57LSUK

Any advice in converting electronic gearbox (4L60E) to cable speedo?
(57 chevy)

Have seen products such as Abbott Enterprises cable X which looks neat.

Any experience of this product or other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

So far I've just gone without a speedo and drive off the tach because the Cable X I keep hearing horror stories about it being quirky and jumpy.

There is a company to switch tailhousings on the trans but it's expensive.

I really can't believe with as popular as these swaps have become there are not more options yet...

mrvedit

Unless you really need to use a stock speedo, it is generally cheaper (and certainly easier) to buy e.g. a Autometer electronic speedo, which works perfectly with the PCM's "Speedo output" wire.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

The problem there is modifying the dash or replacing the whole assembly to move to aftermarket gauges. Gets expensive quick.

mrvedit

Ok. Understood.

Any electronic to mechanical "converter" will need a variable speed motor to drive the speedometer cable. Such as this for for $385:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TCI-377300/

I doubt it would last more than a few years.

This company sells rear custom tail housings for 4l60E with mechanical speedometer drive, but the prices are $550+ :
http://bowlertransmissions.com/produ...l-Speedometers

Perhaps a good trans shop could graft a 700R4 tailhousing onto your 4l60e. This is probably the cheapest option and would be very reliable.

I cannot find a link now, but I'm pretty sure there are dash/gauge specialists who could custom fit an electronic speedometer into your dash assembly for a stock look.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I have not looked in the last few years but I was hoping someone would be able to do a reasonably priced service the convert the factory speedometer to electric.

Eventually I think I will do as you suggested and just go aftermarket on the gauges. I've read enough to know to stay away from the Covans dash inserts though, otherwise the swap would be less painless. Their kits are poorly designed around areas such as the heater/vent controls and IIRC do not have a provision at all for windshield wipers. That leaves me to see what I can fab up to make work using stock housings and the stock dash.



I would bite the bullet on the tailhousing adapter you posted except for the moving things back 3". I do not want to buy another high dollar custom driveshaft to go with it, nor move the crossmember and redo the exhaust again.

57LSUK

Electronic speedo is an option but don't really want to swap the standard speedo if I can help it. I've changed the gas gauge to match the doner car tank and think I'll get away with it (see picture) but there's more to lose or replace on the speedo including the red bow tie main beam light indicator.



Tail house adapter sounds interesting will investigate that more.

Thanks for the superb info much appreciated.

TipsyMcStagger

iTrader: (1)

Bump

My next swap is probably going to be a 1963 Rambler Classic Cross Country. There's no way I'm hacking up that dash with aftermarket gauges/speedo. But man, $500-$600 for a mechanical drive 4L60e tailhousing is pretty steep just to have a speedo!

Tipsy

(Not mine but it's the same. I would have hidden that aftermarket radio)