Tachometer

[lowndex]

I dislike the look of the Smart tach and clock on top of the dash. Also, the dealer charges way too much for the two: $700.00. Anyone install an aftermarket tach (please share photos)?

[smartune]

Paul Bridle @ Smart Center Round Rock sells the tach/clock for $249 IIRC.

His username is "classicsmarts" check him out in the vendor section.

But if you'd like to wait I'm going to work on installing an aftermarket tacho. Stay tuned.

-Dan

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by lowndex

I dislike the look of the Smart tach and clock on top of the dash. Also, the dealer charges way too much for the two: $700.00. Anyone install an aftermarket tach (please share photos)?

I thought I was the only one that disliked the look of the tach and clock... LOL It makes it look like a crab or something from the front. I can't place it... I am just going to go without and rely on the scan gauge. In fact, that is the ONLY option I am not adding to my Passion Coupe. Aside from the tach and clock I am fully loading the little bugger...

[nscaler]

I went full on the add-ons. Except the Tach/Clock. Looks pretty bad. Besides, who needs two clocks? And the scangauge tells you more.

[Broken Kid]

Personally, I always thought the pod look of the instruments was a definitive smart feature. Someone I work with has a smart, and every time I walk by it, I think how odd it looks without them. So I definitely ordered mine with the instruments.

In my test drive, I found the tach was in a great spot while getting used to the manual paddle shifting.

[Old smart]

The tach is good and certainly more readable than a ScanGauge. The clock is redundant - that pod would be better serving if it contained a combo oil pressure gauge and coolant temperature gauge.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Broken Kid

Personally, I always thought the pod look of the instruments was a definitive smart feature. Someone I work with has a smart, and every time I walk by it, I think how odd it looks without them. So I definitely ordered mine with the instruments.

In my test drive, I found the tach was in a great spot while getting used to the manual paddle shifting.

Agree 100%; it's the classic smart look. Funny how many people don't like them and how many do. But I do miss the temp gauge; we're supposed to let the car warm up before hammering on it yet have no idea when it's warm.

[ckigar]

My experience says that the scan gauge II isn't really suitable as a tachometer due to the minimum sampling interval of 1 second. At one glance, it reads 2200, next sample 4800... etc. A usable tach has to be realtime and have an analog display. I did not order the O.E. tach (I blame the website (WHAT was I THINKING?)) and am somewhat interested in aftermarket answers. I know that there are aftermarket tachs that will work with a 3 cylinder.

[a2jack]

Is the main reason we went with the pods. Any after market add ons will lose you some buyers when the time comes to sell.

For many, the pods are the the image of the smart and part of It's cuteness.
As for function, Yes a bigger tach would be fine for racing. As it is now, both the clock and tach are very well placed and useful.

A2Jack.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by jwight

[...] no idea when it's warm.

Sure someone (SnakeFarm?) will post a funny line, something like "when the ice cream you just got at the local supermarket is taking territorial possession of your velour mats".