LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

96 to 98+ camaro dash conversion?

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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 11:59 AM
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Default 96 to 98+ camaro dash conversion?

Thinking about removing my 96 dash and replacing it with a 98 up camaro. Is this a royal PITA? I remember hearing a while back that it was alot harder than it seems. Thanks
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 12:19 PM
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they changed the dash in 97, it's doable. Only thing I see being a apain to get is you need a 1997 LT1 cluster. Check out this link

cardomain.com/id/96speed

Page 3 has all the info.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 12:54 PM
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thanks yeah I figured the 98 and up would be much more prevalent.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 01:04 PM
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I am converting over to an LS1 ECM (EFI connection 24x system). I am curious if this will eliminate the need for wiring changes, specifically the digital odometer? This would probably mean I would have to go with a LS1 cluster. This is probably not worth it.

And does anyone have a 97 camaro dash? I have a feeling this is going to be like trying to find a 96-97 SLP SS hood.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 01:23 PM
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Any 97+ dash will work. The only thing you need specific is a 97 Camaro cluster, or you can use a 94-97 Pontiac cluster and get a different overlay from 6LE for it so it matches. I picked up 96 Formula cluster for my car.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by madhatter
Any 97+ dash will work. The only thing you need specific is a 97 Camaro cluster, or you can use a 94-97 Pontiac cluster and get a different overlay from 6LE for it so it matches. I picked up 96 Formula cluster for my car.
Ok but if I were to get a 98+ cluster wouldnt that make more sense with a LS1 ECM or would I still have to re wire everything?
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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the harness conversion to the Ls1 pcm still will not allow the 98 -02 cluster to work. 97 cluster ONLY!
the plug going to the cluster will need to be changed to a plug from a BIRD or a 97 up camaro..you will have to relocate the trunk switch, fog lamp switch and the hvac harness needs to be extended i did my swap in just a few hours..
www.lkqonline.com had the 97 cluster at a very reasonable price.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 03:24 PM
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I will be starting a thread with pics soon. I am swapping the dash in my 96 camaro to one from a 97 trans am.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 03:43 PM
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I'm doing it with a 96 to 97. What is the difficulty level of this project.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 03:49 PM
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Honestly it is not that bad. If you have never torn into a dash take your time. I will post up pics as I go along. I have started and have a few pics, I just can't do much right now as I am temporarily disabled.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 96lt1m6
the harness conversion to the Ls1 pcm still will not allow the 98 -02 cluster to work. 97 cluster ONLY!
the plug going to the cluster will need to be changed to a plug from a BIRD or a 97 up camaro..you will have to relocate the trunk switch, fog lamp switch and the hvac harness needs to be extended i did my swap in just a few hours..
www.lkqonline.com had the 97 cluster at a very reasonable price.
Got it thanks for outlining.Im good with the mechanical side but usually never really do electrical stuff. I can do it, just dont enjoy it. What did the whole swap cost. Thanks again.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 04:52 PM
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OP the reason for the wiring change with the EFI 24x system is the difference inconnectors and functions of the LSx pcm. I don't think it has anything to do with the gauge cluster, I have their complete setup including the custom engine wiring harness and the billet timing cover etc as soon as I get a few things worked out my new forged 383 will be going into my 94 Z28.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 97Z28SS
OP the reason for the wiring change with the EFI 24x system is the difference inconnectors and functions of the LSx pcm. I don't think it has anything to do with the gauge cluster, I have their complete setup including the custom engine wiring harness and the billet timing cover etc as soon as I get a few things worked out my new forged 383 will be going into my 94 Z28.
YEah I was half awake this am and realized it should not matter between the two. I just bought the billet cover to go along with the rest of the 24x kit. Cant wait to install it!
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 355TurboLT1
Got it thanks for outlining.Im good with the mechanical side but usually never really do electrical stuff. I can do it, just dont enjoy it. What did the whole swap cost. Thanks again.
97 cluster - LKQonline 65.00
02 dash assembly- local
02 column and wheel -local
02 console m6 -member
i spent 270.00
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 96lt1m6
97 cluster - LKQonline 65.00
02 dash assembly- local
02 column and wheel -local
02 console m6 -member
i spent 270.00
As far as the column is concerned, can I keep the old one? I remember seeing a guy do this and he retained the old one. Sorry for all the questions, I would like to do this right the first time around.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 08:30 PM
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Yes you can retain the column...I did mine so i can have the stereo controls
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 09:00 PM
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Thats what I was thinkin. I can live with the old one. Thanks again. Now I have to track down a 97 155MPH speedo along with the other parts.
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Old Jan 11, 2010 | 12:06 AM
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i just got an 99+ ls1 harrness and sent it to speartech, it drops in to control an ls1 w no other changes
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Old Jul 23, 2015 | 09:38 AM
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When swapping over to the 97 cluster does it matter if it is a V6 cluster or not?
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