Dakota Digital gauge cluster opinions

[Tweekls1]

I've searched and it seems a few guys on here are running them. Any issues or regrets about the purchase? This would be for my s10 project truck, not the blazer. Looks like I can do the digital dash cheaper then I can do individual autometer gauges.

 

[mrk5]

Jegs also has a nice, inexpensive digital dash.

 

[Tweekls1]

Jegs also has a nice, inexpensive digital dash.

Thanks, I didn't realize that. I usually deal with summit mainly because the sites easier to navigate. The digital panels look nice, and for a good price.
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/41645/10002/-1

 

[mrk5]

Thanks, I didn't realize that. I usually deal with summit mainly because the sites easier to navigate. The digital panels look nice, and for a good price.
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/41645/10002/-1

Me too, but I've occasionally order from Jegs; everyone once in a while they have something Summit doesn't or something that's just a little different that I like better. So I get email ads from them and that's when I saw those clusters. An example of something they have that Summit really doesn't seem to. I've often contemplated getting one because it would be a much cleaner install than all my Autometer gauges plus the added turn signal and high beam indicators.

 

[6872xtc]

@azblazer has one, I like it.
Maybe he will chime in.

 

[TreeFarm]

I regret buying the regular one and not the squarebody syndicate custom one. That thing is sweet. Seriously though, it is awesome and had extra features I wasnt expecting like the ability to output VSS to my PCM. Had I known that I would have left the cruise control wires in the harness. The only thing I dont like about it and its more of the fault of my truck is that the very small amount of stray voltage that exists in my turn signal circuit is enough to cause the turn signal indicators to flash every once in a while. oh and the dial and digital speedometers are off by like 2mph. I'm sure I could call and figure out how to fix that though.


oh and its cheaper though vendors than it is through them directly. I got mine at summit.

 

[Abusfullofnuns]

I’ve considered getting the VHX set up from Dakota, but the HDX is so tempting that I haven’t pulled the trigger on the VHX. Either way is pretty pricey, but obviously about double for the hdx.

I’m honestly considering going to a Bluetooth obd2 reader and tablet for gauges and redoing the cluster with a spot for the tablet and switches. I’d have to figure out a fuel gauge because I don’t think I know how to get fuel level.

 

[Barrman]

I installed the Dakota Digital VHX in my 1987 Diesel 3/4 4x4 Suburban last spring. I just turned 4,000 miles yesterday.

Very easy to wire up. Set up was a bit nerve racking, but once I figured out their language it got easier. I got the 4,000 rpm tachometer face to go with the 6.5. Something with their programming made it so I had to designate the engine as a 4 cylinder to get an accurate tach reading. But once that was figured out. Every thing has worked great.

I like it and every time I get into one of my M1009 trucks, I miss it. I would do it again if I were to build another truck. I was tempted by the new next step up gauges. I could care less about different back ground colors. However, having a reading such as temp, oil psi or fuel level turn to red like the NASCAR gauges would be neat. Not in my opinion $400 neat though.

Your own needs might be different.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Thanks, I didn't realize that. I usually deal with summit mainly because the sites easier to navigate. The digital panels look nice, and for a good price.
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/41645/10002/-1

I have not seen that one. I can not read the gauges in the Jimmy when I'm wheeling. Was considering making an aluminum dash insert with better gauges. This would make it easy.

 

[K85 Octane]

I like needles
My VHX with OB2 reader works great and simplifies all the wiring with the use of a separate input box.

 

[mrk5]

I thought I preferred needles but I find myself looking at the digital display of the Sniper handheld more often than the Autometer guages.

 

[Barrman]

I was the same way about needles versus digital numbers. Must have needles! However, my Compushift TCU for the 4L80E has a speed, volt and RPM display along with some transmission data. I find my gauge scan goes to read those readings before I look at the needle gauges during steady speed cruising. Driving around town or anytime I am watching the road more than inside has me looking at the needles.

Which brings up my one and only complaint about the Dakota Digital unit. The temperature gauge. It is one of the small ones and has not much sweep. So, it is difficult to scan over and tell what I am at. Just a hair needle movement can be almost 10° difference in coolant temperature. There is a 180 next to a hash and then a blank hash and then 220. I could set it so the temperature numbers will flash at me in the speedometer window above a specified temp. But, then I can't see my miles. With a 195° thermostat and a turbo. I want to stay around 204°-208° as my max. Something not always possible going down the highway at 75mph in the summer with the a/c blasting. I had the warning set at 200° but anytime I was in the boost it would start flashing. Putting the warning at 210° is useful, but really too late. I have just learned if the needle is over the 2 in 200 all is well. If it gets near the 2 in 20 let off the throttle some. Otherwise, I get the flashing numbers.

Just a little picky thing on my part really.