Tach with an HEI Distributor for a 66?

[msg]

I was going to reuse my distributor with and L31 swap Im making and the old quadrajet I had. The hope was to include a tach like the one on Classic Parts but it says its not compatible with an HEI.

https://www.classicparts.com/1963-66...ctinfo/24-735/

Im not a pro at this but I think this distributor is an HEI that I have.

Is this a no go? Is there another tach to get?

[roll_the_dice]

I have an HEI distributor and am using the Bosch/sunpro retro tach. Here it is in my gauge cluster...I need to still paint the stem orange, but it looks good in the cluster I think.

[The Rocknrod]

You may have a problem with some tachs. There is an explanation here, not to difficult to overcome - https://www.americanautowire.com/vie...c-distributor/
Once you read that, here is a part (depending on your tach) - https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/hei-...signal-filter/

[msg]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I have an HEI distributor and am using the Bosch/sunpro retro tach. Here it is in my gauge cluster...I need to still paint the stem orange, but it looks good in the cluster I think.

That does look good! There is alot I hope I could do with my cluster before I get it reinstalled. One is the tach, a vacuum if possible, jockos tandem lock light conversion to a park brake light, and the voltmeter replacement from the ammeter I have that is shot. Hope I can pull it all off and not mess up too bad.

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

You may have a problem with some tachs. There is an explanation here, not to difficult to overcome - https://www.americanautowire.com/vie...c-distributor/
Once you read that, here is a part (depending on your tach) - https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/hei-...signal-filter/

Thanks RocknRod, I did see a filter on Classic Parts but it was for computer controlled vehicles. Ill check with American Autowire since I bought the new wiring harness from them.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by msg

That does look good! There is alot I hope I could do with my cluster before I get it reinstalled. One is the tach, a vacuum if possible, jockos tandem lock light conversion to a park brake light, and the voltmeter replacement from the ammeter I have that is shot. Hope I can pull it all off and not mess up too bad.

I did my own cluster about 2 years ago...still haven't installed it. You got me motivated to paint the tach needle today!

I recently did the voltmeter replacement and added an electric oil pressure gauge. I might try the park brake light conversion also. I may keep it to say tandem lock...since the wheels will be "locked". haha

You will be fine on the gauge restore...I just followed the DIY thread and it wasn't bad at all.

[msg]

I was wondering if this was the right orange for the needles?

https://www.amazon.com/Testors-Ename.../dp/B007KMUM9U

cheaper if the local Michaels has it

https://www.michaels.com/testors-flu...YaAvLTEALw_wcB

[roll_the_dice]

That looks about the same color. I used Testors Model Master Fluorescent Red. Even so it says red...it is more orange than red. I think LMC sells one too, but unless you are buying other things from them, I always think shipping is too high.

[Android04]

I'm running the Brothers kit with my HEI and have zero issues. I did buy an adapter harness from Advance Auto to make the wiring to the distributor easier.

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1964-...tinfo/TACH366/

I used the LMC paint but it is pricy.

https://www.lmctruck.com/1960-66-che...e-needle-paint

[msg]

Originally Posted by Android04

I'm running the Brothers kit with my HEI and have zero issues. I did buy an adapter harness from Advance Auto to make the wiring to the distributor easier.

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1964-...tinfo/TACH366/

I used the LMC paint but it is pricy.

https://www.lmctruck.com/1960-66-che...e-needle-paint

Good to know it works for you. And you do have an HEI distributor?

I have spoke with American Auto Wire and the wiring kit was designed to work with the specs of the original tachs so without knowing if the aftermarket tachs have factory style internals there is no way to know for certain. He did say that the issues some have had with other GM models and tachs were helped by this tach filter from Ecklers

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1975-1989.html

[Android04]

Originally Posted by msg

Good to know it works for you. And you do have an HEI distributor?

Yes sir I am running an HEI.

-Andrew

[msg]

Great to hear! Did you have to run the filter at all?
That Brothers tach looks to be identical to the Classic Parts tach. I wonder if they can/will give me any manufacture details.
I saw in the brothers video the guy take off the red limiters, what would they have done? Indicate or limit movement of the needle?

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I have an HEI distributor and am using the Bosch/sunpro retro tach. Here it is in my gauge cluster...I need to still paint the stem orange, but it looks good in the cluster I think.

YES it Does!!!!

[roll_the_dice]

Come to think of it, I have in my box of parts an original tachometer. Could it be used with an HEI distributor with the filter?

[Android04]

Originally Posted by msg

Great to hear! Did you have to run the filter at all?
That Brothers tach looks to be identical to the Classic Parts tach. I wonder if they can/will give me any manufacture details.
I saw in the brothers video the guy take off the red limiters, what would they have done? Indicate or limit movement of the needle?

I'm not running any filter, and I have both limiters on mine. Been working just great for over a year. I can send pictures if needed.

[msg]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Come to think of it, I have in my box of parts an original tachometer. Could it be used with an HEI distributor with the filter?

If you have original Id use that since I would think the filter would make it work with the HEI. If you dont want it send it my way!

Originally Posted by Android04

I'm not running any filter, and I have both limiters on mine. Been working just great for over a year. I can send pictures if needed.

Thanks for the no filter validation! The limiters I just didnt get what they did. Ive heard it was for shift points and redline markings.

[LT1 Burb]

I put a 96LT1 in my suburban and hooked the tach up to the optispark distributor and it worked great.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by msg

If you have original Id use that since I would think the filter would make it work with the HEI. If you dont want it send it my way!



Thanks for the no filter validation! The limiters I just didnt get what they did. Ive heard it was for shift points and redline markings.

I may buy the filter and try and use the original tach.

[msg]

Originally Posted by LT1 Burb

I put a 96LT1 in my suburban and hooked the tach up to the optispark distributor and it worked great.

Was it an original tach? or aftermarket?

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I may buy the filter and try and use the original tach.

I would too, original would be cool.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by msg

Was it an original tach? or aftermarket?



I would too, original would be cool.

I just ordered the GlowShift filter...if I get it before you make a decision, I will let you know how it does.

[LT1 Burb]

Was it an original tach? or aftermarket?

It was the original one.

[Pick121]

Originally Posted by msg

That does look good! There is alot I hope I could do with my cluster before I get it reinstalled. One is the tach, a vacuum if possible, jockos tandem lock light conversion to a park brake light, and the voltmeter replacement from the ammeter I have that is shot. Hope I can pull it all off and not mess up too bad

Hey “msg” do you have any details on your voltmeter install? What did you use, photo of finished install? Or maybe you just followed someone else’s install here