Has anyone replaced the factory tach with a good in-dash aftermarket version? I was thinking about an Autometer or something similar and was wondering if it would be easy to mount and look good when I was finished? Would like to hear everyone's opinion...

thanks

 

My opinion: the factory tach is VERY good, and Autometer is...well...to put it bluntly, cheap crap that's not very accurate.

So seeing that you don't need an aftermarket tach for accuracy, you need it because...? You want a 10K rpm tach? I hope not, because the FD doesn't have nearly enough fuel to come close to 10K rpm. In fact, the fuel system on the FD is prob the weakest link (in terms of performance). That's ignoring the flex you'll have w/ the stock 1 peice e-shaft at such high rpm, and that you may end up being a paraplegic when the flywheel shatters at 9K rpm +, severing your feet...

So, moral of the story: if you don't need it, and it does nothing to help the car, don't replace it. I don't mean to come off in a harsh manner, but really, those are the facts.

Also, IMO, the stock FD instrument cluster is one of the best looking clusters I've ever seen. Period. Why would you wanna mess that up??

 

I agree with FDNewbie.. I'm not a fan of aftermarket tachs.

 

Damn that's a nice clock ! ! ! ! !

 

Get the biggest one you can get and mount it on the hood right in your line of site. Be sure to totally encase it in silicone goo, then spray paint it. Once finished.....Add it to your list of "mods"

 

At risk of being too borrrrring.... I am modless with the exception of smart servivability changes. I am a purest at heart...plain and simple.... I like peporini pizza with no extras....I like T-shirts with no writing on them and so I like cars that are stock factory original ---- to a fault. I had Mopar desease for years. I traveled around the country and sought out original bolts and nuts and the like...It was like treasure hunting.

My tach is broke and I have been having trouble finding a replacement. I like the stock one best, of course, got a few leads but just in case, I wanted to know whta you all thought about an aftermarket...Seems like others have done the same thing.

The whole purpose is not to wind the motor tight as possible - it is just that I can't stand driving without the tach working..... it is the type A, left brain, mental disposition that all engineering types have

 

1) Check out the 3rd gen for sale section: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-parts-99/ There are ALWAYS people parting out their cars. ALWAYS. I think most of 'em will sell the entire cluster as one peice, but IIRC, you can actually swap individual gauges. So either search there for a stock tach, or post a WTB thread about it.

In fact, I think herblenny has an instrument cluster for sale.

2) Check w/ Ray Crowe @ Malloy Mazda. 1-888-533-3400. Talk to only Ray, and ask him how much a new tach costs (if they sell it individually). He'll have the cheapest price of any dealership in the nation, guaranteed.

3) Consider getting the tach fixed If you were a big Mopar guy, I'm sure you know that there are a bunch of shops that service instrument clusters, modify them, etc etc.