Tacho/instrument cluster question

#1

I had posted this under "Preparing to Participate" but I guess really this belongs here. I’ll repost (only got one response so more are welcome) here at since this is where it should be anyway. See below…

We are considering using a Stack tacho to replace the factory tach (dont’ ask why, that’s not the point). I think I know the answer but I’m wondering if I can remove the stock instrument cluster in order to place the Stack in that place…along with other gauges (water temp, oil temp, oil pressure). Is this allowed?

And to add to that…if I decide to simply mount all this stuff in the stock location would it be allowed to simply push the stock cluster back further? Thus it is still there but simply recessed further into the dash. This seems like the best solution to maintain compliance. Thoughts?

Thanks.

#2

E30 Reg 1.3 says only permitted modifications are OK. Removing the Stock guage cluster is not an approved modification, i.e. not legal.

#3

Likely means that MOVING it would be illegal too.

For the most part the rules are pretty simple…If it doesn’t spell out that YOU CAN DO (insert whatever it was that you were thinking of doing) then you can’t.

Ric
www.bergstrom-insurance.com

Post edited by: 30Spece30, at: 2005/09/01 13:58

#4

30SpecE30 wrote:

[quote]Likely means that MOVING it would be illegal too.

For the most part the rules are pretty simple…If it doesn’t spell out that YOU CAN DO (insert whatever it was that you were thinking of doing) then you can’t.

Ric
www.bergstrom-insurance.comPost edited by: 30Spece30, at: 2005/09/01 13:58[/quote]

Ric is correct.

And everyone needs to remember, if it isn’t specifically allowed in the Rules, leave it as it came from the factory.

And as someone who had to "undo" a few small items on my 325E SU car, it’s much easier to simply leave it alone.

Carter

#5

Very helpful, thanks. : /

#6

Ric/Carter,

Thanks, I figured it was not removeable, no problem with that. I can’t simply move it back a bit though? I may need to use an aftermarket tacho and the idea of mounting things in my field of vision on the dash is stupid…well, I should say I would not intentionally do this. I’m not talking about moving the cluster down to the floor or anything simply pushing it directly back towards the firewall say 4 inches or so.

I like the location of the factory cluster, both of my other race cars do/did have instruments located there. But even with a quick release hub/steering wheel spacer there is not a reasonable amount of room to add a new gauge panel.

I’ll have to check the mounting depth of the Stack, I believe it’s less than 4 inches…maybe I can simply mount it in front of the factory cluster. Damn ergonomics, my longer legs and shorter arms always give me trouble. ; )

#7

Jack:

I know that moving the cluster back a little isn’t going to make the car any faster but the rules say it must be left as it came from the factory.

I would hate to see you win a race and have another competitor protest you for an unallowed mod. If it happens and the mod isn’t allowed, the decision will go with the rules. No, you won’t get DQ’d that weekend but it will be noted in the logbook and will have to be remedied prior to the next race.

To avoid all this, is there any way to mount it without moving the stock cluster?

Carter

#8

Carter wrote:

[quote]Jack:

I know that moving the cluster back a little isn’t going to make the car any faster but the rules say it must be left as it came from the factory.

I would hate to see you win a race and have another competitor protest you for an unallowed mod. If it happens and the mod isn’t allowed, the decision will go with the rules. No, you won’t get DQ’d that weekend but it will be noted in the logbook and will have to be remedied prior to the next race.

To avoid all this, is there any way to mount it without moving the stock cluster?

Carter[/quote]

Carter,

Yeah, I certainly understand where you’re coming from and if I have not said it publicly, I do commend you guys for the hardline on the rules. I may not agree with all of them and perhaps we will have some discussions on them but in the end, that is racing. Sometime we must agree to disagree.

That being said, regarding this in particular, my main point is that I do not like to mount gauges in locations which hinder my view. The logical place for a tacho is on top of the dash next to the stock opening. This is a hinderence to me. I also very much prefer to have my gauges where I can see them clearly without taking my eyes off the "road", or at least limit that. The stock location is the best unfortunately, it’s already natural for anyone who drives any car anywhere.

As I get into this I may find that there is room to simply install it in front of the stock cluster, that would be fine. My previous experience with E30’s and this tacho is that it likely will not fit. But, it remains to be proven either way. I need to run a steering wheel spacer anyway due to my arm-leg length ratio (how’s that for an ergonic measurement?) so perhaps I can simply adjust seating and steering positions to accomodate this. My reason for asking about removal or relocation was simply because it was the easiest way to accomplish it.

I certainly will report on what I find as we embark on it. Thanks for your post!