VL Dash into VH

[Pub247]

On my previous thread darkmoon metioned gettinbg a vl dash and some style dials, I looked at the dials and think they look great. After failing to win the sl/e dash on ebay (slept in and got outbid) i've rung around and found one but they want $75 (rip off). Basically all i want is the tacho, I looked at prices in shop ranging from $60-150 ($60 for a cheap tacho is a rip-off).
Now this vl dash idea is intriging, There's a couple on ebay with full instruments and tacho going pretty cheap. I want to know the following.
1: Will it fit (i assume it will)?
2: Will my speedo cable plug in and work to a degree (mines out already so it doesn't bother me)?
3: Do the volt, temp, fuel gauges hook up and work the same way as vh?
4: is it worth the effort i like the look with style dials but if it cost is going to be more than $75 i will prolly just get the sl/e dash

If anyone has done this conversion or has a sl/e dash or small tacho(I hate those monster types and people just steal them) they wish to sell let me know.

[atrail308]

You'd be better off trying to source a SL/E dash rather than trying to fit a VL one... The VL one has different mounting points and wiring... alot of mucking around, besides, the SL/E one will still give it the genuine look... just my opinion, but everones different...

[Pub247]

Yeah i just don't want to pay a lot for just the tacho (which is all i want) i might just buy a small old one of ebay

[VL CALO]

i had a vk with the stupid ugly eco gauge i went to U-Pull it and got a whole cluster with tacho for $16

[Pub247]

well i found a whole sl/e dash with a working trip computer on ebay got it for $60 (buy it now price) top shit! $15 cheaper than a wreckers and i get a trip computer the guy says he's also got the harness so all is good

[jd hot stuff]

Man thats lucky, it looks to be in really good shape, i also have a trip computer in my dash but is does't work so might be in luck if it works.

[atrail308]

the trip computer wont work without the sl/e sender units and vh sl/e speedo cable and computer for the trip readings...

[Pub247]

I could probably get them off the guy as he's wrecking a car What sender units are they do you think the trip computer would work with a manual gearbox?

[atrail308]

yeah, it should be ok with a manual if its a aussie 4, because they have the same end on the speedo cable as a tri-matic, anything else and you'll prob have troubles... as for the sender units, you'll need the oil pressure unit, and most importantly, the unit in the middle of your speedo cable, between ur trans end and the speedo gauge end... this give you the signal to the trip computer for speed readings... you may also need the fuel sender unit for fuel consumption readings, but off the top of my head, i cant remember where it gets that specific signal... i hope this has helped a bit anyways...

[Pub247]

Yeah thanks for that atrail308 i picked the dash up yesterday i also got the master control module and the loom. After reading your post i'm not going to bother putting it in as i have a 5 speed (M76) so i don't think it's going to work. The guy reckon's it all worked but i don't want spend anymore money trying to get something i don't really need working. With the oil pressure sender unit do you think an aftermarket sender unit will work for the pressure gauge?

[brohawk]

i have vk calais interior dash and all i love the look of it looks tuff and u have a digital read out of your speed for us lazy ppl

[Pub247]

man that would have been a mission to get that all working i'm sure it look tops i woukdn't mind that but too much work on a $600 car

[brohawk]

lol i bought it with in in already :P check out the piks of it on my page.

[Pub247]

i saw some in the steering wheel thread looks good. very similar to my old calais with the green interior and dark green paint job.
Which page is that?

[brohawk]

vh hybrid

[darkmoon]

On my previous thread darkmoon metioned gettinbg a vl dash and some style dials, I looked at the dials and think they look great. After failing to win the sl/e dash on ebay (slept in and got outbid) i've rung around and found one but they want $75 (rip off). Basically all i want is the tacho, I looked at prices in shop ranging from $60-150 ($60 for a cheap tacho is a rip-off).
Now this vl dash idea is intriging, There's a couple on ebay with full instruments and tacho going pretty cheap. I want to know the following.
1: Will it fit (i assume it will)?
2: Will my speedo cable plug in and work to a degree (mines out already so it doesn't bother me)?
3: Do the volt, temp, fuel gauges hook up and work the same way as vh?
4: is it worth the effort i like the look with style dials but if it cost is going to be more than $75 i will prolly just get the sl/e dash

If anyone has done this conversion or has a sl/e dash or small tacho(I hate those monster types and people just steal them) they wish to sell let me know.

I went through the ringer a bit trying to find out how to fit a VL instrument cluster to a VK EFI. I thought it would be ok as the EFI computer (i was wrong) would work ok but no....

VL speedo's and tacho's run from the ECM at a different pulse rate from any other holden built. Thats what makes it harder but if you visit the below site, they sell a converter module and that would let you fit any instrument to any car.
Worth a look at least
Good luck
Kain
http://www.v6conversions.com.au/vbvl.htm