Well, I own a 1999 Mazda Protege SE and my car doesn't come with a tachometer, and it really, really bugs me. So instead of doing a cluster swap (which I think most of us are in agreement is impossible due to the lack of proper wiring on the DX/SE models), I have decided to go with an Autometer Pillar Pod.

The Pillar Pod would house two 2 1/16" gauges. Definately a RPM gauge, and probably a gauge for Oil Pressure (or something else....suggestions are welcome). My question is, how hard is it too hook up these 2 new gauges? Do the packages from Autometer come with all the required wiring? Or would it juts be easier for me to take my car to a shop and have them install it. Thanks in advance for the responses.

 

taking the pillar off, its pretty easy. other than that, good luck!

 

Good luck finding a 2 1/16" tachometer. You might have to widen the pod to fit a mini tach, or another idea I had was (if you are replacing the stock deck with a DIN-sized unit) get a fill panel and mount the tach below the deck (if there is enough room). Other areas you could mount it would include inside of a vent opening, or you could even lay up your own wider pod (if Autometer doesn't make one with greater than 2 1/16" opening and you can't open one up with a dremel to accomodate a mini-tach).

 

there is a 2 1/16 inch tach...let me find it..

 

i used to have a magazine with 2 1/16 gauges for summit, but heres a link

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=2+1%2F16+tach

 

... the saddest bit about this is I looked high and low for one when I owned my old Neon. Now, there's a Mopar tach available for it, long after I've sold that car. Somebody want to tell my why my luck sucks so bad?

 

heh, that was just the mopar, i found a basic run-of-the-mill in a summit mag i had for about 60 bux but i dont know where it is anymore

 

is your car a standard?

if not, why do you want a tach?

 

Ya, my car is a standard. I don't need a tach for anything....I just think it looks very plain without one. Autometer does make a 2 1/16" tach. How hard are these to wire up? Is it a do it yourself kinda thing, or a take it to a shop.

 

i saw a guy called "leadfoot" who made custom guage holders that went on either side of the cluster...looked VERY nice. his quality was great also

 

If you're fairly mechanically inclined, and not afraid to remove the dash a bit and go through the firewall, you can DIY. You'll most likely need a refernce manual to figure out positions to hook up the power, ground and signal wires. Otherwise, take it to a shop.