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Best Tach for the money

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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 11:59 AM
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Best Tach for the money

So I did do a search but didn't find the exact answer...

I have an 84 GSL-SE track project and my dash bar has made my stock cluster unviewable... so I need a tachometer.

This is a super budget project so I am looking for the best tach for the money. (less than $100?) I would look for a used one with no qualms.

I really would like a shift light/buzzer of some sort and at least a 10k redline in case I end up doing any sort of porting/race engine work down the line.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 01:39 PM
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I used a Proform shift light when I first started hitting the track. Had no problems with it. Looks like they updated it when I had it so it looks a bit different.

http://www.proformparts.com/product-...ategory_id/295

About $50 from Summit. I found the shift light was better for me at the track than looking at a tach, but that is up to you.

Now I run a Racepak G2X but that was down the line after a few years. You can set the G2X display for a digital tach readout, which I don't use, but it also has progressive shift lights - which I do use.

Of course, there is always the used option. Like eBay, racingjunk, craigslist, etc.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 07:44 PM
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Thank for the reply. I had thought just a shift light myslef but was concerned that would be tricky for downshifting?

I mean, if you were let's say 1000 revs below the redline your light wouldn't be on but if you downshifted you would send the motor over the top.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 06:35 AM
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IMO, If you are tracking the car, your focus shouldn't be on the tach.
I rarely look at it and my light reminds me to shift in the heat of battle.

As far as downshifting goes...listen to the engine and feel the vibrations. you get used to where you should be shifting. under breaking it is difficult (not impossible) to over rev the engine...assuming that is where you are changing your gear. I don't change gears before a corner. This makes the car unstable....at least mine anyway.

To answer your question, find a used autometer and hook up a $2 radio shack buzzer to the light.

Last edited by nofords; Mar 7, 2012 at 06:37 AM.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 09:02 PM
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It isn't a cheap setup, but I use an Autometer 10k rpm tach and one of these progressive shift lights: http://www.ecliptech.com.au/index.ph...=59&Itemid=109

I would warn against cheap tachs. Assuming the cheap tachs are as accurate as the stock tach in my FC, it could be off by 500rpm off at 8,000rpm...mine was.

That said, with the progressive shift light, I never look at my tach when racing (I have it set for the first light to come on 2,000rpm before my limiter, and all the lights flash 200rpm under my limiter).
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Old May 1, 2012 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by nofords
IMO, If you are tracking the car, your focus shouldn't be on the tach.
I rarely look at it and my light reminds me to shift in the heat of battle.
+1

All you really need is a shift light, but I would not run without a decent tach for troubleshooting and tuning purposes.

On track I rarely look at the tach while shifting and never while downshifting. Just look for the shift light out of the corner of your eye. You will be too busy threshold breaking while getting your shift done and getting back on it just before turn in.
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