Can I install an after market tach on a 1997 F150, 4.2L V6? I know they don't have the old coil/distributor setup anymore. I looked at one and couldn't figure out where to connect the 'green tach wire' that used to be on the coil in the old days. Thanks.

 

I would like to know this answer too. as I will soon add a tach.

Thanx
Toan

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1999 F150 XL 4x2 regular cab Styleside 4.2L v6
Amazon Green with 5 speed

 

Yes, you *can* install an aftermarket tachometer! And most of them will be more accurate than your factory tach. If you will look in the section of hte message boards titled "Other Aftermarket", I think it is, there is a thread that's been there for a long time, about installing aftermarket tachs. You might want to take a look there to see if that helps you. Also, take a look at both Jeg's and Summit racing's catalogs or web sites, there are tons of tachs to choose from. Jeg's web site is at: www.jegs.com, and Summit is at: www.summitracing.com, I think.

You can do it!

Good luck guys,

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

I found the following in a past post. I followed the directions and it worked.
>snip
The Helm manual does have the info and it's more than a bit expensive. I'll save you the time and money:

The electrical manual shows a pin-48 from the PCM labeled "Tachometer". It's on a 104-pin connector and is identified as "W/PK" which is probably white/pink. This wire then goes to pin 9 on a 40-pin connector on the firewall to the right (when looking at the engine-compartment side of the firewall from the front of the truck) of the power-brake assembly. There are three connectors there, C158 is the top one. On the inside of the cab (up under the dash somewhere) this white/pink wire goes to pin 12 on the instrument cluster. This wire from the C158 connector to the instrument cluster should be the one to connect to. Of course, you also need to connect power and ground to the tach.

 

Congratulations! Another example of hte value of F150online, I love it!

Glad to hear you got your answer. Just out of curiosity, what kind of tach did you install?

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

Nothing fancy, it's a Sunpro Mini 8000rpm. I didn't want to punch any holes in my dash or steering column so I came up with an unusual place to mount it. I used a longer screw to replace the stock one that holds the hood release in place, right next to the fuse box. It's solid as a rock, easy to see at a glance, and all the wires disappear into the fuse box. I should be able to remove it with no evidence it was ever there.

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1997 F150 SWB reg cab 4.2L V6, 5 speed, K&N filter, Flowmaster Exhaust

 

That's certainly unique! Nice job, and thanks for the info.

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com