Tachs in automatics? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Squareforceone · 12-31-2010, 02:36 PM

I see a lot of people on here with tachometers in there trucks, and a lot of them are automatics. I know that in a manual you can you use it to help with shifts but what exactly do you use it for in an automatic? Or do people just like to have an idea what RPM there motors at?

codydubb · 12-31-2010, 02:39 PM

Use it for the same thing in an automatic that you would a manual

Restrorob · 12-31-2010, 02:43 PM

It's just kool seeing that little needle move when you push the gas !

Squareforceone · 12-31-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

It's just kool seeing that little needle move when you push the gas !

Lol thats good enough for me i just didn't know if i was missing something because i see a lot of people just put one stick on the dash where IMO it just looks out of place i would just rather not do that unless there was use for it

83burban · 12-31-2010, 03:18 PM

helps with tuning...other than that...I like looking at it jump when I really get on it.

Jonboy · 12-31-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

It's just kool seeing that little needle move when you push the gas !

That's why I added one, too.

Benelli · 12-31-2010, 03:43 PM

I like to watch it when I kick-down or when pulling trailers and it helps you keep a light foot when your trying to save fuel.

jitteryguy · 12-31-2010, 04:12 PM

I had one in an old truck , on trips I'd set the cruise at 2000 in hopes of better MPG.

69GMC910 · 12-31-2010, 04:22 PM

My speedo is way off... I know 2750rpm is 60mph... I rarely use the speedometer!!!

Psycho71 · 01-01-2011, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69GMC910

My speedo is way off... I know 2750rpm is 60mph... I rarely use the speedometer!!!

I use mi e for the exact same reason.

And on the later model vehicles i like them because i can keep an eye on it and know when the converter locks and unlocks.

For performance engines, shift points, tuning, and the ever important "cool factor".
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**PRattenbury** · 01-01-2011, 10:08 AM

I agree with the above. I can keep an eye on when the converter is locking and unlocking, and how much RPM drop there is when it does. It would be handy for cam break-in, often as that happens. And also for tuning/setting the idle. And yeah, it's just generally cool to have.

canadian trucker · 12-31-2010, 04:49 PM

I just like seeing the needle hit 9000 rpm. On a V8 it sounds amazing.

ont_guy_38 · 12-31-2010, 05:35 PM

With a stock engine it's not as huge of a deal but as soon as you start adding cams , headers, carbs or any other higher performance product that usually also gets your rpm higher so you want to be able to keep an eye on it as you can soon over rev your engine

evan · 12-31-2010, 05:53 PM

I got mine as soon as I took out the stock 305 and installed a rebuilt 350. Needed it to make sure I was breaking in the cam properly and wouldn't go back.

**N2TRUX** · 01-01-2011, 12:18 PM

I have one simply because they were an option in 77 and it looks good in my dash

*lakeroadster* · 01-01-2011, 12:53 PM

Other than the obvious benefits during tuning....

Ever had a clutch wear out or an automatic transmission start slipping and need repaired / replaced? The tachometer will help you to determine this at the onset of the problem.

Drive in the snow or on slick roads? If you accelerate and are mindful of the tachometer you can tell if your tire(s) spinning.

Ever do a burnout? The tachometer will help you to keep from over revving the engine.

Ever manually shift an automatic? The tachometer lets you hit your shift points.

bmchevy1979 · 01-03-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Ever had a clutch wear out or an automatic transmission start slipping and need repaired / replaced? The tachometer will help you to determine this at the onset of the problem.

Drive in the snow or on slick roads? If you accelerate and are mindful of the tachometer you can tell if your tire(s) spinning.

Ever do a burnout? The tachometer will help you to keep from over revving the engine.

Ever manually shift an automatic? The tachometer lets you hit your shift points.

with all of points made heck if it wasn't for the tach in my grandpa's 90 F350 we would have destroyed the motor (lost all gears going 75 mph down freeway towing backhoe) another save is when I was climbing a hill in my blazer I realized I was about to over rev the engine because I was spinning my tires

joe1982 · 01-03-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I have one simply because they were an option in 77 and it looks good in my dash

that would make a cool garage poster or photo N2TRUX!

**N2TRUX** · 01-03-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe1982

that would make a cool garage poster or photo N2TRUX!

Hmmm? Not a bad idea. My wife had a nice pic blown up for me for a Christmas present. That would compliment it rather nicely.

sailed2japan · 01-03-2011, 07:49 PM

but with the needles pointing to the other side

Shawn5488 · 01-03-2011, 08:54 PM

I like the factory tach because having that huge gas gauge is ugly, the tach looks great there.

Justins76 · 01-03-2011, 09:32 PM

i like the looks

48cj2a · 01-03-2011, 11:13 PM

Were they still available in 88-91 Blazers and Burb'ns?

johnnypop · 01-04-2011, 12:35 AM

My family hits the sand dunes pretty often and it helps a lot in dragging big toys out... I always watch it to make sure I'm not going to blow the motor since it's easy to do in sand and mud. It spends a lot of off-road time in 4 low, so it spins up really quick.

motornut · 01-04-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnypop

My family hits the sand dunes pretty often and it helps a lot in dragging big toys out... I always watch it to make sure I'm not going to blow the motor since it's easy to do in sand and mud. It spends a lot of off-road time in 4 low, so it spins up really quick.

for sure you want one with the 4X4 in the lower gears
besides I like to watch something move stuck in traffic lol
when i find one for the dash,i'd put it in
this ones hard to read sometimes
I did it before for my 81 lemans

12-31-2010, 02:36 PM	#1
Squareforceone Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rustville USA or southeast Ia Posts: 654	Tachs in automatics? I see a lot of people on here with tachometers in there trucks, and a lot of them are automatics. I know that in a manual you can you use it to help with shifts but what exactly do you use it for in an automatic? Or do people just like to have an idea what RPM there motors at?

