67 Camaro project "It Don't Fit"

[makoshark]

The VHX gauge set has the optional BIM add-on modules. They add to the original cost of the VHX gauges, but can be added at later times. The VHX set has dual digital displays, so allow for more things to be displayed as well as 2 trip meters. You can set one trip meter for oil changes to remind you when to change your oil. It has a 0-60 timer, 1/4 mile eta and mph as well as RPM recall and MPH recall. The cluster is wired with a single CAT5 cable coming from a seperate box where all the main wiring is done allowing you to remotely mount the box removing a bulk of wiring from behind the dash. They give you digital display of all readings as well as analog. They have warning lights and you can install a shift light. You can also setup different warnings especially if you add any of the BIM modules. One of the BIM modules that I purchased allows you to add 4 more temperature readings. I'll add one for the trans and oil temp. I'll also add a rearend temp later to it. You can also add another module to give you a compass reading as well as a temperature reading inside the car or outside. There are several more BIM modules that do different functions. It can also display what gear your in for automatic trans cars. They are awesome gauges, I am just not overly smitten with the display appearance options.

[Roberts68]

I concur with your last statement 100%

I think the font could be better... bolder or something. I like that NVU has a variety of looks, and if you want to go custom for about $200 more the imagination can run wild.

That said, I really like the features now that I hear your testimonial and took the time to look at their site more. I didn't really grasp the scope the first time as I was mostly browsing for appearance.

I definitely want to do a pair of 3 in 1's but I am not sure yet what they will be or when that might happen. Thank you for the info. Did you announce what color scheme you went with? I might have missed it. For my ride it would likely be blue with silver face but I admit I would prefer the red lighting especially at night. I had an '08 Pontiac Grand Prix and an '82 280-ZX that both had red cockpits and it is hard to beat and easy on night vision.

[makoshark]

I never mentioned the color scheme I went with. I decided on the carbon fiber setup with red. I chose the red for the reasons you mentioned. The blue is just too harsh on your eyes at night. I like the red layout much better. After owning a 2001 WS6 TransAm, the red, to me, is the only way to go.

I really like the gauge layout with this style setup. It allows you to continue the use of the original gauge carrier keeping a stock appearance. My interior scheme will be retro, so this will fit better in there. My car is an original console gauge car with factory tach, but those gauges just wouldn't work with the electronic transmission, at least not without spending more money. I built a custom console that is reminiscent to the original console and I was going to utilize aftermarket gauges in the console as the original was. Now, I can't do that with this gauge setup, so I may make use of that area for a double din stereo headunit with GPS. As of right now, I will probably just make it a pocket for storage.

[Roberts68]

Mine has original console with an early 4 pod aftermarket insert in front of the shifter. Mine is straight and not angled toward the driver. My tach is on the column and just have OE Speedo and fuel in the cluster.
I would either do a full aftermarket gauge layout or a pair of 3 in 1's in the cluster and it is pretty obvious which is a cleaner look. I really haven't compared overall costs.

I'd like to see or try the blue at night before I decided, and I see they have a dimmer option that might dull the effect.

[makoshark]

To get a nice set of aftermarket gauges, you will spend quite a bit more than what the cost of the Dakota Digital VHX setup costs. I weighed both options and chose this setup for all the reasons I have mentioned before. I even had an AutoMeter gauge setup prior to purchasing the VHX and decided I did not want gauges scattered all over my dash like a race car. Everything is integrated within the VHX, so it, to me, provides a cleaner, simpler look.

[makoshark]

As I wait for Moser to fix the yoke they sold me and for Ridetech to swap out my front coil-overs, I got a little more work done on the rotisserie. I, now, need to find someone that can cut an 8" hole, 7 1/2" hole, 6" hole and a 5 1/2" hole from 1/4" plate. Also make a few gussets and brackets to mount the pneumatic ram jacks.

[makoshark]

Finally got to drop my motor into the car and found some fitment issues. I purchased Dynatech headers and was told that the one's I am buying WILL fit with the DSE steering box. Well, no can do. Doesn't fit

Also, I received my Moser yoke back from Moser yesterday and it still doesn't fit. It fits just like it did before they were suppose to broach it for me. I'm at a loss as to what to do with this rearend.

NOTHING FITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Roberts68]

I thought Dynatech was supposed to be the go to?

Sorry to hear about the frustrations.

It seems to me that there was a run of Dynatechs where something changed. I might have read it on Team Camaro? If you still have the boxes I would call with part numbers and lot numbers in hand and ask them what is up. I might have heard that Dynatech is now owned by Speedway, perhaps you will have some good luck. It seems you should be due for some right?

I would be chewing hard on Mosers' @$$. Stand firm, make them make it right at no cost to you.

[makoshark]

I'm supposed to have the revised headers. I just checked my purchase and they were bought on 12/15/2011. I called their tech, but only got voicemail. I left a message, so I'm waiting to hear back from them. As for Moser, I'm kinda in a pickle here. This yoke was purchased through Jegs in 2004. I can't get anyone at Jegs to dig that far back to find the purchase. Moser won't take it back because it has sat on a shelf for several years and obtained a patina, so it does not look new anymore. I'm dreading calling them. I am quite angry about all this. I dented my freshly smoothed firewall while installing the motor last night to top it all off. What I get for trying to restore a car in a closet. I am almost to the point of moving it over to the double garage and kick my animals out. I'm tired of cleaning up their shed hair all over the garage anyway.

My thread has turned into a 'rantfest' it seems. I sure am due some good luck, but don't see that happening anytime soon. I have taken off for the next 3 weeks. This is do-or-die for this car. If I don't major progress on it within that time frame, its hasta la vista baby.

[Roberts68]

So what are your goals for the 3 weeks? If you are giving yourself an ultimatum you might consider setting a benchmark even if it is something you don't share publicly.

I have gotten a bit too accustomed to not making my goals with mine and while I don't like it I do believe I named my project accordingly... although "Setback" has a nice ring to it too.

As I read what you wrote about the age of the yoke I remembered the story. While it would mean more out of pocket for you do you have any "Clutch and U-Joint", "Proven Force" or other drivetrain/differential specialists in your area?

Alot of us love our cars so much it is tough to enlist help like that sometimes preferring to use race shops and such. That said, machined tolerances and setup are not that different from high horsepower race/touring than they are from heavy duty/ over the road abuse plus some of those guys share our passions outside of work.

Just thinking outside the box, but what you seem to be struggling with is all in a days work for some shops and it would be one mountain reduced to a molehill and out of your path.

Please keep us up to date on the Dynatech saga too.

I wish you the best over the next few weeks.