how do you install a shift light on a 2002
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 38
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From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
how do you install a shift light on a 2002
I am about to get my new 2002Zo6 and was wondering if anyone has installed a shift light in their C5 and how do you go about doing it. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 125
From: NY-South Florida
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (vortech)
Piiece of cake! Just get the Autometer shift light module and the Autometer 5/8" diameter shift light. This small shift light has a right angle bracket that will slip inbetween the steering column and the rubber gasket below the instrument panel (no holes!!) If you have a GM service manual you can find the white wire (tach signal) located on the bottom side of the fuse box located under the hood. Unsnap the clips that hold the top down and lift up. I think it is pin A4 on the middle section of fuse box. Just tap into this wire with the green wire from the Autometer unit. Make sure that switch the module to 4 cylinder. The LS1 ignition works with a 4 cylinder pulse. The nice thing about that small shift light is that when you are not using it you can unplug it and keep it in you glove box.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Milwaukee WI
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Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002
Or you can install a nice large light, like the MSD unit, right into the dash and have it available at all times. It is user configurable for rpm level, and VERY obvious in your peripheral vision, even in bright sunlight. When the light isnt lit, you have a hard time even telling it is there. Very functional and Very stealthy. I love it.
Here is a pic of my install, I have more pics if you want em.
Tom
Here is a pic of my install, I have more pics if you want em.
Tom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara Ca
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (9D9LS1)
FYI,
the PCM is a bit slow in reporting RPMs esp at the redline side.
Autometer sells a module that replaces the bulb ( which takes longer to lightup) with a cluster of 4 LEDS that fire up faster then the bulb does.
I made the swap and has helped in shifting before the REV limiter kicks in.
Try using the 6,200 RPM pill and then moving up by 100 RPMs till you can shift without hitting the limiter.
John
[Modified by team-zr1, 5:55 PM 8/19/2001]
the PCM is a bit slow in reporting RPMs esp at the redline side.
Autometer sells a module that replaces the bulb ( which takes longer to lightup) with a cluster of 4 LEDS that fire up faster then the bulb does.
I made the swap and has helped in shifting before the REV limiter kicks in.
Try using the 6,200 RPM pill and then moving up by 100 RPMs till you can shift without hitting the limiter.
John
[Modified by team-zr1, 5:55 PM 8/19/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (vortech)
The shift indicator is right below the 6000 RPM line on the HUD. It always gets my attention. I'd wait until you live with the stock shift indicator for awhile and see if you need more. Congrats on the new car!
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 427
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From: Lumberton TX
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (vortech)
I also understand that the shift units (moduals or tachs) must be modified to work with the lower voltage in the vette ign/ tach signal circuit? Fixed to work at something like 3-4volts?? Is there a tap on the computer cable in the car under the pass floor for the tach?? :confused:
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 435
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From: Nor*Cal
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (ZO6Bill)
The pills come in either even (6000, 6200, 6400) or odd (6100, 6300). Although redline starts at 6000 I (like many others) have set the rev limiter at 6400. My questions are, what pill should be run and what is the ideal shift point?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara Ca
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (ZO6Bill)
I also understand that the shift units (moduals or tachs) must be modified to work with the lower voltage in the vette ign/ tach signal circuit? Fixed to work at something like 3-4volts?? Is there a tap on the computer cable in the car under the pass floor for the tach?? :confused:
Thee is no connector it that's what you mean, you can spice onto the white wire that is coming out of the PCM for tach signal.
John
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara Ca
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (EMonthei)
The pills come in either even (6000, 6200, 6400) or odd (6100, 6300). Although redline starts at 6000 I (like many others) have set the rev limiter at 6400. My questions are, what pill should be run and what is the ideal shift point?
What ever your's is, I'd start with a pill that is 3 to 400 RPMs lower and experiment so that by the time the light comes on and you react, you have not hit the limiter and then swap pills till you are sure you shift before limiter bumps.
If you get a lot of wheel spin ( as I do) which would cause RPMs to spinup faster and bump, I went 400 RPMs less and was assured I miss the limiter.
John
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 435
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From: Nor*Cal
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (team-zr1)
ZR-1, Couple of questions...I'm getting confused. I thought that the factory setting for a C5 tach was between 4.5-4.8 volts while the Auto Meter products are set for a range of 5-12 volts. Are you saying that selecting the 4 cylinder (2 pulses per crankshaft revolution) corrects the voltage problem? And the other question is, for the pill selection, is the ideal shift at redline or is the ideal shift point going into the red but below the rev limiter (i.e. when the red starts at 6000 but the limiter is at 6400)? Thanks bro, I appreciate your info.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara Ca
Re: how do you install a shift light on a 2002 (EMonthei)
ZR-1, Couple of questions...I'm getting confused. I thought that the factory setting for a C5 tach was between 4.5-4.8 volts while the Auto Meter products are set for a range of 5-12 volts. Are you saying that selecting the 4 cylinder (2 pulses per crankshaft revolution) corrects the voltage problem? And the other question is, for the pill selection, is the ideal shift at redline or is the ideal shift point going into the red but below the rev limiter (i.e. when the red starts at 6000 but the limiter is at 6400)? Thanks bro, I appreciate your info.
I took the one I had in my ZR-1 and installed it in my C5. It would not work.
I called Autometer and was told to change the cycle or send unit in and they would upgrade it. Changing to the 2 pulses corrected the problem and works since.
As I mentioned the PCM is slow in updating the correct RPMs, esp when your at high RPMs. So to assure your not bumping the limiter, by using lets say a 6200 pill, engine is really doing 6400 RPMs.
When I set the shift light to 6400, by the time the light came on it was too late, bumped in first 3 gears for I have lots of wheel spin.
Going with 6200, now not hitting limiter and my trapspeeds of 120-124 MPH says I am shifting at the best time.
It only take a second to change the pill, ( do not do it with power on) so you buy the pill kit for the 6000 range and experiment what is best for you.
John
