New Tachometer

[Formula 40PC]

I am wanting to add a tach to my dash and I am trying to determine if I should go stock or aftermarket. I am going to build an entire new dash because of a PO that got ahold of a saw and cut out for a new stereo so I have the option of going with whatever I want. Just looking for creative and knowledgeable feedback.

 

[Belizean]

Mine didn't start life with a tac. I added 1 and it lasted about 28 years and I just put a new VDO tac in about 2 years ago. I like it pretty well. Only 2 1/8" but that is all I need. I placed it just right of the steering column above the wipers indicater light

 

[djnineball]

i got one with my new speedhut gauges but if i had the option i would pass the next time. this isn't a fast vehicle so no real need (for me) to look at a tach as i won't be coming close to redlining it.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

A tach is something that should be in any manual tranny vehicle.
LG

 

[djnineball]

A tach is something that should be in any manual tranny vehicle.
LG

maybe for beginner drivers my ears and brain tell me when i need to shift. never had one any of my bikes until the last year or two either.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Your ears don't tell you much when your engine is drowned out by nearby engines.
Tell pro race car drivers that they don't need a tach in their cars-
With gear noise etc. on the trail a tach is good to have in a Jeep.
BTW-I'm far from a 'beginner driver' LOL
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

A tach. is nice to have for a several reasons. Naturally to keep from doing harm to your engine. A good tach will make tuning easier. I know some will say that a dash tach. isn't accurate enough for a tuning tool, but mine allows properly setting the idle RPM's used for most timing and idle speed jets. However what I use mine for is a speedometer check. Using a GPS to find the RPM's at certain speeds. With a tach. to aid your speedometer it's easier to keep yourself out of trouble.

As djnineball said knowing your engine will make a tach less useful. For instance, my engine pulls hard until ~4200rpm's then it falls flat on it's face. I'm using 4400 as a redline so before the engine hits that level I already know it or have shifted higher. Since we are rolling at 65mph at 2400rpm's getting to 44 0r even 4200 is very unlikely.

 

[Torxhead]

A tach is a great addition, another would be a mechanical temp gauge, which could also be added as a backup to the electrical one. I have already replaced mine a couple of times, but the last time it went bad, was not at a good place on the trail.

 

[Belizean]

You guys are going to have a tuff time reasoning with anybody that has a skull for a gear shift knob ��

 

[Hedgehog]

I understand the humor there. I could add something about a gas pedal shaped like a foot. But really, the skull thing is very popular and there was a time (in the '70's) when the bare foot pedal was very popular. The skull is nice and smooth just like a shift ball. In a way it is kinda cool. In some cultures, Mexico for example the skull is big time good luck. I'll never fully understand it though.

One thing for sure. I'm like'n the fancy ribbed dash panel. that thing is VERY cool.

 

[Belizean]

HH I have a heavy chrome shift ball on the Dana 300 and know the foot pedal well. I grew up below da border also and remember the skull joke well. Couple in Mexico visit small shop and see a skull in display case and are told it is Pancho Villas. They end up buying it. They go back to the shop a couple years later and there is another skull in the display case again only this time it is smaller. Sign saying it's Pancho Villa's skull and the couple asks how that could be since they had already purchased it. They are told " That is Pancho's when he was a small boy

 

[djnineball]

don't get me wrong, tachs have their place. in my track car the tach is not only the biggest gauge it is right in the middle of the dash. in that car i never even look at the speedo and live by the tach.

my cj, not so much. ears are all that is needed. i suppose i could see the argument when on the trails but even then i there is so much other stuff to watch that my ears would tell me when/if i had to shift.

and the skull and foot pedal have transferred from one toy to the next over the years, plus they look really cool in the jeep. the dash panel was added to make it a little nicer looking inside, and apparently it worked you can find it here:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/24007_31X_PG.htm

without the radio cutout:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/24007_30X_PG.htm

 

[Lumpy Grits]

As one ages-One 'looses', ones ears.
I prefer to have an instrument I cant trust.

LG

 

[Peanut Butter]

You guys are going to have a tuff time reasoning with anybody that has a skull for a gear shift knob ��

I was thinking the same thing!