1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Instrument cluster swap for 1980 Rx-7

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Old Mar 11, 2014 | 11:14 PM
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Instrument cluster swap for 1980 Rx-7

To bad I cant find the post I read a couple of years ago on this

I know there is a good cluster from a later model 7 that will work on my 80 model
I just don't remember which one was supposed to be the "good" instrument cluster
any help will be appreciated as I am resurrecting the Beast 1nce more!!! doin the engine swap this weekend and I really want the good ...higher speed speedometer cluster to go in this car!! I know I might have to mod a little...Not Scared!!

Thnx in advance !!
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 12:11 AM
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I think you are looking for an 83.5-85 cluster.
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 02:09 AM
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What you want a 120mph speedo? I got a 79 cluster ill sell ya if that's what you need.

I did a 85 dash into an 83. Pretty easy straight forward swap but I work on cars professionally and enjoy wiring.
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 02:14 AM
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You have to use a 79 cluster, otherwise the speed will read incorrectly. Different gearing.
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 10:01 AM
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79 is a direct fit in an 80 dash. Got one in my 80.

The FB clusters are a different shape.
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by NCross
You have to use a 79 cluster, otherwise the speed will read incorrectly. Different gearing.
Didnt know that...now i know :p
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 05:14 AM
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Thought they all are 1056 revolutions per mile.
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 09:57 AM
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IIRC, SA speedos are 1024 rev/mi. It's marked on the speedo face, but you have to disassemble the cluster to see it as the front mask covers it.

I have a photo at home I can check later for you.
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 11:19 PM
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Jees Thnx for the post !!! will try to find the 79 I guess ...I think it would be easier to just do a direct swap....
This car came from Canada with the kilo setup then I replace with a mph cluster then something shorted on the cluster killin the tach ...so heres the next question!!

what if anything will I have to change for the mph cluster to work correctly been years since I've had this car runnin!?

Last edited by StumpDrummer; Mar 13, 2014 at 11:24 PM. Reason: mispelled word
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 11:33 PM
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Hey is there anyway to swap out the 130 speedo gauge for a 150 out of a 83 cluster?...now that would be cool ...I could also copy all the facings for a reversed black on white background for each gauge!
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Old Mar 14, 2014 | 12:49 AM
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I was close: 1025 rev/mile on an SA speedo.

Here's what it looks like removed from the cluster.
Attached Thumbnails Instrument cluster swap for 1980 Rx-7-p7030069.jpg  
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 11:48 AM
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anyway to swap the gearing that you know of ? or do you think its to big of a can of worms to open?
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 07:39 PM
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You used to be able to get transmission-end-of-the cable "driven gears" in various ratios. No idea if they are still available.

There's no "gear" driving the speedo itself - - magnetic drag disk mechanism (aka Eddy Disk). Gears do drive the odometer, but any change of cable speed is done at the tranny end.
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 05:04 AM
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Thnx for the info DivinDriver gonna look into the cable drive gears and see what I can come up with gonna post some pics of the beast when Its runnin!!!
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