I want to swap the entire interior, including the dash, from a 97 Trans Am into my 96 Camaro Z28. What all needs to be done to make that happen? Will I need the gauge cluster from a 97 LT1 and do I need to change any of the wiring/connectors to do this swap? Does it matter if the gauge cluster is from a Firebird or Camaro? Camaro I know would have to be 97 if that fits in the TA dash.. not sure which year Trans Am interiors were the same?

 

you can use the trans am cluster, no issue 93-97. You do need a 97 camaro cluster only as that is the only one that will work with the 96/97 electronics. you will need the adapter from the back of the cluster and you will need to repin the connectors from the camaro. i did it all in one day. you just have to be focused. took me about 11 hours total.

 

here's my thread with the details of my build. http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752867

 

Thanks for all of that info!!! That will be VERY helpful

I will have to hold off on putting the dash in for a little bit, but I hope to swap the rest of the interior in this Monday when I go to pick everything up.

So I will need gauges from a 1997 Camaro Z28 (150 mph speedo) to do the swap?

I will also need:

1. Connector for the 97 Camaro gauges
2. Vacuum connector to the HVAC controls from the firewall to the control dial

Unfortunately, he is selling the wiring to someone else so I won't be able to get any of the different connectors right now. Can I just buy those connectors separately? Or do I pretty much need a parts car to take them from?

Also, will I need different connectors for the doors?

I have power windows/locks currently.

Thanks so much for the help!!!

 

I cut my factory cluster harness and spliced in the new one by color matching everything.

 

If your using a Trans Am dash, you can use a 155MPH Firebird cluster, a 94-96 should work fine and will be easier to find then a 97 Camaro and Firebird/Trans Am clusters which are some what tough to find because they are one year only. An option that I did was add the lens and bezel from a 97+ cluster to the older Firebird cluster, gives it an updated look. I think some folks missed that your not using a 97 Camaro style dash? I wouldn't use a 97 Camaro cluster because it would light up white where as all the Pontiac stuff is a orange-redish color.

 

Hmm.. Bird dash in a Camaro. Sounds almost enticing.

 

Are the 94-96 camaros wired different than the firebirds?

 

yea, the cluster it self is different, along with the plug in harness

 

you only need the 97 camaro cluster if you want to use the camaro gauges. You can use any 93-97 firebird/trans am cluster in the dash.

the little connector you need that I'm taking about is about $5 dollars at the dealer. the part number is in one of the links. the doors will plug in ok for the locks/mirrors in the the firebird/transam controls. you will have to rewire the mirrors per shbox site instructions. Also, the trans am door panels can't be screwed in easily as they are a bit further out, so you need some shims and new holes on a camaro.

 

Thanks, perfect timing as I'm about to swap a 99 Z28 dash and 97 cluster into my 94 Z28 and was wondering some of the same things about this swap.

 

It is definitely an all day project, though it is not a hard swap. Repinning the cluster connector was the hardest part, and only because I did not have the correct tool. You need the connector for the cluster ($4 at the dealer) and the Hvac connector. I picked mine up from a junkyard. Also mine is all red and Pontiac now, but it is only because I had a 01 TA roller for a while that I took all of this out of. I have Camaro headlight and HVAC controls sitting here for when I pick up a 97 cluster. They bolt right in. I still haven't looked into how to wire the mirror controls or the fog light switch as they are different. Any 94-97 Pontiac cluster will work, or a 97 Chevy cluster. Get on it, it is one of the best mods I ever did.

 

and btw - significantly less creaks/vibrations and I have to say that the newer dash is lighter than the lt1 dash just carrying the two around.

 

oh - you don't need the wiring harness from the donor, that will all come from your car, but you absolutely need the hvac vents on the back of the dash you are getting

 

Good info, I plan on swapping to the bird dash in my 95 but when I do I will also be switching to all autometer gauges and adding gauges in the center vents of the dash. I have always wanted to swap the dash, but haven't found a dash locally yet

 

That Stenod LT1 car had one as well, link:

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...aro/index.html

 

So much truth to this. All my dash noise went away after the swap. I had three distinctive rattles before, but it's nice and quiet now.

 

Do all Firebird door switches have power mirror controls on the driver's side?

 

Not unless the car didn't come with power windows, you made find that on some of the earlier V6 cars

 

hey man, i tried to PM you but this is a new account and they wont let me. But im struggling to find the 97 gauge cluster pin out. Im trying to complete this dash swap but i dont know where to plug the wires in after ive depinned the 95 pigtail. Could you help with schematics or anything would help honestly.