I am going to be swapping a 5.3/4l80e combo into my 65 nova 4dr. I will start a build thread when i get to some of the bigger stuff. For now, I have been working on some smaller odds and ends. Like most people, I am on a fairly tight budget. Currently, I am trying to find a digital speedo that will work with the 4l80e. Dakota Digital makes a gauge cluster for my car which is pretty sweet. Unfortunately, it also costs $750+. I am trying to keep the interior looking pretty stock. I could also send the gauge off to be converted but that seems to cost $400+.


Shiftworks makes an original style tach and I can use the rest of the indicator lights, but finding a speedometer that will work has been tough. Everything either seems to be very expensive and does not look remotely stock. After looking at some motorcycle forums, I got the idea to try to convert the gauge myself.

I ended up getting an extra speedometer face for cheap. Someone was able to help me out with. that from a nova forum. I measured the sweep of the stock speedo and found a cheap($50) chinese gps speedometer that had the same sweep. The plan is to overlay the factory face on the new gauge. That way I can just put it back into the stock cluster. Since it is gps, I will not have to interact with the computer or transmission.




I started by taking the new gauge apart. It was tricky to pry the bezel off, but once it was apart, it was pretty simple inside.





One problem I ran into was that the odometer readout was lower in the new gauge. It is just connected with these pins. My plan is to clip the pins, move the display so that it will line up with the original gauge, and then reattach the pins with a short cable.




I am still trying to figure out how to remove the pointer. I emailed the seller about it and am hoping to hear back soon. It does not just pop off like other gauges.

 

Nice work, looks like you just about have it figured out.

 

I had a successful test! Now I just need to move the odometer readout up a bit to line up with the factory slot. I may have to open the factory slot up slightly but not much. Once the odometer is working, I can attach the stock needle and then I just have to drill and attach the factory face to the new gauge with the 2 original screws. I think I can hide the gps sensor behind my sun visor. After that, I just need a keyed 12v + and a ground.


https://imgur.com/a/LwYdiLu