smart fortwo 451: Mounting clock and tach pods (DIY)

[bigcritter]

If I'm reading the manual correctly, even if you don't have the transmission in the "automatic" position and are shifting on your own, the computer will automatically "upshift" the tranny if the rpms get to high.....before it redlines! Can anyone shed some light on this for me. I'm trying to decide on having the pods added to my car, since that was another option (DUMMY ME!) that I failed to check when I configured my smart fortwo online. I don't necessarily LIKE the looks of the pods (or dislike them), but my wife HATES them! Plus, when I use my GPS, I use a no-slip beanbag type mount that goes on the dash, so.................! What's everyone's opinion on just how "needed" the tach really is??????

[jwight]

You've probably seen the other posts on this; the best one, IMHO, is that the pods are "iconic" for the smart. That's the look many of us first saw in Europe and what we wanted. Others couldn't care less. Is the tach "useful'? I think so, but others may not. I've also seen the tach needle above the redline so I'm not convinced the computer is necessarily keeping us from over revving the engine.

[xcrew229x]

Ahhh, was just the weight of the needle, rocketing towards the redline......

[Petutti]

Dumb question, but how much are the pods without install? Anyplace besides the dealer to order them???

[jwight]

I believe the pods from the dealer are around $250, plus the trim rings ($18??). As far as I know they are available new only from smart.

[Kermit]

I paid $250 WITH the trim rings. I told them to have them ready for me when I went to pick up my orphan. 30 minute install tops, very easy.

[mike-in-sa]

My clock/tach combo came in so I installed them today. Took about 25 min. during my lunch hour. They really add to the "coolness" of my smart car. The dealer wanted $100 to install, I will be glad to install yours for only $90!

[pitstopautoinc]

Hey guys here is the thread to add a tach to a smart other than the OEM one.

How to add an aftermarket tach to a Smart Car

-Chris

[rkmjr1]

I installed the tach without the clock! I am trying to find an Oil pressure/temp guage that will fit the clock pod. Then I will put the pod on and have a tach as well as an oil pressure/temp guage.

[allhightech]

rkmjr1, what did you do? did you install non OEM tach?