Ive got an idea.

[Zack]

Since we dont have any options for upgrading our instrument cluster, why not buy a Canadian Cluster and reprogram the computer to make it work?

I think that would be cool:

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/08/f1/25/ec_1.JPG

[Bradley G]

I know Mr. Barnes wants one! :eek:
Oh, Yeaah, Me-2 :nworthy:

[magindat]

There will be an option soon (I hope).
I'm working on a billet style guage cluster overlay.
Wanna prototype it?

[SID210SA]

I know Mr. Barnes wants one! :eek:
Oh, Yeaah, Me-2 :nworthy:


Just keep in mind its not M.P.H. but K.P.H. metric system, ya know

Does that mean yall up in Canada dont have a quarter pounder with cheese:D

[Master]

I'm going to assume you mean to recalibrate the computer by a factor of about 1.62 so that our KPH become your MPH, yes? Sounds simple. Is there enough latitude in the speedo range setting?

[RR|Suki]

Is there enough latitude in the speedo range setting?

That would be the trick right there

[Zack]

Adjusting the PCM would be no problem.

[RR|Suki]

Adjusting the PCM would be no problem.

how about that pesky needle?

[whoskal]

Just keep in mind its not M.P.H. but K.P.H. metric system, ya know

Does that mean yall up in Canada dont have a quarter pounder with cheese:D

http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1000/362043.1000.A.jpg (http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?sku=362043&master%5Fmovie%5Fid=10554)

I believe it's a Royale with Cheese;)

[Breadfan]

how about that pesky needle?

The needle would move based on the pcm adjustment since it's an electric speedo. So basically you can reprogram your car now to adjust the speedo, but where it points would not match your speed.

i.e. at full sweep the dial face reads 140mph, but you could program the PCM to make full sweep=200 [actual] mph.

Making that change is easy as I understand, getting a matching speedo face is what's tough.

[crouse]

Hey hosers... The metric system is easy. Take the english number and double it and add 30.

[Joe Walsh]

It would be almost impossible to use more than half of that speedo around the DC/Baltimore area....:(
There just aren't many long, straight uncrowded & unpoliced roads.

It would be cool to bend the needle past 160...A black MM would look like an earthbound SR71....:D

[supa_carrot]

Hey hosers... The metric system is easy. Take the english number and double it and add 30.

I'm not so sure about that. To take a standard number to metric you multiply by ~ 1.6, and for metric to standard by ~.6. I could be wrong, but it usually works out.

[Gre8one7]

220 is a little high lol, i would be happy with 180 lol

[Donny Carlson]

Seems like a lot of work for little return, plus it screws up lower speedo readings which could be a problem if you want to drive through a 35 mph speed zone or similar.

Speed at the track, well, that's not based on your speedo. If you want to get an acurate high speed reading above the markings on the stock speedo, there's always GPS.

Another option would be a digital auxilary speedometer, such as those sold bu Dakota Digital or Nordskog.

[Breadfan]

It's all for the "cool" factor. 200mph speedometers are better than 140mph speedometers. ;)

Hey guys I contacted a custom speedometer shop and asked them if they'd be interested in developing a 200mph kit for us. I'm waiting to hear back...this idea is intriguing espeically since we have no kits on the market!

Not stepping on any other ideas, just lobbed a call and said "Could you? Would you?" Maybe we could have our cake and eat it too - 200 as the number and mph as the scale. Some different styles would be cool too!

[fastblackmerc]

My son got a speedo and other gauge overlays for his Camaro on eBay.

[magindat]

My son got a speedo and other gauge overlays for his Camaro on eBay.

At the end of the day it still has to say 'MARAUDER' on it!!!!

[MM2004]

At the end of the day it still has to say 'MARAUDER' on it!!!!

...and backlit red.

Mike.

[Hotrauder]

Yup, I like this one too. No hope for me or for most of the rest of us, is there? Dennis:rolleyes:

[Breadfan]

All,

I wanted to create a new thread to not hijack Zack's thread about using the Canadian speedomoter here:(thread now merged)

That idea certainly has merit but I wanted to have this thread open as I may have found a place that is willing to design for us a new speedometer with a 200mph scale and I did not want to hijack Zack's original thread to discuss it.

Along with a stock designs, it would also be possible with enough interest to design a non-stock looking instrument cluster faceplate design, though I suspect the first step would be a stock-looking 200mph design.

