Factory gauges with a LS swap.

[t72ss402]

I am getting ready to start my LS6/4L80E swap into my 1972 Chevelle. I want to run original style "SS" dash and gauges. Has anyone done this? Is it easy to wire up? You know all the other questions that would go along with this.

Thanks Tim.

[garys 68]

I did factory style gauges in my 68 corvette, but went aftermarket in my 72 442.
Mechanical speedo will be a problem if your 4L80 doesn't have a mechanical output. Cable X makes a box, but it's about $300.
The electronic tach can be used if you tell your programmer to set it for 8 cylinder operation.
Speedway motors sells the metric to NPT adapter for your oil pressure line and the temp boss on the passenger side head. If your temp sender is larger, you can tap the drivers side metric brass block plug for 1/2" NPT and use an appropriate size reducer.
Not sure if you have a "Gen" light or volt gauge, but they can be made to work pretty easily.

[CarlC]

If you want to keep the stock look of the speedometer, IMO, the best way to do it is to have the gauge reworked to accept signals from the ECM.

Here's mine reworked by Redline Gaugeworks. I had them add a Check Engine light as well. They also reworked the tachometer. Both work perfectly, unlike some of the cable-driven options out there.

[t72ss402]

Carl I really like it. If you dont mind me asking exactly what did it cost to have them rework your old speedo?

Thanks Tim.

[t72ss402]

I have not got any of the stuff yet, I am going to look at a Monte carlo dash setup today. Not really sure what it has as far as gauges or dummy lights. I have found a really cool right up on www.chevelles.com titled "How to build a custom SS dash" but on the right up I cant get any of the pics to up load.

Thanks Tim.

[garys 68]

That is a nice looking gauge swap. I found an electric tach that had the same sweep as my 68 corvette mechanical tach and swapped the guts. Fortunately, I had the spare tach sitting on my shelf to compare.
BTW, there are companies that sell a tailstock and output shaft that allow use of a mechanical speedo in a 4L80. They're about $500 though.
My tach conversion.

[t72ss402]

Man the factory gauges are just so cool looking. Gary thanks for your help.

[garys 68]

Oh, if you do go with aftermarket gauges, check out this link for indicator lights.
I found these right after I put my 442 dash in with generic leds....doh!
http://www.snakebite.com.au/logodash...ach-p-494.html

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Hey Gary - what's the diameter of those lights?

[NDubs68]

you can also use dakota digitals tach signal module. just used it on my buddys truck worked great

[garys 68]

No idea, like I said, I only found that link after I put in the LEDs.
But I've seen them before in Cobra kit cars. I think they're a little over 1/4".

Hey Gary - what's the diameter of those lights?

[CarlC]

I bought a VDO gauge off Ebay that had a similar sweep angle and range. Shannon at Redline gutted it, did the remounting, and calibrated it. Note that the numbers do not line up exactly with the hash marks. That was another $100 to have that re-done, but I don't notice it at all while driving. If memory serves the conversion on the speedo was around $350 but getting a quote from Redline is the best way to know for sure.

The nice thing about the swap is that it all fits like factory, most don't even notice that it has the digital odometer, and it works flawlessly. No jumpy needle, no cable through the floor, no box under the seat. Is it expensive? That's a matter of perspective. I think it's worth it to have a stock appearing modern gauge that has no compromises.