Dash Swap into 96 Camaro
Dash Swap into 96 Camaro 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?
Last edited by camaro_chic17; Mar 19, 2011 at 08:42 AM.
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 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!!!
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.
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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
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 will also need:
1. Connector for the 97 Camaro gauges
2. Vacuum connector to the HVAC controls from the firewall to the control dial
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!!!
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.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, AZ
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. 
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
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, AZ
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.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
97 Dash swap into a 95 - 2024 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.
