Shift light/dash mounted tach questions
Shift light/dash mounted tach questions I've decided I need either a shift light or a tach with shift light for my new 383 combo with 6spd.....it's got so much power it seems pretty easy to over-rev it accidentally if the tires break loose suddenly (which happens a lot 
). My stock shortblock led a short life due to being over-revved so I don't want to make the same mistake twice. How bad is visibility affected with one of those big 5" tachs mounted on the dash above the middle AC vents? The car will see mainly DD duty so reduced visibility is a concern; maybe just a shift light would be better? 
Here's the two options I have been looking at:
http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...15170/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/p/Auto-Meter/Aut...52169/10002/-1
Somebody with a big tach or shift light give me some advice on this please; I'm open to suggestions.
). My stock shortblock led a short life due to being over-revved so I don't want to make the same mistake twice. How bad is visibility affected with one of those big 5" tachs mounted on the dash above the middle AC vents? The car will see mainly DD duty so reduced visibility is a concern; maybe just a shift light would be better? Here's the two options I have been looking at:
http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...15170/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/p/Auto-Meter/Aut...52169/10002/-1
Somebody with a big tach or shift light give me some advice on this please; I'm open to suggestions.
I used one of these from the WS6store
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...shift-light-1/
Its a sleek little unit. I was able to run the wire up the interior panel and used double sided 3M tape to stick it to the dash. I didn't think the tape would hole long but its been over 2 years and it hasn't fallen off yet.
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...shift-light-1/
Its a sleek little unit. I was able to run the wire up the interior panel and used double sided 3M tape to stick it to the dash. I didn't think the tape would hole long but its been over 2 years and it hasn't fallen off yet.
I researched shift lights recently. Alot of people use the Harlan shift light and like it. Most mount it in the round vent opening at the base of the 'A' pillar trim for defogging the side window.
I have the shift light comparable to the bottom link you posted (mine is made by Proform though). I removed my window defroster switch and placed the shift light in there. Completely out of sight, but when racing at the track at night you can clearly see the light. Those things are ridiculously bright! I am planning on removing it/selling it and getting a smaller LED one. I have a rather large tach (simply because mine is waaay off for some reason) but I did not like the look of mounting it on the dash. It looks out of place IMO. I have it mounted in the CD holder thing on front of the shifter. I only use it for reference when datalogging/tuning. I do not really look at it at the track. I shift based on sound and the bright shift light blinding me indicates it is time to shift 
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From: Cartersville, Georgia
I will be installing a shift light very soon ... same boat as you, an M6. Personally, I don't care for "monster" tachs unless it is an all-out drag car. My plan is similar to your second link, the Auto Meter Pro Shift-Lite, mounted to the column. I have seen several of the pillar vent mounted shift lights and I like them as well.
I was sent this photo by another member. Hopefully, he won't mind me posting it, but it gives you an idea.
I was sent this photo by another member. Hopefully, he won't mind me posting it, but it gives you an idea.
Last edited by BrianSF-GA; Feb 13, 2012 at 05:41 PM.
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TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Cartersville, Georgia
I believe the Auto Meter 5334 requires the use of an Autometer tach or interface to allow you to program the desired RPM (someone chime in here) so you need more than just the "5334" shift light. The Auto Meter 5340 is a stand alone light that uses "pills" to turn on the light at a given RPM in a similar fashion as the dip switches in the Harland (and similar) shift lights.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Resident
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From: Cartersville, Georgia
"guppymech", post up some photos when you get it mounted. I will do the same when I get mine in ... I still have a two-step, line lock and rear slicks to get and install. My front runners should be in anytime. My time is quickly running out .... the tracks here will be open for test & tune soon. I cannot wait.
I can't really tell from the pictures but what did you use to mount it to the pillar? I can't tell if you have a screw holding the bracket to the pillar or not. That is the same place i want to mount mine.
I used two larger stainless sheet metal screws in the mount. Holds perfect and keeps it right where I want it.
A lot of good ideas here...I like the idea of the steering column mounted light; I also have an extra spot in my gauge pod to try to stick one.
I'm leaning toward the low profile look of just the shift light to not attract too much attention
I'm leaning toward the low profile look of just the shift light to not attract too much attention
I would agree with just the light then cause the monster is what almost everyone mentions first time they see it.
Check this out. Im gonna try to replicate this one day.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...l#post14494553
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...l#post14494553
