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Issues swapping my speedometer

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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 09:34 AM
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Default Issues swapping my speedometer

I am in the process of replacing the stock 85 MPH speedometer (81 vette) with a 140 MPH speedometer out of a 78-79 vette. i took the tach speedometer cluster apart only to find a set of wires going to the back of the speedometer. i looked in the service manual that i have and discovered that they are actually the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). the question i have is the following, i want to do the speedo swap but i do not want to disable the lock up converter in the trans. is this possible and if so how? is there and aftermarket VSS that can be mounted in some other part?
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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 02:22 PM
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Yes Sir: You can have your Speedometer refaced to either 140 or 160 an reinstall it. But the lock up converter can be hook up with a switch at your finger tips. The 81 & 82 had the first computers. Some one I'm sure has traced the wiring out on one of these. I'm going to listen in on this Thread. Have a great day. Gene
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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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Where is Willcox ?
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Old Nov 15, 2009 | 12:57 AM
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Thanks Gene. looks like i will have to sell the speedo that i just bought.
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Old Nov 15, 2009 | 01:50 AM
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I believe the stock vss is a 2000 PPM square wave unit.

You can get an inline type that threads onto the transmission speedo output, then the cable threads into it for $50 or so. I used one of these in a TPI conversion I did years ago - worked great. I believe the application I used was a Chrysler of some sort. I ended up purchasing online from a speedo shop.

I believe older Taxi's also used this type of sensor for their meters.

Last edited by 86atc250r; Nov 15, 2009 at 02:12 AM.
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Old Nov 15, 2009 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by larryg3
I am in the process of replacing the stock 85 MPH speedometer (81 vette) with a 140 MPH speedometer out of a 78-79 vette. i took the tach speedometer cluster apart only to find a set of wires going to the back of the speedometer. i looked in the service manual that i have and discovered that they are actually the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). the question i have is the following, i want to do the speedo swap but i do not want to disable the lock up converter in the trans. is this possible and if so how? is there and aftermarket VSS that can be mounted in some other part?
Larry,

Send both to me and I'll swap the face for you and calibrate your old speedo to the new face.


Willcox

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Nov 16, 2009 at 07:54 PM.
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Old Nov 15, 2009 | 09:39 PM
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thanks guys for the advice. I will take willcox up on the offer.
Willcox please send me instructions for the shipping and i will send them both to you.
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 07:56 PM
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Willcox Inc. c/o Service
123 E. Maple Street
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130.

Willcox
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Old Nov 18, 2009 | 11:22 PM
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i will take the stock speedo out this week end and send out next monday thanks
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Old Nov 18, 2009 | 11:30 PM
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I have instructions on my site if you need to see how the speedo comes out.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=146

Willcox
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Old Nov 18, 2009 | 11:53 PM
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great thanks i am sure that will help just one question how do i disconnect the VSS from the speedo?
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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Wilcox, i just wanted to say thanks. You guys did a great job. it took me longer to get the speedo out of the box than it did to install it. I was happy it was a nice day so i was able to take the car out and test the speedo. It is spot on. thanks again. Great price great service cannot ask for more.
here is a pic

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Old Dec 5, 2009 | 09:05 PM
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Thanks Larry...

Glad you like it.. Pretty sure Vic calibrated the other head to match the other face too!

So now you have one you can sell.

Willcox
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Old Dec 5, 2009 | 09:29 PM
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yes he did!!! again thanks a lot!! You guys really knock it out of the park!!!
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