Tach dash cluster

[Motor City GMC]

I have an opportunity to get a stock tack dash cluster out of a 87 silverado, but my 87 gmc 1500 does not have this, anyone know if it will just plug in and everything work or if anything has to be done for the tach to work. I am assuming that everything else will only thing differetn between the two is the placement of the fuel gauge. Thanks to all.

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

[Mickey_D]

There's a whole bunch of posts about this in the Electrical forum. You'll need the tach pigtail harness to get it to work.

[f.monroe]

I do not believe that there was a factory installed tach cluster in 87 . It is probably one someone put together . I would get it anyway and make sure it will work in your truck before you install it . Frank

[BurnoutNova]

Originally Posted by Motor City GMC

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

you'll need to run a wire from the ground side of the coil for the tach rpm feed. it should be marked on the hei cap already. otherwise just power and ground an you should be good.

[bigblock73]

I agree with Frank, tachs weren't put in 87's from the factory.

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Originally Posted by Motor City GMC

I have an opportunity to get a stock tack dash cluster out of a 87 silverado, but my 87 gmc 1500 does not have this, anyone know if it will just plug in and everything work or if anything has to be done for the tach to work. I am assuming that everything else will only thing differetn between the two is the placement of the fuel gauge. Thanks to all.

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

What year are you wanting to put it into?
'73 - '74 w/ pionts type dist & remote mounted coil hook the tach lead to the + side of the coil.CORRECTION- As pointed out by Mickey_D below that should be the - side of the coil.
'75 - '86 with coil-in-cap H.E.I. plug the tach lead into the dist cap where it's marked "TACH"
'87 - '91 models plug it into the white unused lead right near the coil. That is the tach lead from the coil.
Run the positive lead from the coil to a "switched" (no power when key is off)power lead on the fuse panel.
Run the ground lead to the 6 prong cluster ground located on the left side wall behind the cluster.
And here's what you will see on the back of your tach cluster where the tach leads are located...................

[BIGCHEVYMAN]

Tachs were inthe medium duty trucks 87-89. That may be waht that dash is out of.

[Mickey_D]

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

What year are you wanting to put it into?
'73 - '74 w/ pionts type dist & remote mounted coil hook the tach lead to the + side of the coil.

Wouldn't that be the negative side of the coil there BLE?

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Originally Posted by Mickey_D

Wouldn't that be the negative side of the coil there BLE?

Yep thanks for catching that. I'll go back up and correct it.