2nd Gen Fbody Gauges

[Blackbirdws6]

As some may know, my Dad has a 81 TA with a LS/TH350 that will need some work. We have a complete set of electric autometer gauges that will go into the car.

My big question is wiring. I'd think it would be best to avoid using any of the factory stuff and run all new power/ground/signal wires for everything. The signal wires for many of the sensors would be new anyway since there isn't a point to repinning or redoing the factory harness to accommodate the different gauge and sensor. The only item working/connected is the tach and maybe the speedometer.

For water temp, I'm replacing the sensor at the front of the drivers side head with one that will work with the new gauge. Oil will get another specific fitting behind the intake to replace the current LS sensor. Volts should be simple and come off the alternator so that leaves me with tach and speed. I've read the instructions and believe this shouldn't be too terrible.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[WildBillyT]

I'm going to be doing this in the winter for the Nova, and I'm planning on new connections for everything. I don't like or trust the factory stuff.

Oh, and designing it to be easily removable if there's an issue is probably a good idea.

Is he ever planning on going to an OD trans?

[Blackbirdws6]

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

I'm going to be doing this in the winter for the Nova, and I'm planning on new connections for everything. I don't like or trust the factory stuff.

Oh, and designing it to be easily removable if there's an issue is probably a good idea.

Is he ever planning on going to an OD trans?

That's what I was thinking (new connections/wires) as most of this will be fresh components.

The paint quality will determine how much more $ will go into the car. If it's a "show stopper", higher end components will trickle in otherwise we will make it a good running/driving car and call it a day. For now, we will use the trans we have but could consider one with OD depending on where this thing spins on the highway. I believe the rear is like a 3.09 or something.

[LTb1ow]

Make it serviceable and draw yourself a schematic as you go. Isolated grounds and isolated power feeds are something that will make you very happy later on when you have to remove items from circuit.

If you can swing molex connectors or weatherpack stuff, def do it. Otherwise, simple ring connectors and terminal strips are cheap and easy.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

That's what I was thinking (new connections/wires) as most of this will be fresh components.

The paint quality will determine how much more $ will go into the car. If it's a "show stopper", higher end components will trickle in otherwise we will make it a good running/driving car and call it a day. For now, we will use the trans we have but could consider one with OD depending on where this thing spins on the highway. I believe the rear is like a 3.09 or something.

Only reason I ask is because now's the time for an electronic speedo drive vs. mechanical. If he retrofits a T56 he'll have to change gauges. Or just get a GPS speedo now.

[LTb1ow]

Might as well fall on down the rabbit hole
https://www.leashelectronics.com/Spo...rd-SWB2012.htm

Order up a ton of txl wire and weather pack connections. Few spools of loom and we can get it down in a day

[Blackbirdws6]

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

Only reason I ask is because now's the time for an electronic speedo drive vs. mechanical. If he retrofits a T56 he'll have to change gauges. Or just get a GPS speedo now.

All of the gauges are electric but I need to see how they setup the speedo.

Originally Posted by LTb1ow

Might as well fall on down the rabbit hole
https://www.leashelectronics.com/Spo...rd-SWB2012.htm

Order up a ton of txl wire and weather pack connections. Few spools of loom and we can get it down in a day

That is a nice board. Good thing about old cars is well, it's all pretty basic.

[TaKid455]

Dont ugly it up with the autometer stuff. You can use the factory stuff with some tweaks. I've done it. Give me a shout.