Which tachometer to use?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Madison Wisconsin
Which tachometer to use?
I need some advice please on what I should do with my tachometer on my 71 which I think was working ok before I tore the car down 2 years ago. I want to use a HEI distributer on my new engine and I can get a mechanical drive HEI tach from Dragonfire for $119 which seems like a pretty good deal. Or should I go with a regular HEI distributor and switch over my mechanical tach to a electronic tach which as near as I can tell may cost me $160 or more by sending it to one of the Corvette instrument shops. I want to know what other forum members have done.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
If the mechanical tach is already installed I would just get the tach drive HEI for the lower cost and you won't have to change anything over.
I think the electric tach is probably a little bit more accurate so if you don't mind the extra cost, effort, and wiring, you could go that route with a new electric tach.
I think the electric tach is probably a little bit more accurate so if you don't mind the extra cost, effort, and wiring, you could go that route with a new electric tach.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Madison Wisconsin
Some people have say that thier mechanical tach needle bounces but I have not seen that on my tach. It seems it would just be easier to install than new distributor than sending out my tach to be coveted to a electronic one.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
I converted my tach to an electronic one. I did have a small issue when shifting through the gears at 6500 rpm the needle was not to steady. With the electronic one it is rock solid. I had a forum member here convert my tach for about 150. Plus no more cable to worry about. I run a MSD dist and it was a lot cheaper without the tach drive. Just another thought to think about.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Madison Wisconsin
I converted my tach to an electronic one. I did have a small issue when shifting through the gears at 6500 rpm the needle was not to steady. With the electronic one it is rock solid. I had a forum member here convert my tach for about 150. Plus no more cable to worry about. I run a MSD dist and it was a lot cheaper without the tach drive. Just another thought to think about.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I just talked to All ignition and it seems that their distributor is not the 7 pin GM unit I need but a universal type. I need the 7 pin one for my fuel injection ECU to be able to adjust the timing. So the best way now for me to go is to convert the tach to a electronic unit Gordonm do you remember who converted your tach for you?
