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bearcat Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Guru Newb
West Texas
19 Posts
Member since:
2012/12/3 16:58



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Hey folks. Sorry this is long.
I admit I haven't been on here too much in the past. But I've been missing tech talk in my other forum. All the tech guys have left. I guess I need to get my gearhead fix elsewhere...such as here.

Anyway, Life has been nuts the last 4 or 5 years, and is finally settling down.

I picked up a 1988 Corvette. Pretty, and had some nice mods, but suffered from a bad previous owner.
We have no smog test where I live. So the smog pump is gone. A true dual exhaust with no cats runs back to a pair of Flowmaster 40 series Loud-as-heck mufflers...but I like it.
It's got a foil, and someone in the past knew what they were doing when they ported the upper plenum. The front screen is in place on the MAF, but the rear screen has been cut out. And, it has a chip, but I don't know exactly what kind.

It has C5 Z06 wheels, and the car is white. It's quick off the line, but I'm planning a 383 for it.
Just because...a car optimized for torque is better off with a torque engine, instead of spending thousands trying to get the TPI to breath another 1000 rpm.

The only think I don't like is the Star Trek Enterprise gauges. They look completely tacky to me. I do kind of like the center info-gauges. They're handy. But I don't like the digital and bar graph tach and speedo.

Lately I've been wanting to change the gauges, and either go with a totally custom dash panel, and analog gauges. However, I might just want to keep the center info-gauges that show all the vital signs, and only change out the tack and speedometer.

So my question is, is that possible?
Or do I need to replace all of them if I do that?
Posted on: 2018/9/10 3:08
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Matatk Re: Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Webmaster
SW Chicago Burbs
22792 Posts
Member since:
2008/1/7 0:00



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Here's a plug-n-play kit if you're so inclined:

http://vettaid.com/c4-gauge-packages/

Guys have made their own for less money but this is a simple solution.

Here is some good info:

http://batee.com/corvette/dcrg/analog_dash/
Posted on: 2018/9/12 3:31
_________________
2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc.
1989 Corvette...RIP
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bearcat Re: Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Guru Newb
West Texas
19 Posts
Member since:
2012/12/3 16:58



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That's very useful information. Thank you.
Still reading through it, but right away I see I have to be careful which speedometer I choose.

Either a programmable or a GPS-calibrated speedometer would be best. That might cut down my choices quite a bit.

It might not be possible to save the electronic vitals gauges in the center. I don't know until I get into it. If I can, they don't bother me so much. But it might look better if I went entirely analog with my gauges.

The article mentions harming resale value.
...On a $4000 car? What resale value?

I test drove my '88 and I was impressed enough by the performance modifications that I offered 4 grand, and they took it! And aside from a few minor repairs, it's been the best performance deal I've ever made.
Second best was a '68 Firebird I paid $6500 for.
Posted on: 2018/9/15 15:03
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'68 427 Shark
'68 455 Firebird
'52 GMC pickup
'88 C4 Corvette
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Matatk Re: Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Webmaster
SW Chicago Burbs
22792 Posts
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2008/1/7 0:00



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If that's too much for you then maybe you will learn to live with the dashboard. Another uncommon but viable mod is to find an old dashboard out of a Firebird from a similar vintage. They are hard to find but are analog. If you do an internet search you will find some swap info.
Posted on: 2018/9/17 6:21
_________________
2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc.
1989 Corvette...RIP
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bogus Re: Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
San Pedro, CA
20856 Posts
Member since:
2005/9/7 0:00



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Bearcat - realize many of those sites were written when the C4 still had book value.

I agree, I don't like the digi-dash either, but it is a neat bit of retro kitsch these days. The bigger part was the 85mph limit... and the crap accuracy of the tach.

As for an engine, have you considered an LSx swap? What trans does it have?
Posted on: 2018/9/24 14:20
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw

Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me

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-=Jeff=- Re: Changing gauges in an L98 C4
Master Guru
Bartlett, IL
573 Posts
Member since:
2007/12/20 0:00



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Yes George who did that custom gauge cluster, did it Pre Vetteaid and if I recall it was around 1999 or 2000 when he did it.

I have thought of doing something for my 1990, I would look for some that match sweep with my OEM, then use the OEM overlay for the aftermarket gauges
Posted on: 2018/10/8 2:21
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-=Jeff=-
1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051
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