Im looking for a gauge kit for my 1990 automatic. I want a Tach, Pyro, and Tranny Temp. Most of the kits Ive seen are for 1994 and up.
Can you recommend a particular kit or vendor? If I end up buying them separately, are there any things to beware of? Who's got the best prices?
Which is better an alternator tach or a magnetic pickup type? Is there a crank sensor tach option?
Also, anyone got some good gauge install pics? I want to try and visualize pillar mount vs. dash mount. Thanks

 

I'm running AutoMeter Z-series gauges because I think they are the best match to the factory gauges. I have pyro, boost, and an alternator tach. They seem to work well, I have no complaints about them. Pyro and boost are on the pillar, tach is on the column. The AutoMeter pillar pod is kind of junky, it doesn't fit well and the way it mounts is flimsy. I went with the alternator tach because it matches the gauges. The pickup is very sensitve to being in the correct position, but once you find the right spot it works great. Your truck does not have a crank sensor, but Isspro makes a crank triggered setup with glued on magnets. IMO the alt tach is the the simplest option for a non-intercooled truck.

The Autometer gauges (but not the tach) are available from the DTR store (got mine there) if you want to support the site. The Tach (and all the other gauges) are available from Summit Racing (best prices I've found). The tach is hard to find on their site, use the manufacturer P/N search function to find it. P/N is 2888. Got mine in 2 days.

 

The Tach is 2 5/8" and comes with a black mounting cup.
The others are 2 1/16"

I bought the alt tach on everyones recommendations. Works great. Flutters around a bit before the engine is started though...looking for the alt pulse. Once started it's fine.

If your looking for mounting options you might want something like the dash pod.
Here is one place that sells them. Also here


Den

 

www.dieselpage.com

The mounts aren't on the site, for the 1st gen trucks. Just call them up. Great customer service. I've gotten all my gauges from them.

 

Thanks, those were the ones I had my eye on (cheapest). What temp range do I need for Tranny temp gauge? Pyro?

 

If you're going with the Z-series, you get a choice between mechanical or electric trans temp. Mech. is 280 degree, elec. is 250 degree. Either one would be fine, the electric will be easier to install but the mechanical will be easier to read at a glance. Pyro is 1600 degrees or 1600 degrees, whichever you prefer.

 

I have the z-series and they are great...!