300ZX (Z31) Appearance Exterior, Interior Discussions related to body kits, accessories, interiors, window tinting etc.

Aftermarket Gauges

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Old 02-07-2008 | 07:34 PM
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84z31nonturbo's Avatar
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From: Waynesville, NC
Aftermarket Gauges

Ok, I am planning on putting aftermarket gauges in my 300zx, but there are a few questions I must ask first. What resistance does the analog feul level sending unit read? Can I just put any speedometer in my car, or will I have to find a speedo pinion to match? Basically, what would I have to do to make all of this possible?

Your knowledge is much appreciated.
Old 02-07-2008 | 09:00 PM
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Get Ready For Lots Of Fun...

The Autometer brand is a good choice. They're not too expensive, look nice, and you can get them almost any place that sells HP parts.

Their fuel gauge is plug and play.

The speedo is a bit tricky. I see you have an 84 N/A which will have a Nissan tranny, hopfully a manual. If you have analog gauges it should just plug and play as well, but if you have digital you'll have to disconnect from the speedo sending unit and connect direct to the new speedo. I must say, the Zs with the Borg-Warner T-5 tranny (like a Rustang) are easier to deal with than the Nissan tranny as far as cables and gears.

I've got some notes on this in my tool box at the shop. I'll look and see if there is anything special I need to tell you, tomorrow.

Just Remember To Make It Pretty
Click this link to view one of my setups since for some strange reason the IMAGE CODE IS OFF in the APPEARANCE catagory. Duh-huh!!
Old 02-08-2008 | 08:59 AM
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Actually I have an 85 turbo parts car, and I am planning on rebuilding the engine in it to put into the 84 na, witch by the way has a FS5W71C transmission. I do have digital gauges but I'm planning on ordering an analog wiring harness from courtesy nissan just for the new gauges. I know I can just order the speedo cable for the analog speedo, but do I need to order the entire analog harness for the rest of the gauges, or will the digital harness work?
Old 02-08-2008 | 09:03 AM
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oofa... buy a wiring harness from a junk yard Z31... unless it's been hacked, it should be good. And that will save you HUNDREDS of $$$.
Old 02-08-2008 | 09:08 AM
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So since your telling me to get one from a junkyard, I'm guessing your also telling me the digital harness will not work?
Old 02-08-2008 | 09:15 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by 84z31nonturbo
but I'm planning on ordering an analog wiring harness from courtesy nissan just for the new gauges.
All I'm saying is don't buy a BRAND NEW harness when you can get one from a junk yard Z31.

The digi dash harness SHOULD work for your Autometer guages... Have you searched through www.az-zbum.com and www.redz31.com ?
Old 02-08-2008 | 10:54 AM
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Yes I have searched through all of that and all I have found out is for the stock analog gauges I will need the analog wiring harness. But I am not using stock gauges, so I'm still not sure if I can use the digital harness with aftermarket analog gauges.
Old 02-14-2008 | 04:50 PM
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Checked my notes today... The fuel guage will not work with the factory sending unit. I bought the Autometer universal sender and made it fit the tank and bought the correct guage to match. Speedo. I bought a Nissan speedo cable and an Autometer mph, and just hooked them together. The guage uses a thread on cable, but the Nissan one is a clip on. Just slide it on and put a hose clamp on there just to make sure it does not come off. Oil pressure will require placement of new sender as well as water temp. That about covers it.
As far as wiring.... leave the harness that you have in. Find a diagram. Pull the correct wires to wire guages.... Idiot lights are optional!

Last edited by johnZboy; 02-15-2008 at 06:21 AM.
Old 02-14-2008 | 05:40 PM
  #9  
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for the speedo why not go get a 240sx electric sending unit in the tranny and then use it on a aftermarket gauge. what i plan to do but i gotta find where i put the unit >_<
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