Success! Transplanting a '92 LT1 Instrument Cluster in a '91 L98! Pics inside
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Success! Transplanting a '92 LT1 Instrument Cluster in a '91 L98! Pics inside
Hi all,
A while back I posted a video of my idle. One user noted that the idle was reading very high, while sounding like a lower speed. I bought a ALDL USB cable and did some datalogging with my laptop. I found that my '91 instrument cluster was reading about 2X or more higher than the actual RPM. I decided I'd rather take the chance with the cluster than try and change the tachometer filter deep in the engine bay. I researched the forums and posted a WTB and info thread. The inaccurate tach had never bothered me before, when I was oblivious to the problem. However, as soon as I became aware, I had to have it fixed!
I ended up with a '92 LT1 instrument cluster from a forum member, received it on Thursday, and just installed it last night. It took me about 3 hrs total. The new (to me) cluster is spot on. I also like that the gauges have more ticks, making it easier to guesstimate the values.
I swapped the LCD out of my '91 because I had read the LT1's display the MPH on the top, and fuel level on the bottom - this is the reverse of the '90 and '91 readings. The mileage is displaying correctly and the lights and warnings seem brighter.
I'll probably make a thread or add to this one for a DIY with all the pictures I took. It was really simple - just plug and play. No modifications were needed, excepting the LCD swap for personal preference. I also cleaned all contacts with alcohol as well as the transplant cluster gauge faces. It looks much better than the original.
Some pictures:
Rear of the new cluster (all screws in cluster are T-15):
New Cluster Lens Removed:
LT1 Cluster Face & LCD:
Removing the LT1 LCD - As easy as pulling it out (no screws):
LT1 LCD & Color Backing for turn signal/high-beams/speed:
Taking the LT1 cluster apart further for fun:
The Old L98 Cluster:
Removing the hush panel:
Hush panel light and ALDL connector disconnected:
Removing the silver panel so I can access the 2 steering wheel support bolts (15mm head, torque to 20ft-lbs) to lower the steering wheel/column:
Steering Wheel Column Support Bolts/Bracket:
Steering wheel lowered, now we can remove the 4 screws attaching the old cluster to the car:
Cluster Removed:
L98 (top), LT1 (bottom):
LCD Swapped Out, Everything else is from the LT1 cluster, except for the lens (used the original):
Installed in the car:
Video:
The beeping is the hard-wired Valentine One starting up. (Wow, I sound weird on a video )
I'm going to hook up my laptop and verify its accuracy.
-Jonathan
A while back I posted a video of my idle. One user noted that the idle was reading very high, while sounding like a lower speed. I bought a ALDL USB cable and did some datalogging with my laptop. I found that my '91 instrument cluster was reading about 2X or more higher than the actual RPM. I decided I'd rather take the chance with the cluster than try and change the tachometer filter deep in the engine bay. I researched the forums and posted a WTB and info thread. The inaccurate tach had never bothered me before, when I was oblivious to the problem. However, as soon as I became aware, I had to have it fixed!
I ended up with a '92 LT1 instrument cluster from a forum member, received it on Thursday, and just installed it last night. It took me about 3 hrs total. The new (to me) cluster is spot on. I also like that the gauges have more ticks, making it easier to guesstimate the values.
I swapped the LCD out of my '91 because I had read the LT1's display the MPH on the top, and fuel level on the bottom - this is the reverse of the '90 and '91 readings. The mileage is displaying correctly and the lights and warnings seem brighter.
I'll probably make a thread or add to this one for a DIY with all the pictures I took. It was really simple - just plug and play. No modifications were needed, excepting the LCD swap for personal preference. I also cleaned all contacts with alcohol as well as the transplant cluster gauge faces. It looks much better than the original.
Some pictures:
Rear of the new cluster (all screws in cluster are T-15):
New Cluster Lens Removed:
LT1 Cluster Face & LCD:
Removing the LT1 LCD - As easy as pulling it out (no screws):
LT1 LCD & Color Backing for turn signal/high-beams/speed:
Taking the LT1 cluster apart further for fun:
The Old L98 Cluster:
Removing the hush panel:
Hush panel light and ALDL connector disconnected:
Removing the silver panel so I can access the 2 steering wheel support bolts (15mm head, torque to 20ft-lbs) to lower the steering wheel/column:
Steering Wheel Column Support Bolts/Bracket:
Steering wheel lowered, now we can remove the 4 screws attaching the old cluster to the car:
Cluster Removed:
L98 (top), LT1 (bottom):
LCD Swapped Out, Everything else is from the LT1 cluster, except for the lens (used the original):
Installed in the car:
Video:
The beeping is the hard-wired Valentine One starting up. (Wow, I sound weird on a video )
I'm going to hook up my laptop and verify its accuracy.
-Jonathan
Last edited by janarvae; 02-07-2009 at 01:17 PM. Reason: Added youtube video
#2
Melting Slicks
Very cool indeed !!! Question: How hard was it removing the "silver panel" ? On my '94, it looks like I would have to remove tunnel carpeting to get at some botls that are recessed(ie can't be seen)
just curious.....
just curious.....
#3
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Video added to the first post - that beeping is the hard-wired V1 starting up.
-Jonathan
Last edited by janarvae; 02-07-2009 at 01:16 PM.
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Do the swap - you won't be disappointed. I just took it out for a run and realized that what I thought was redline was only 2500 RPM!!!! It was off the old tach at the same sound level/accelerator travel. Gosh, this is a corvette now.
#8
Race Director
Wow, you thought you were redlining when the motor was at 2500? Now you have a whole 3000 or so rpm to play with. No more short shifting.
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
383vett - Yea, it was - thinking I was redlining it at 2500!!! Now I truly appreciate the Corsa cat-back - its presence is more known at a true 4000 RPM...
Ramrod92- Thank you! If anyone has a need for an early Lt1 tachometer, definitely contact Ramrod92.
For those with a '90 or '91, with an inaccurate tach, I would definitely consider this swap. The LT1 has brighter lettering and more deviations in the gauges.
Thanks to everyone else for the comments,
-Jonathan
#18
Melting Slicks
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