I'm currently working with US Speedo (http://www.usspeedo.com) (http://www.usspeedo.com%29), and been corresponding with Jason from USSpeedo via email.

I informed him we had some interest in a new faceplate design with 200mph top speed and asked if they would be interested in developing a product with us. Keep in mind I am not doing this for profit, just as an exploratory/scouting mission for the community here. I'm not selling anything, just doing a bit of leg-work to see what options we may have for aftermarket speedometers.

Anyway, all the progress I made is simply "What if" phase - basically seeing if they would even be interested and if so what would we need to do and what might it cost us.

Check out their site, they look like they can do some neat stuff.

On to the facts...

- USSpeedo can make us a new design, but we would have to provide them basic drawings of the scale and design in either CAD or Photoshop so their designers could develop from that the final production version.

- Cost would be about $750 for one unit, about $175 for 10. This is just an estimate.

- I am unsure at this point if the price is for just the speedometer or for the whole three-bay cluster. I suspect it's just the speedo - but, if it's for the whole cluster, we'd have to submit drawings of the guages to be produced. I could be wrong, I'll have to ask them.

- We would be responsible for reprogramming the speedometer for accuracy. They recommend we make the drawing and test it out to ensure accuracy so everyone knows how to change the tune before anything is made.

Questions I would have...

- The word "Marauder" - we'd want that to be cut into the design. Is it tinted or just red-backlit? That might be important info.

Other potential options from this...

- Different aftermarket styles, move away from OEM style, etc.

- Different backlit setups (look at their site they are capable of such things)

- Screen-print logos, titles onto them. (Sure that would cost extra for custom printing if they can do it.)


Again, I'm just passing along word from them. Below I will attach the emails I got from Jason Baker. Again I'm not trying to sell or promote anything, just stating for the group that there is a vendor who would be willing to produce aftermarket gauge faces for our cars if we have enough interest. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just found them via google and remembering seeing their products in a speed magazine.

Is anyone interested?




Here are the email responses I received:


We can produce a gauge face for you but you would have to supply us with a drawing with the proper scaling on there for the 200 mph scale. Also you would have to have the programming done on your end because we don’t do anything like that. The cost if you were to order just one would be roughly $750 and if you were to order 10 or more the cost on them $175 or so. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p>


I would need a drawing through Cad or through adobe photoshop for the guys here to get it drafted and drawn up for production. It doesn’t have to be a professional job just something that has the indicator marks and the numbers for the 10, 20, 30….etc. I just need something to go off of and you should get the programming done before you decide to go ahead and have us make the gauges.

Reference:
Here are some relatively high-res images of our current speedometer. I may still have the full size images somewhere...

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/cars/marauder/DSC_0022_rs.jpg

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/cars/marauder/DSC_0022_rs.jpg

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/cars/marauder/DSC_0019_rs.jpg

[magindat]

The MARAUDER is red without the white background and is backlit with standard incandescent bulbs.

My only issue as stated in Zack's thread is the continuance of the MARAUDER logo. Aside from that, sky's the limit!

Nice research. I wonder also if the 175 means all 10 the same colors (once design and font are established) or if mix-n-match could happen.

[Breadfan]

My only issue as stated in Zack's thread is the continuance of the MARAUDER logo. Aside from that, sky's the limit!


I believe you are dead on - most of us would want an OEM look and the "MARAUDER" logo on the bottom is a huge part of that. It is a "must" in my book!

[Peter]

sorta looks like mine ;)

[Peter]

I need a good 300 KPH speedometer
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/9/8/4/NandyandApastripaug2006170.jpg

[LVMarauder]

I love this idea. But let me just predict now that this thread suffer the same fate as the hood scoop thread. Too many variables and everyone will want something different. Case in point, my opinion: Something that reads to 200, stays true to OEM feel but maybe some back lighting or lighted needles. Once again everyone will want something different. Good luck Gentlemen, ill be watching where this goes.

[Breadfan]

I love this idea. But let me just predict now that this thread suffer the same fate as the hood scoop thread. Too many variables and everyone will want something different. Case in point, my opinion: Something that reads to 200, stays true to OEM feel but maybe some back lighting or lighted needles. Once again everyone will want something different. Good luck Gentlemen, ill be watching where this goes.

Point Taken - let's keep it simple this go round.

