LMC Tach for 1987 Model? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mattchu60 · 04-27-2017, 09:10 AM

I have been looking at the LMC Tach for some time, would love to have that factory looking tach in my dash. I have read some of the write ups on here about installing one into a cluster and how to relocate the fuel gauge.

One big mystery I have stumbled into is if this will even work on my truck - I have a 1987 model with EFI. I have read somewhere that this model year cannot have a tach, because 87 EFI trucks have speed sensor (VSS) feedback needed for the factory EFI computer.

I wouldnt think the VSS would be affected by the tach, but i have never tore into a cluster before so maybe its on a spot where it wont work?

If anyone has done this on an 87' model, I would appreciate input. Thanks!

Keith Seymore · 04-27-2017, 09:29 AM

My '87 TBI truck came from the factory with the tach cluster.

K

SCOTI · 04-27-2017, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

I have been looking at the LMC Tach for some time, would love to have that factory looking tach in my dash. I have read some of the write ups on here about installing one into a cluster and how to relocate the fuel gauge.

One big mystery I have stumbled into is if this will even work on my truck - I have a 1987 model with EFI. I have read somewhere that this model year cannot have a tach, because 87 EFI trucks have speed sensor (VSS) feedback needed for the factory EFI computer.

I wouldnt think the VSS would be affected by the tach, but i have never tore into a cluster before so maybe its on a spot where it wont work?

If anyone has done this on an 87' model, I would appreciate input. Thanks!

Not sure on your specific model but I converted my 89 CC dually w/TBI to a tach dash & relocated the fuel gauge over to the blank spot w/the smaller gauges.

Mattchu60 · 04-27-2017, 09:45 AM

Sounds like its a non-issue then - SCOTI - did you cut a hole in your stock cluster and run wires over to the new fuel gauge spot like I have seen some do - reusing the stock printed board? Or did you handle it differently?

SCOTI · 04-27-2017, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

Sounds like its a non-issue then - SCOTI - did you cut a hole in your stock cluster and run wires over to the new fuel gauge spot like I have seen some do - reusing the stock printed board? Or did you handle it differently?

Yes, yes, & re-used the original printed circuit board.

I used the LMC small fuel gauge & a 7k tach w/both using the later year models font so everything matched the remaining OE gauges.

Mattchu60 · 04-27-2017, 11:55 AM

I like the look of that 7k tach - where did you get it at? - the LMC ones are all 5k tachs.

How difficult would you say this install is? I know its always a pain to take the dash apart for me - seems like it takes a good amount of time to get it all out and then back together for me.

Dads79GMC · 04-27-2017, 12:06 PM

Mattchu60, I'll be watching this. Please post the success you have. I have a 91 cluster for my LS conversion and would like a tach and relocate the fuel gauge as well. Good Luck, Mike.

SCOTI · 04-27-2017, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

I like the look of that 7k tach - where did you get it at? - the LMC ones are all 5k tachs.

How difficult would you say this install is? I know its always a pain to take the dash apart for me - seems like it takes a good amount of time to get it all out and then back together for me.

http://www.gmsports.com/tags/tachometer

Be advised though, they sent the tach & the 4 gauge cluster assembly. But, the font style for the 2 upper gauges were 81-87 while the lower 2 were 73-80. I was kind of pissed about that. So I ordered the correct font fuel gauge & did it that way. That 4-cluster set-up is still sitting in the box on a shelf.

Mattchu60 · 04-27-2017, 02:20 PM

Ok - I have seen these before - I don't really like that you have to order the new tach along with the 4 gauges as one unit, but i suppose it is convenient for some to do it that way vs buying a stand alone fuel gauge.

The 4 gauge pod seems to have the correct lettering in the picture for the bottom ones - but something does look "off" about the lettering, almost like its too small or something. maybe it would look fine once installed.

