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Old 04-19-2016, 12:16 PM   #1
encasedmetal
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Better option than Dakota Digital?

Im wondering if there's a better option for me than dakota digital. I want gauges that read from the LS ecu and also add a wideband or scanner gauge like aeroforce offers. I guess the other option besides a one piece deal is doing individual autometer gauges but won't that interfere with what the ecu needs to read? thanks in advance for any help.
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Old 04-19-2016, 07:35 PM   #2
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

dakota digital is hard to beat. I have done 3 ls swaps and used dakota digital on all, also did another dd gauge setup in a chevelle with a 283.
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Old 04-19-2016, 10:43 PM   #3
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

I have the Dakota digital speedo box not hooked up yet. Directions aren't the best. Or maybe it's me. Calibration seems like it will be a pain also. I've never used a whole Dakota dash though..
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Old 04-19-2016, 11:34 PM   #4
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

Encased..on mine the only function the ecm needs is water temp,and that is used to run the fans, I added a temp sender on my passenger side head for my gauge and the ecm reads off the one on the drivers side head.all my gauges stand alone from the ecm.

Zach..i feel your pain on the dd directions for the speed box..I like to have never understood what to do..mine started out showing me doing 110 mph while idleing along in first gear..I finally got it and it works great now..I checked it with a gps and it stays right with it.
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Old 04-20-2016, 12:13 AM   #5
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Old 04-20-2016, 08:19 AM   #6
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

I understand they're nice and easy to install etc- it's just hard to stomach 900 big ones to have gauges that aren't the stock ones
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Old 04-20-2016, 10:54 AM   #7
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Originally Posted by encasedmetal View Post
I understand they're nice and easy to install etc- it's just hard to stomach 900 big ones to have gauges that aren't the stock ones
You can get DD gauges from most of our vendors for less than $800 shipped.

Quote:
Originally Posted by encasedmetal View Post
Im wondering if there's a better option for me than dakota digital. I want gauges that read from the LS ecu and also add a wideband or scanner gauge like aeroforce offers. I guess the other option besides a one piece deal is doing individual autometer gauges but won't that interfere with what the ecu needs to read? thanks in advance for any help.
DD sells the BIM's that allow you to run the gauges through the ECM and you can add a wideband or scanner also.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd752.htm

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd785.htm

I've installed 5 or 6 sets of these and they are hard to beat for price and functionality, just my .02.


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Old 04-20-2016, 11:04 AM   #8
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Originally Posted by Hart_Rod View Post
You can get DD gauges from most of our vendors for less than $800 shipped.



DD sells the BIM's that allow you to run the gauges through the ECM and you can add a wideband or scanner also.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd752.htm

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd785.htm

I've installed 5 or 6 sets of these and they are hard to beat for price and functionality, just my .02.


R/
sorry- I meant with the BIM stuff its' around 900 bux
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Old 04-20-2016, 12:12 PM   #9
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

I'm planning on using a set of Speedhut gauges with a set of custom brackets I made to mount them to the back of the bezel. They have a series of gauges that read data from the CAN Bus on the ECU. Plus they let you custom design the gauges.
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Old 04-20-2016, 12:50 PM   #10
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Truck-...xWVMwt&vxp=mtr

i might try these
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Old 04-24-2016, 10:59 PM   #11
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Originally Posted by zach_carver View Post
I have the Dakota digital speedo box not hooked up yet. Directions aren't the best. Or maybe it's me. Calibration seems like it will be a pain also. I've never used a whole Dakota dash though..
I just installed the DD speedo box in my '67 Panel Truck Friday with an LS1/4l60e. It was actually a piece of cake. I just used the preset setting shown in the instruction sheet for the 4000ppm signal that the VSS puts out..... It is about 2 mph off.

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Old 04-24-2016, 11:39 PM   #12
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Well is it in and working yet !!

Looks like a fix for my 78 Speedometer, so try one and tell me how it works!!
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Old 04-25-2016, 12:57 AM   #13
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Well is it in and working yet !!

Looks like a fix for my 78 Speedometer, so try one and tell me how it works!!
I used the gauges on my build and they work very well. Easy install, a couple wires and I was up and running. Speedometer does need some calibration but onced dialed everything works as described. Also looks great and alleviates the manual to electronic conversion mess.
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:04 AM   #14
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

Just a few wires,
fuel one wire to sender already there
same with water, and oil, volts/light
My LS harness has 1 wire kicked out that says speedometer, how is this callabrated to the new dash?
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Old 04-25-2016, 01:41 AM   #15
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Re: Better option than Dakota Digital?

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Originally Posted by solidaxel View Post
Just a few wires,
fuel one wire to sender already there
same with water, and oil, volts/light
My LS harness has 1 wire kicked out that says speedometer, how is this callabrated to the new dash?
That wire labeled "speedometer" sends pulses to the gauges. The gauges take those pulses and converts the pulses overtime to return MPH. Meaning, your engine may send 7000'pulses for every 1 mile. Pulses per mile = MPH. All you need to do is measure 1 mile and hit start and stop at the end of the mile. You will see how many pulses after first run. Check speed after first run and adjust up or down till you are spot on. Validate with GPS on your phone.
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