81 to 79 speedometer swap
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: candler nc
81 to 79 speedometer swap
having an 81 , i have the 85mph speedometer in my car. i realize these were government mandated but i think it just looks WRONG! so im thinking bout swapping in an earlier model speedo like out of a 79. im sure its pretty much a direct fit but what , if anything , will i need to change to make it work? can it be as simple as changing the speedo gear in the trans?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 18
From: Monrovia Md
If you are still using the stock ECM/CCC, you cannot change the speedometer to a 79. An 81 has a speed sensor to the ECM in the back of the Speedo. There are people on the web that will take the 81 speedo and change it to a 140 or 160 MPH without effecting the Speed Sensor. I did it and it works fine!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
There is a company called redline or red line gauges that sells a ready to install speedo with the 145 mph face. You send in your speedo and they ship you another. I used them around 10 years ago and know others on this forum used them as well. I assume they are still in business. Do a google search.
C3 Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 3
Here's the site. I plan to have my 85 mph unit converted to 140 mph this winter.
http://www.redlineg.com/redlineg/Speedometers.html
http://www.redlineg.com/redlineg/Speedometers.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
having an 81 , i have the 85mph speedometer in my car. i realize these were government mandated but i think it just looks WRONG! so im thinking bout swapping in an earlier model speedo like out of a 79. im sure its pretty much a direct fit but what , if anything , will i need to change to make it work? can it be as simple as changing the speedo gear in the trans?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: candler nc
Here's the site. I plan to have my 85 mph unit converted to 140 mph this winter.
http://www.redlineg.com/redlineg/Speedometers.html
http://www.redlineg.com/redlineg/Speedometers.html
yeah thats the ticket!. thanks!
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