Instrument cluster questions
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Instrument cluster questions
I just picked up an 86 Camaro with the Lg4 V8 and T5. The instrument cluster in it at the moment has an 85 MPH speedo. The tach reads wau too high, and as far as I can tell only the voltmeter gauge works.
But the car also came with a 110 MPH cluster and a 140 MPH cluster.
So my questions are...
1. Is this the correct gauge cluster for this car? Or should it have the 110 MPH cluster?
2. Will the 140 MPH cluster work without any major modification?
3. Is the speedometer tied to the rear end ratio? Or is there a different gear needed in the transmission if one of these clusters came from a car with a different rear end?
4. Based on threads I have seen it seems like dying clusters is common. Any easy fixes besides a new board?
I promise I'm doing research but I want to get it runnkng well and know what's its doing so I can start enjoying it while I fix it up.
Current cluster
140 MPH cluster
Back of 140 MPH cluster
110 MPH cluster
Back of 110 MPH cluster, makes me think this is the original cluster
Back of 110 MPH cluster
But the car also came with a 110 MPH cluster and a 140 MPH cluster.
So my questions are...
1. Is this the correct gauge cluster for this car? Or should it have the 110 MPH cluster?
2. Will the 140 MPH cluster work without any major modification?
3. Is the speedometer tied to the rear end ratio? Or is there a different gear needed in the transmission if one of these clusters came from a car with a different rear end?
4. Based on threads I have seen it seems like dying clusters is common. Any easy fixes besides a new board?
I promise I'm doing research but I want to get it runnkng well and know what's its doing so I can start enjoying it while I fix it up.
Current cluster
140 MPH cluster
Back of 140 MPH cluster
110 MPH cluster
Back of 110 MPH cluster, makes me think this is the original cluster
Back of 110 MPH cluster
#2
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Car: 1985 Chevy Camaro Sport Coupe
Engine: Chevy 350 w/ Vortec heads
Transmission: 700R-4
Axle/Gears: Stock 2.73
Re: Instrument cluster questions
From what I know, all thrid gen gauge clusters are "plug and play", meaning they can be swapped around (assuming you have the right sending units on the engine). My guess is that your car originally had one of the others and something didn't work, so they put that one in temporarily. I have an 85, and it also has the 85mph one. About the tach reading too high, it might be the connection between the cluster and the tach wire on the distributor. You can just take it out and put in another one, it should connect right up.
Last edited by Moonan55; 12-08-2018 at 10:12 PM.
#3
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Re: Instrument cluster questions
Yes, you can use any cluster, and you can plug any gauge into any of the clusters. ....so no, the speedo is not tied to the rear gear.
....as for the tach, that's also common. There's a member who sells new boards for the back of the tach. Not only are they new, but they can be calibrated if they're not exact. I'm actually getting ready to purchase one because mine is way off too. His username is gcj280.
....as for the tach, that's also common. There's a member who sells new boards for the back of the tach. Not only are they new, but they can be calibrated if they're not exact. I'm actually getting ready to purchase one because mine is way off too. His username is gcj280.
#5
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Re: Instrument cluster questions
It is for cruise control,I think it is called a cruise control speed buffer sensor.
#6
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Instrument cluster questions
the clusters are not all the same. the indicator lights along the bottom can be specific to different models and the installed bulbs may be in differing locations. the LG4, for example, will have a choke light indicator and a bulb installed in that position. an automatic may have a shift light indicator but no bulb installed.
the speedos will interchange with no other changes needed. they all get the same mechanical signal (no of revs per mile)
the tach will be specific to a V6 or V8, the V6 tachs I've run across have an oil pressure gage that reads to 80. not sure if that's universal though. the tachs will fail high and can be re-built by a member here.
looks like you acquired a 140 speedo. it should swap right in to whichever cluster you use. good deal.
the speedos will interchange with no other changes needed. they all get the same mechanical signal (no of revs per mile)
the tach will be specific to a V6 or V8, the V6 tachs I've run across have an oil pressure gage that reads to 80. not sure if that's universal though. the tachs will fail high and can be re-built by a member here.
looks like you acquired a 140 speedo. it should swap right in to whichever cluster you use. good deal.
#7
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Instrument cluster questions
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Last edited by NoEmissions84TA; 12-08-2018 at 07:28 PM. Reason: mistake
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