So, here's the deal of what this is for:

OEM style speedometer
200 mph scale
OEM design/colors
OEM backlit
Keep "MARAUDER" on bottom

If we can get something like this going we can examine other ideas later.

I'll entertain ideas but lets keep this go-round OEM style with 200mph scale and see where it goes for now.

[LVMarauder]

Well who wants to photo****op or CAD the prototype. I dont now anything about altering photos.

[RCSignals]

Why don't you find a place that can make replacement speedometer/guage faces.....They do exist and make them for Restorations............. and have a face made with 1 or 2mph increments, as the CVPI speedometer has.

[Breadfan]

Why don't you find a place that can make replacement speedometer/guage faces.....They do exist and make them for Restorations............. and have a face made with 1 or 2mph increments, as the CVPI speedometer has.

Not to take away from this thread but I did find such a place. http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31676

[Breadfan]

Photoshop is easy but I think they want a scale represenation. It'd be nice to find someone on the boards who could volunteer some CAD time/skills and get a good prototype put together.

Maybe we could get a paper prototype to use to make sure the scale works with the PCM too.

[SergntMac]

I don't know a lot about what's going on here, but I do know that speedo replacement has a lot of "rules and regulations" attached to it all today, thanks to our "mileage friendly" shyster used car market.

You can lobby for almost anything you want, but getting that is another story. Even from "boneyards", a speedo has "flags" attached to them, around here.

Carry on gents...

[KillJoy]

I don't know a lot about what's going on here, but I do know that speedo replacement has a lot of "rules and regulations" attached to it all today, thanks to our "mileage friendly" shyster used car market.

You can lobby for almost anything you want, but getting that is another story. Even from "boneyards", a speedo has "flags" attached to them, around here.

Carry on gents...

Do you mean Speedometers or Odometers???

KillJoy

[teamrope]

http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1000/362043.1000.A.jpg (http://www.moviegoods.com/movie_product.asp?sku=362043&master%5Fmovie%5Fid=10554)

I believe it's a Royale with Cheese;)

That's what it was in Germany. :)

[Agent M79]

Zack. If you adjust the speedometer rate, does that affect the odometer rate?

[dwasson]

Does that mean yall up in Canada dont have a quarter pounder with cheese:D

Those poor Canadians are always getting ripped off. Not only do they have to rent cars using Canadian dollars, they get stuck with unlimited free kilometers.

[mr.continental]

That's what it was in Germany. :)

Actually that's what it was in France.

[MarauderMark]

At the end of the day it still has to say 'MARAUDER' on it!!!!

Yep..... :up:

[sweetair]

I will be looking at this seroiusly. It would look cool, and that is what it is all about.;) Good job, and I agree with the requirements, OEM look, but with 200MPH.

[ctrlraven]

OEM look with 200mph scale, I know I would want one. Fastest I've seen my car go was 157mph on the dyno but I wasn't in the car I was watching the computer screen. If they looked OEM then I think that would make the car even cooler because everyday I will have a client of mine ask me whats the top speed and with a 200mph gauge I will just tell them to go look for themselves with a big grin from ear to ear.

Good job Breadfan on the leg work!

[GAMike]

I would be very interested @ $175 or less. I also agree to keep the design simple yet OEM like. Depending on how its delivered, those who want to customize it, may be able to do it themselves. I'm getting the Mod bug now, might as well see how good i'm doing on the speedo each time I add somthing. I'm sure the stock speedo is good for now, but got to have something to shoot for:D . 200mph wood shoa b sumthin!

Best regards,

[Bigdogjim]

Just for the effect at a car show? Yeah it's worth it. Has to look factory:)

[Breadfan]

Do we have anyone here with good CAD skills?

I have a small amount, plus some photoshop knowledge.

Also I suspect to get the dimensions and scale right it'd be easiest to work with a donor speedometer unit from a parts car if such a thing existed...

[MarauderMark]

Watching too.:hmmm:

[Bradley G]

We can't just order the Canadian overlay?
I realize the ecm would need recalibrating.

[SID210SA]

Question......if you put the Canadian version in for the American version of speedo than why would you need to change the ECM? If you look at both versions of the speedo our MPH lines up with their MPH wich is smaller and inside their KPH.

[Zack]

Question......if you put the Canadian version in for the American version of speedo than why would you need to change the ECM? If you look at both versions of the speedo our MPH lines up with their MPH wich is smaller and inside their KPH.

