Hey guys, wondering if anyone has experience taking the dash cluster out? I am trying to make room for my new MXL dash. It would make a lot more room if i could take the cluster out. My main concern is that the car will still run without the cluster in place. Does the ecu get any signals from the dash or vice-versa? Also does anyone know if the dash has a flimsy plastic circuit board on it, or is it hard wired? I know i could find this out by pulling it myself, but i am away from the car right now and won't be able to get to it until next weekend.

Thanks in advance

 

i know that i have ran and moved my car with out the cluster or even a dash. it was crazy to drive like that, just are barren and cold in from of me. But i did not notice a problem, altho it was only for a short trip to change garages.

 

Unless you have a fuel injected GSL-SE,the engine ECU is basically just a relay box for some switches and solenoids on the rats nest/carb.The 12A equipped cars could hardly be called,"ECU controlled"


Even with the GSL-SE's fuel injection,the gauge cluster has little direct connection to the engine.Yes,the temp and oil gauges are directly wired to the engine sending units,but its just as easy to wire aftermarket gauges in their place.
Everything in the dash is basic and mechanical,no computors or electronics.There is a speed sensor in there if your worried about retaining the cruise control,but thats about it.
Behind the gauges is a printed,rigid circuit board with a few large round plugs out the back.After the plugs,there arent really any wires on the board,although one could always cut and solder wires along the solder paths of the board,if need be.

 

I do have the gsl-se, hmmm didn't even think about removing the cruise control. This is an autox only car (drive it to and from events). My idea is to replace the entire dash and wire in indicators for the necessary info (turn signals, highs, cel, etc.). Guess i'll have to pull it apart this weekend, unless someone has pictures....

 

Its an easy teardown.

You dont have to pull the steering wheel,but it helps.
Pull the upper column's plastic cover and then the surround for the gauges.Then its just a few screws,the speedo cable from underneath,and weasel the thing out.Youll probably have to pull it halfway,then reach in back and yank the plugs.Its much easier once youve done it a few times,but its not rocket science.

Yea,with the GSL-SE youll loose the cruise control,but thats about it.The SE,despite its fuel injection,is still very rudementary....it doesnt even have a check engine light in the cluster.