Maybe this is a dumb question, but can you use any aftermarket tach on the distributorless ignitions? And also, does anyone know if you can swap a facotry gauge cluster without a tach for one with a tach and make it work?

 

I have a '98 with 4.6 and 5 speed but no tach. This just wouldn't do for me. I installed an Autometer tach on the steering column, ran the wires, but didn't know where to pick up tach signal. I then took it to the dealer and asked them to hook up the signal wire. They spliced into one (the corect one) of the fifty wires running along the left side of the engine compartment near the fire wall. The splice was done well, and they didn't charge much. I have had no trouble. I'm sure you could replace the entire gauge cluster, but for me I was satisfied with less hassle and less money. If you go through the old posts, you will find folks talking about getting tach signal. I beleive they said signal could be obtained following the wire from pin 'P-45' right out of the computer. If you spend time going through old posts, you should be able to find it. I think it was in electrical forum.

I will tell you this much. When I installed my Autometer, my local dealership didn't know anything about it and gave me no help at all - said it couldn't be done (meaning they didn't want to fool with it. The dealership twenty minutes away which I do trust got right on it, didn't b*tch, got me fixed up, and made a happy customer). There are several routes to go depending on how much time and money you want to invest. Hope this helps.

 

Peddler1000,

if you do not mind me asking...how much did the dealer charge you to splice that wire and hook it up for you? if you do not want to answere me here on the forum i would really appreciate and email. my email address is hocy4life@hotmail.com

thanks a lot

 

I installed a 2 5/8" Autometer tach. in one of their "gauge pods" which attaches to the a-pillar. Very clean. Also as far as wiring goes, if I'm not mistaken, after '98 or '99 there isn't a tach. pick-up wire on the computer anymore. You could call Autometer's tech. dept. to verify this.