Keith Seymore · 04-27-2017, 02:56 PM

Here's what the factory setup looks like (in terms of font) -

K

**Hart_Rod** · 03-10-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Here's what the factory setup looks like (in terms of font) -

K

Does anyone sell a kit that allows this upgrade to a non tach cluster?

SCOTI · 03-10-2020, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Does anyone sell a kit that allows this upgrade to a non tach cluster?

Brothers or LMC are the only ones I've seen. I know LMC has them listed as a back-ordered item.

**Hart_Rod** · 03-10-2020, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Brothers or LMC are the only ones I've seen. I know LMC has them listed as a back-ordered item.

Found it, https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1981-...tinfo/TACH797/

Pretty pricey....

SCOTI · 03-10-2020, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Found it, https://www.brotherstrucks.com/1981-...tinfo/TACH797/

Pretty pricey....

Agreed.

**Factory Guy** · 03-12-2020, 12:55 PM

Usa1 parts has the same set up as well.

http://www.usa1industries.com/produc...cat=668&page=1

I am building my own as well.

Early mock up stages..

https://ibb.co/c8TD9Rq

**Desert1957** · 03-13-2020, 11:31 AM

Sorry I waited on purchasing a 7K tach, Looks likes the new ones are gone forever.

04-27-2017, 09:10 AM	#1
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	LMC Tach for 1987 Model? I have been looking at the LMC Tach for some time, would love to have that factory looking tach in my dash. I have read some of the write ups on here about installing one into a cluster and how to relocate the fuel gauge. One big mystery I have stumbled into is if this will even work on my truck - I have a 1987 model with EFI. I have read somewhere that this model year cannot have a tach, because 87 EFI trucks have speed sensor (VSS) feedback needed for the factory EFI computer. I wouldnt think the VSS would be affected by the tach, but i have never tore into a cluster before so maybe its on a spot where it wont work? If anyone has done this on an 87' model, I would appreciate input. Thanks!

04-27-2017, 09:29 AM	#2
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,149	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? My '87 TBI truck came from the factory with the tach cluster. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

04-27-2017, 09:45 AM	#4
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Sounds like its a non-issue then - SCOTI - did you cut a hole in your stock cluster and run wires over to the new fuel gauge spot like I have seen some do - reusing the stock printed board? Or did you handle it differently?

04-27-2017, 11:55 AM	#6
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? I like the look of that 7k tach - where did you get it at? - the LMC ones are all 5k tachs. How difficult would you say this install is? I know its always a pain to take the dash apart for me - seems like it takes a good amount of time to get it all out and then back together for me.

04-27-2017, 12:06 PM	#7
Dads79GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 1,237	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Mattchu60, I'll be watching this. Please post the success you have. I have a 91 cluster for my LS conversion and would like a tach and relocate the fuel gauge as well. Good Luck, Mike. __________________ Instagram @HomeBuiltC10s Dads 79 GMC Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=642929 1978 Silverado Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=756016

04-27-2017, 02:20 PM	#9
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Ok - I have seen these before - I don't really like that you have to order the new tach along with the 4 gauges as one unit, but i suppose it is convenient for some to do it that way vs buying a stand alone fuel gauge. The 4 gauge pod seems to have the correct lettering in the picture for the bottom ones - but something does look "off" about the lettering, almost like its too small or something. maybe it would look fine once installed.

04-27-2017, 02:56 PM	#10
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,149	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Here's what the factory setup looks like (in terms of font) - K Attached Images __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

03-12-2020, 12:55 PM	#15
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 540	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Usa1 parts has the same set up as well. http://www.usa1industries.com/produc...cat=668&page=1 I am building my own as well. Early mock up stages.. https://ibb.co/c8TD9Rq Last edited by Factory Guy; 03-12-2020 at 01:00 PM.

03-13-2020, 11:31 AM	#16
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: LMC Tach for 1987 Model? Sorry I waited on purchasing a 7K tach, Looks likes the new ones are gone forever. __________________ Desert



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