Tach from a V6 in a 2.3L I4

[tomas]

Hey guys,

Ive got a '97 2.3L I4 with of course...no tach ....
since im having trouble finding a cluster with a tach from a '95-'97 4 cyl, im wondering if I could put a gauge cluster from a '95-'97 V6. either the 3.0L for the 4.0L. not sure which one yet.

will the tach work correctly if i do this???

thanks in advance!!

 

[red93terror]

well, youre gonna have to get the tach rewired to accept four signals, not six, or youre either gonna have to buy an msd tach adapter. that is if you want to keep it factory looking. if you dont care its much easier just to buy an aftermarket tach and wire it in. you could get a gauge cluster ans paint the factory tach black, get a 2 5/8" aftermarket, drill out the factory tach spot with a hole saw and mount the aftermarket that way. not too bad and keeps the dash unclustered

 

[locovaca]

You should be able to swap fine. Check the other threads around here, *tons* of people swap gauges from a V6 engine into an I4. I personally have done it on a 93.

 

[tomas]

okay thanks guys.
I'd like to keep the factory look. so the new cluster will hook up just like the old one did? only i now have to connect the tach to something??

(sorry, im new at this!!)

 

[red93terror]

the aftermarkets get their signal from the negative side of the igniton coil. the factorys will most likely get it from the ecu.

 

[tomas]

the aftermarkets get their signal from the negative side of the igniton coil. the factorys will most likely get it from the ecu.

okay, so it should just plug in? even if there wasn't a tach before?
I assume they would use a standard wiring harness right?

 

[locovaca]

okay, so it should just plug in? even if there wasn't a tach before?
I assume they would use a standard wiring harness right?

Yes, just plug it in. If it's from a like vintage I believe everything will work fine, if it's several years newer you might have to repin a few indicator lamps. All wiring harnesses have a tach wire.

 

[fastpakr]

Yep, as Locovaca said, get a cluster from any engine truck of the same year range as yours with a tach. I've swapped a 4.0 Explorer cluster into my '94 2.3 Ranger and it works fine.

 

[tomas]

excellent! I'll be doing the swap this weekend!
thanks everyone!!