Dash Conversion for the old BJ

[fullthrottle]

So I'm getting close to firing up the rebuilt 1HDT in the old BJ73. It's been an interesting project going from the 3B engine, keeping and adapting all the other running gear (H55F, Transfer), converting from 24v to 12v...the list goes on.
Anyway, before I fire it up I want to ensure I have a means to monitor the engine whilst I break it in.

The old BJ73 has no ECU, it's all mechanical.

I've been going down a rabbit hole with wild ideas of completely modernizing it to an LCD dash (Haltech or other). Just running a complete set of aftermarket gauges, like those from Gauges: Universal-Fit, Custom and High-Performance | SPEEDHUT® - https://speedhut.com/

In some cases, the mechanical needs to be converted to electrical, which doesn't seen to be much of an issue.
There is a solution for the speedo: Speedometer Adapter, Mechanical to Electrical, VSS - https://trail-gear.com/speedometer-adapter-mechanical-to-electrical-vss.html
There are solutions for the tacho
The rest of the sensors are straight forward, as long as they are matched to the gauge and/or dash.

Initial questions:
There are a few threads on here with some conversions, so interested to hear recent outcomes from others.
Anyone used this on their Toyota transfer. The specs say it converts and works: Speedometer Adapter, Mechanical to Electrical, VSS - https://trail-gear.com/speedometer-adapter-mechanical-to-electrical-vss.html

Cheers

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

In 1999 both sensors and instrument panel became electronic.

There are a pickup sensor and its cable for the transmission. Both bolt on to the instrument panel, which is 12V. The same applies for the other sensors.

It may be possible to source a 1999-2009 model year instrument panel, as well as the pickup sensor and cable. Perhaps some fabrication is necessary to attach the sensor to the transmission.

It may be even possible to source a complete harness and put it in the BJ. All OEM.

Just my two cents.





Juan

 

[fullthrottle]

So...I'm off to Summernats next week and thought I would investigate this further with some of the vendors there.

The Autometer Invision dash seems to cover the basic inputs, but not highly customizable.
The Haltech UC10 seems to be next level and highly configurable for input signals etc.

I have to remind myself, why the heck am I going down this expensive path. Adding up the costs for good/accurate seperate gauges starts to add up. Possibly even more than the digital dash options.

Anyway, a good recent thread on the Haltech UC10... Haltech UC10 in an 80 Series cruiser

 

[fullthrottle]

Soooo, conclusion....

After lots of talking, demos, procrastinating, talking to the bank manager...etc.... I've decided to go with the Haltech ic7 with a separate setup for EGT, Boost and Vacuum. Whilst the UC10 would be awesome and it actually fits snuggly, replacing the original cluster, The price difference of $1200 NZD is too much.

So what did I look at....

Autometer Invision ( Invision )
A nice unit. It is fixed with the amount and type of inputs/sensors you can have, and a set number of dash designs.

Ghost Dashboard ( Ghost )
Another nice unit, but like the Invision has a set type of inputs.

Haltech UC10 ( UC10 )
Well now, very aesthetically pleasing is the main benefit over the ic7.

Haltech ic7 ( ic7 )
Now like the UC10, these things are very flexible with the inputs and 3rd party sensors. You can expand the number of inputs with an I/O extender if desired. But the base unit will be enough for me. If you have the sensor specification, you can easily program the Haltech to accept them. Fully customizable screens. If you can think it, it can be built. There is a whole group of people out there designing and sharing dash layouts. Even replicating the old dash look.
You can even program it to trigger outputs based on reading from other sensors. For example, turning on the cooling fans when water temp gets to a certain level. Activating glow plug relay when cold, all sorts of combos.
I'll run the ic7 with Syltech sensors, which seem to have good reviews.