If thats your thoughts, then why not read the small print on OUR speedos?? :depress:

[SID210SA]

If thats your thoughts, then why not read the small print on OUR speedos?? :depress:


I like the Idea of seeing 220 in big numbers instead of 140 in big numbers, so I like the Idea of changing out the speedo to the Canadian version just did not know why you would need to change the ECM.

[Zack]

I like the Idea of seeing 220 in big numbers instead of 140 in big numbers, so I like the Idea of changing out the speedo to the Canadian version just did not know why you would need to change the ECM.

I see your point now.
It very well might be plug and play.

[magindat]

OEM look with 200mph scale, I know I would want one. Fastest I've seen my car go was 157mph on the dyno but I wasn't in the car I was watching the computer screen. If they looked OEM then I think that would make the car even cooler because everyday I will have a client of mine ask me whats the top speed and with a 200mph gauge I will just tell them to go look for themselves with a big grin from ear to ear.

Good job Breadfan on the leg work!

With 4.10's, the theoretical top speed (no friction or air resistance, just rpm's) is 190. That would definately shut 'em up!

[magindat]

Do we have anyone here with good CAD skills?

I have a small amount, plus some photoshop knowledge.

Also I suspect to get the dimensions and scale right it'd be easiest to work with a donor speedometer unit from a parts car if such a thing existed...

I have CAD lite at home. I could try to mess with it, too. Life would be a lot easier with a donor to take measurements from.

[RR|Suki]

With 4.10's, the theoretical top speed (no friction or air resistance, just rpm's) is 190. That would definately shut 'em up!

as long as you have the power to over come the air... hells yeah... I wonder if 500 is enough :rasta: ... can you rent test tracks? :lol:

[SID210SA]

as long as you have the power to over come the air... hells yeah... I wonder if 500 is enough :rasta: ... can you rent test tracks? :lol:

You can rent anything if you throw enough money at someone....:D

[jawz101]

I think as close to OEM but with a lit God's head would be cool

[Drock96Marquis]

You will not be able to reprogram the PCM for this modification, as it will overdrive the odometer. The odometer and speedometer use the same signal from the PCM, alterting the PCM speedo pulse will effect both.

You will need to figure out how to reprogram the speedometer head itself, and only the speedometer portion of the speedo head circuitry.

All 03-05 analog CV/GM/MM speedos interchange for one another, the speedo head is what interprets the speed pulse. So, the 140mph and 120mph analog heads use the same pulse, and the speedo head's circuitry translates that to the calibrated needle movement. You can swap any 03-05 CV/GM/MM analog speedo, regardless of indicated speed, and it will fit and read correctly.



I would make your max MPH 240. Like this you can use the guts of a 120mph analog 03-05 CV/GM speedo, and then try to figure a way of reducing the needle movement by exactly one half (60 mph on a 120 speedo would = 120 on the 240, so 1/2 the original postion on the 120 face)

You can then use whatever speedo face you wish over the speedo head. We had a guy make us custom gauge faces over on CVN. He can do the same for you, I already provided him a 120 mph speedo face for our project, but it can be used for yours as well. All 92-05 CV and 95-05 GM/MM use the same layout on the 120 mph and 140 mph units. You can probably just tell him you need my image, but exactly double the MPH for each indicator, but with the MM's stying/font.

He can make them any color, style, and add anytype of effct you want (Marauder lettering on the bottom, a glowing gods head, w/e)

Here is what he did for mine. (http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/7603/34243)



If you would like his contact info, PM or email me, I'm not sure if it is a breach of the new rules to post it in here.

[jabo731]

I hope you guys figure this thing out, because I would love to have one.

[John F. Russo]

I've seen some instrument clusters with multiple gauges which would eliminate (almost in some instatnces) the need for pillar gauges.

Is this even a thought at this time or too far out of the scope of our discussion?

Is there anyone who does this professionally?

[Breadfan]

Yeah probably out of scope of this current project, but not a bad idea for future work! Florida50 makes kits for Mustangs usings an ABS plastic backing they insert guages like Autometer guages.

OK, so where I see this right now...we have two things to work out...

1.) Programming the PCM w/o overdriving the odometer, or programming the speedo unit.

2.) Obtaining an existing speedo from a parts car and someone with CAD skills to recreate it w/ the new 200mph scale and the "MARAUDER" lettering