Analog VS. digital Question

[Wannagofast83]

I have a glow gauge set that won't fit over the tach, I think that it might be for a silvia. I was thinking that I would get a different set but I have the HUD version of the cluster and there arn't very many kits for it. So I was thinking that if I got one of the analog sets I could use the tach from that set with the other parts that I have but I want to make sure that it will fit. Doe's anyone know if the analog and the HUD versions of the Tachometer are the same size. I measured my tach and it is 4.25 across and 3.75 high.Please help meany input would be apprecatedthanks,michael

Picture to help:

Modified by Wannagofast83 at 5:08 PM 3/5/2005

Modified by Wannagofast83 at 5:09 PM 3/5/2005

Modified by Wannagofast83 at 5:10 PM 3/5/2005
Modified by Wannagofast83 at 11:35 AM 3/7/2005

[Wannagofast83]

what it looks like, broke the needle to get inNoticed that the redline is wrong, isn't it?

[Wannagofast83]

No one has an analog tach that they can measure?? Come on guys, help me out!!!

[masticatingcow]

The analog tach is slightly larger than the digital tach. You can make an analog tach fit a digital cluster (with scissors) but not the other way around. Also, be sure you are sourcing a SOHC cluster, because the DOHC tachs don't read the SOHC signal.

The glow gauge shows a 7000 RPM redline because it was designed to go over the DOHC tach. The DOHC (DE) engines supposedly rev higher, but whatever. You know your engine's redline, so the tach doesn't have to.

And one more thing, the JDM S13 Silvias and 180SXs are pretty much the same on their top trim levels... except that one has a trunk and fixed lights while the other has a hatch and flip-ups. With the occasional exception of optional hardware (i.e. the digital cluster), they are 99% identical.

[Wannagofast83]

Thank you!!!!

[Wannagofast83]

Also the one I have won't go over the needle, will the analog fit over??

[masticatingcow]

I'm not sure what you mean by fitting over the needle. Isn't that your car pictured above? It looks like it fits fine. Anyway, if it helps, the analog needle is a few millimeters longer than the digital one.

[Wannagofast83]

The picture above is my car but I broke the needle getting it in. The hole on the overlay seems too small. Can i trim the back of it? I'll scan it to show what the back of it looks like, if it will help. I can see the places where gauges glow.

[masticatingcow]

From what I've heard, you have to kind of wiggle them on in a funny way. I don't know if the analog tach will serve you any better, but hell, if you're okay with cutting your glow gauges, that's probably the easiest way to go.

[Wannagofast83]

With a little wiggle and trimming I got it on the test gauge!! Next I'll try it with the good gauge in my car.Thanks for all your help!!

[masticatingcow]

No problem man, enjoy!

[Wannagofast83]

Bring up a new problem with an old one,

I got the overlays in my car but the tach is kinda choppy. It moves in sperts. Did i bend the needle getting it in, or it kinda looks like maybe the over lay might be in the way. Is there a way(if you think that it will help) to cut the old display off. It seems that when I put the cover on it might even make it bubble up and hold the needle back untill it gets up enough power to move it. what do you think, I have a video from my dig camera but it is too big to post, i can try to zip it to make it smaller or email it to you to help see the problem.thanks

[masticatingcow]

I don't know what you mean by "cutting the old display off." The stock tach is pretty straightforward, and I don't think there's one single piece you can get rid of. I mean, the three screws that hold it to the instrument cluster are the positive and negative terminals, as well as the input for the tach signal. My advice is that you try and smooth the cover out as best you can without screwing around with the stock tach underneath. Also, check to make sure your needle isn't dragging on the cover material. That could also cause the sporatic movement. I know because in my old truck, I replaced my speedometer needle with a toothpick, and since the toothpick was a smidge heavier, it eventually kept getting caught on the gauge face.

[Wannagofast83]

the part I want to cut off is the old rpm piece underneath the overlay(black one, the one thats above that I measured, "tachs.jpg"). Do you think that if I put some packing tape around the hole and make it nice and tight, it would help. Ill take a closier look this weekend.thanks

[amolao]

If you forced the overlay over the needle there is a good chance that is broken....the Tach needle seems to be a lot more delicate than the MPH one. It doesnt take much,if its not catching on anything them the little shaft that holds the needle cracked under pressure....Believe me, it happened to me...