ie. shift indicator). You would also need the pin outs for each cluster to know if you need to make any changes before swapping them. You'll need to do this research to learn what you need/want so you can make an accurate purchase. Say if you want a higher MPH speedometer or if you're looking to swap to a V8 later on etc.

Here is a thread that should show what's involved, but you need to identify what you have and what you need to do for yours.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...e-cluster.html

Here is what's involved swapping to after-market gauges.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...revisited.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...tom-gauge.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ch-speedo.html

 

Thanks for the links after thinking about it I'm probably gonna do something similar to this 3rd gen

 

You're welcome. Yep, that works too. After-market gauges are typically more accurate as well.

 

I went the aftermarket route for my gauges, but I have a Camaro. The gauges themselves are really not difficult to wire up, you will just need the wiring diagram for your particular year and model. The writeup that I did another (older Camaro) member also chimed in with how he did his. Might be worth reading before you start your project.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...i-made-my.html