Do the Auto Meter electric speedometers just plug into the tranny or do I still need a VSS? I have a T56 and the SGI 5 box is a PIS. I want to put auto meter gauges in and get that programmable one. I just need to know how it is hooked up. I will be having the VSS signal in the ECM deleted when I have a custom chip burnt for me if the gauge doesnt need it

 

It needs an electric VSS sender in the tranny.

Here is a shot when I was wiring up all the gauges in my friends 82 T/A.

 

so doenst the t56 have a VSS already in the tailshaft of it

 

Yes it does, if it wasn't removed.

 

I love mine. It works right off the factory VSS with no need for a buffer box. I really need to post a pic of my gauge setup. It's sweet.

 

TKO, what trans are you running? I am runing the T%^. I dont know if it matters or not though. The directions state that the speedo has an OUT terminal that goes to the ECM. the VSS wire that was plugged into the cluster will now go into the OUT terminal on the pseedo. IS this needed or what? What exaclty is the buffer box or whatever doing for me and where is it located on my car? My gauge is on backorder right now so I can only go off the directions on Auto Meters site.

 

I'm running a T56.

If you had an electronic speedo from the factory I would suggest following the instructions given by Autometer. I had a mechanical one, so all my wiring is brand new. Your ECM still needs information from the VSS, so it sounds logical that this wire should be connected to the new speedo.

A buffer box is what people use to run a stock 3rd gen electronic speedo with a T56 VSS. The singals used by the speedo and generated by the VSS are different, so the buffer box just converts the VSS signal into a signal that the speedo can recognize. I think the cars with electric speedos also have a factory buffer box. This is how GM was able to use 1 VSS sender and calibrate it to a bunch of different rear gear ratios and tire sizes.

 

well, doesnt the Auto Meter speedo act as a buffer box, I mean it says it is programable. I just dont want the SES light coming on for not detecting a VSS signal. The last time it came on, the car shut off when I pushed the clutch in. That not too safe and it is annoying. I will try and see what happens I guess when I connect it up in a few weeks. Thanks for the info though

 

i need to know if the auto meter gauges needs any special setup too or just does it get wired into the factory harness

 

The speedo doesn't need any special setup. It reads the same signal style and rate as a factory 4th gen VSS.

It doesn't act like a buffer box. If you tried to connect it to a 3rd gen VSS it wouldn't work properly.

It can be calibrated for rear gear ratio or tire size changes. You press a button and start the car. Then press the button again. Drive a know distance of 2 miles. Stop the car and then press the button again. That's it.

 

So, then I should be all set if Iwired it up to the VSS plug coming from the T56 right? ground one wire off the plug and connect the other to the signal on the speedo. take the VSS wire that use to go to the gauge cluster and connect it to the OUT on the gauge. I know I already asked this but I want to make sure before I go and fry a $200 gauge. One thing I did notice with my old setup(SGI-5) was that when it wasnt connected, my car idled lower. I just want this new gauge setup t work perfect for th emoney I spent on it.

Where is the buffer box on my car now. I use to have a T5 in it. If its not on the T5 and its still somewhere in the car, then can I just cut it of the harness and reconnect the wire(s)?

 

The wiring is just as you mentioned it.

As far as the stock buffer box I'm not sure. I'm jsut going on things I've heard over the years. I converted from an automatic, so this wasn't an issue with me, and because I had a mechanical speedo originally. I would check a wiring diagram for the car and see if there is a box inline with the VSS wire. If there is just track down the box and splice around it.

 

If I am not mistaken, there is no buffer box on the newer cars, after 89. ECM takes care of that in 90-92 cars.
This is what the buffer box looks like,

 

Thank you Zepher. Just out of curiousity, where is that located in your car?

 

Mine was located right behind the pass side dash, on the other side of the dash pouch on the birds.