12-31-2010, 02:39 PM	#2
codydubb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Preston Id Posts: 86	Re: Tachs in automatics? Use it for the same thing in an automatic that you would a manual __________________ 1985 Chevy C10 350 .60 over iron eagle h-beam rods, sealed power high comp pistons, forged crank, vortec heads, edelbrock performer rpm vortec intake, roller rockers, .488 .510 cam 750 Demon Double Pumper, Longtube headers, Dual Flowmaster exhaust,Dual electric fans, Proform electric water pump. TCI 3500 Stall Converter th350 trans B&M shift kit 10 bolt 3.73 Detroit Locker

12-31-2010, 02:43 PM	#3
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Tachs in automatics? It's just kool seeing that little needle move when you push the gas ! __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

12-31-2010, 03:18 PM	#5
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: Tachs in automatics? helps with tuning...other than that...I like looking at it jump when I really get on it.

12-31-2010, 03:43 PM	#7
Benelli Watchin the rust grow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Western Nebraska Posts: 950	Re: Tachs in automatics? I like to watch it when I kick-down or when pulling trailers and it helps you keep a light foot when your trying to save fuel. __________________ 1979 Chevy K10 (H/D Front end) - 350 w/ Holley Truck Avenger, Weinald Intake manifold, headers, bored .060 over, mild cam, Built up TH350 (TranStar Shift kit) with a part-timed NP203 t-case SOLD ($3,000) 1997 Chevy Silverado 1500 - 4.3 vortec, extended cab, 21 highway MPG, stock. "Red" SOLD ($3,000) 1987 Toyota 4wd Pick-up - work in progress, future DD SOLD ($1,850) 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5spd Quad cab - old 12 valve with some work done 2004 Chevy Silverado - Black, 4x4, 5.3L, stock for now Underneath that rust is a heart of gold

12-31-2010, 04:12 PM	#8
jitteryguy GoatLube Experss Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: clarksville, Tn. Posts: 1,337	Re: Tachs in automatics? I had one in an old truck , on trips I'd set the cruise at 2000 in hopes of better MPG. __________________ *Goat Lube Express*, locations in Qalat,Afghanistan & Clarksville, Tn. '87 R30 dually 454/TH400 '85 1/2 ton CCSB '92 S10 350/350 '84 MonteCarlo 383/PG/9"ford '78 Malibu wagon 350/350 '78 Cutlass (project family car) '96 S10 Jimmy (Moma's)

12-31-2010, 04:22 PM	#9
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: Tachs in automatics? My speedo is way off... I know 2750rpm is 60mph... I rarely use the speedometer!!! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

01-01-2011, 10:08 AM	#11
PRattenbury Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 478	Re: Tachs in automatics? I agree with the above. I can keep an eye on when the converter is locking and unlocking, and how much RPM drop there is when it does. It would be handy for cam break-in, often as that happens. And also for tuning/setting the idle. And yeah, it's just generally cool to have.

12-31-2010, 04:49 PM	#12
canadian trucker A day should have 30 hours. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 248	Re: Tachs in automatics? I just like seeing the needle hit 9000 rpm. On a V8 it sounds amazing.

12-31-2010, 05:35 PM	#13
ont_guy_38 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,006	Re: Tachs in automatics? With a stock engine it's not as huge of a deal but as soon as you start adding cams , headers, carbs or any other higher performance product that usually also gets your rpm higher so you want to be able to keep an eye on it as you can soon over rev your engine

12-31-2010, 05:53 PM	#14
evan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 488	Re: Tachs in automatics? I got mine as soon as I took out the stock 305 and installed a rebuilt 350. Needed it to make sure I was breaking in the cam properly and wouldn't go back. __________________ Evan B. Last edited by evan; 12-31-2010 at 05:54 PM.

01-01-2011, 12:18 PM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Tachs in automatics? I have one simply because they were an option in 77 and it looks good in my dash Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-01-2011, 12:53 PM	#16
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Tachs in automatics? Other than the obvious benefits during tuning.... Ever had a clutch wear out or an automatic transmission start slipping and need repaired / replaced? The tachometer will help you to determine this at the onset of the problem. Drive in the snow or on slick roads? If you accelerate and are mindful of the tachometer you can tell if your tire(s) spinning. Ever do a burnout? The tachometer will help you to keep from over revving the engine. Ever manually shift an automatic? The tachometer lets you hit your shift points. Last edited by lakeroadster; 01-01-2011 at 12:53 PM.

01-03-2011, 07:49 PM	#20
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: Tachs in automatics? but with the needles pointing to the other side __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

01-03-2011, 08:54 PM	#21
Shawn5488 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Central IN Posts: 87	Re: Tachs in automatics? I like the factory tach because having that huge gas gauge is ugly, the tach looks great there.



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01-03-2011, 09:32 PM	#22
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Tachs in automatics? i like the looks Attached Images __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

01-03-2011, 11:13 PM	#23
48cj2a Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 599	Re: Tachs in automatics? Were they still available in 88-91 Blazers and Burb'ns? __________________ 03 Suburban Z71 Z71 98 GMC Yukon SLT 4x4 Yukon 86 M1009 CUCV Project Milverado 48 Willys CJ2A 48CJ2A

01-04-2011, 12:35 AM	#24
johnnypop Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 46	Re: Tachs in automatics? My family hits the sand dunes pretty often and it helps a lot in dragging big toys out... I always watch it to make sure I'm not going to blow the motor since it's easy to do in sand and mud. It spends a lot of off-road time in 4 low, so it spins up really quick.

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