1983 GL 4wd wagon  EA81

Is there any reason why I could not unhook the gauge cluster and just hook up some after market gauges?  I figure I will need speed,tach, oil pressure and fuel.  I just cannot fit that entire cluster into the new dash I am making.    Does the computer go through that assembly?  I know the door open sensors go through it but those will be removed anyways.

Edited June 10, 201510 yr by zombieblues

Do all the gauges work? Their not real accurate but the fuel gage and speedo might be tricky to find good aftermarket replacements. The only gauge Ive had problems with on these is the oil pressure. What about getting a DL dash its smaller as it uses lights for oil and temp and has no tach. There was one for sale in the parts section here. Ide try my darndest to use a factory cluster. You mention an ecm, are u turbo or feedback? If your feedback, loose this setup. Going non feedback is way more important than stripping a dash.

I'm not sure if I am feedback.  It's the Hitachi 2 BBL  and no turbo yet.    I am wanting to build the dash in the middle where all the climate controls are on the 83 wagon.   I am taking everything except the heater out. And you mean remove the feedback system?  In Colorado I cannot register the car if the emission system has been altered.

so, what makes you say you even have a computer then ? feedback would be running an O2 sensor in the exhaust system somewhere ?

Give this a look

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/153337-ea-81-instrument-cluster-for-sale/

If you have a funtioning ecm you are feedback. Since your build is pretty radical and your thinking turbo maybe that system will be coming out (if you have it). How strict are your emissions inspections?

I cannot remove any original emission equipment if I want it to be street legal.   I thought it might have some form of ECM in the gauge cluster because it runs the door sensors and everything.  So in theory I could remove the entire cluster and drive it with no problems?  I just wanted to make sure there was no programming (Like the feedback thing) built into the gauges.  I think legally all I HAVE to have is the speedo. But I will be going a tach with the shift light too.

I wouldnt strip any of the door sensor wiring till you see if you want to try a dl dash. I bet the "warning center" harness may plug right in. On the DL dash its big and in place of a tach, its a cool feature why not keep it. That cluster might be pretty slick in the middle of the dash. Only challenges coming to mind are swapping the sender to a switch for the oil light and possibly moving the speedo cable over.

 

If you had an ecm it would be under the steering column.

I won't need the sensors as this is going to be an off highway vehicle and might even lose it's doors at some point.

 

In the long run I want a working motor (With gauges) and drive train with lights.  Thinking If I get a little crazy I might install a 2 channel stereo.