Whatup, I posted this in the newbs section being that Im one of em, and that this is prolly a really simple question. But being that no one replied to it since yesterday and a tach seems to be at the center of performance, here it is.
Ive got a 95 base cavalier, automatic.... no tachometer Ive seen a couple of aftermarket tachometers that hook up to the ignition system i think via the coil packs.
My question is how is a stock 95 cavalier tach ( say a z24 manual ) hooked up? is it through the ignition system, or some other method somehow tied to the engine.
I honestaly don't know the answer to your question but I can say this...
You can swap a z24 cluster into your car so you can get a tach. The only thing you would need to to is transfer over your odo tumblers (easy) and reset the passlock system (again real easy)
You can also install one of those monster tach on your dash if you want, you just need a tach adapter...
Even easier... 95 has no Passlock.
There's a green/white wire that has "pulses" for the tach. It comes off the PCM.. I believe it runs to the cluster, as well as the radio (for the speed controlled volume feature).
But yeah, you can swap in a 95-98'ish cluster with a tach, and it will work just fine.
Out of curiousity... why do you want a tach for an automatic? Assuming you have the 4 speed (instead of the 3 speed slug), you're better off just leaving it in drive, and pegging the gas to the floor. The computer shifts at practically redline as it is... so you're not going to accomplish any greater acceleration by shifting it manually. Also downshifting is harder on the transmission than just using the brakes instead.... and brakes are WAY cheaper, and MUCH easier to change
Actually I do have the 3 speed slug
but I want to know what my engine is doing at certain rpms, cause tryin to tell from the speedometer... unheard of! Also Im thinking about swapping for a manual, ( thats a whole other set of research for me ).
Also bear in mind that I just started this "auto enthusiast" stuff ( but I love it! ) and Im tryin to learn everything i can!
BTW Lenko, I have an RSM intake, MSD coil packs, and Accell 8mm wires, Ive noticed that when im at around 70, if i squeeze the petal ( not enough for the boost to kick in ) It seems like I have better acceleration than with the boost. Also, that boost seems like a lotta noise and a little extra power.
Lenko, John Lenko wrote:Even easier... 95 has no Passlock.
Out of curiousity... why do you want a tach for an automatic? Assuming you have the 4 speed (instead of the 3 speed slug), you're better off just leaving it in drive, and pegging the gas to the floor. The computer shifts at practically redline as it is... so you're not going to accomplish any greater acceleration by shifting it manually. Also downshifting is harder on the transmission than just using the brakes instead.... and brakes are WAY cheaper, and MUCH easier to change
The biggest thing is to keep the RPMs at launch consistant. The RPMs can vary depending on what Torque Converter you have.
York, heres a post that might give you a new outlook on the
3T40/TH125C 3 speed automatic.
Okay, so let me get this straight...I have a 97 2.2 manual without a tach. All I have to do is swap in a Z24 gauge cluster and the Tach will work fine? Just plug it in?
this has been plaguing me since i got my car not having a tach. I don't want to buy an expensive honker to put on my dash, and all the other stuff that goes with it (tach adapter).
So is that all i really have to do to have a stock like tach?
Also, I may be mistaken but isn't the sunfire cluster a direct swap also, As I believe all sunfires' had tachs.
Thats correct..all sunfires have tachs, Hears another question tho. Will a cluster from a 2000 + fit in his 95? I have a 99 and im looking to do this so I figured id ask...hehe.
Andrew Szabo wrote:Okay, so let me get this straight...I have a 97 2.2 manual without a tach. All I have to do is swap in a Z24 gauge cluster and the Tach will work fine? Just plug it in?
Yes. That's all you have to do. It doesn't even have to be a Z24... any 95-98'ish cluster with a tach will work. From what I've seen most automatics come with a tach, most 5 speed 2.2's don't. Quite backwards, but that's GM for ya.
Oh, btw.. once you swap the clusters.. do this:
http://www.j-body.org/faq//98/
...j
EnviouZ wrote:Also, I may be mistaken but isn't the sunfire cluster a direct swap also, As I believe all sunfires' had tachs.
95-99 Sunfire clusters will not swap with 95-99 Cavalier clusters. They have different wiring and are physically different in size and shape.
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