Tachometer

[jwight]

Originally Posted by JPaul

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

Yeah, as soon as I put that on I figured somebody would nail me. Right now I'm using the climate control as a makeshift temp gauge: set it to 70 degrees, as soon as warm air comes out the vents I assume the engine is warm enough to get on it.

[Broken Kid]

Originally Posted by jwight

as soon as warm air comes out the vents I assume the engine is warm enough to get on it.

Ha...I read that as "warm enough to get it on"

[MercuryX100]

I didn't like the look of the pods in pictures, although I was aware they were iconic.
After getting the car, however, I realized I really missed having a tach, and that the clock was hard too see: small digits, and four basically identical displays - clock/total miles/trip odometer/temp. - hard to isolate the clock fast for my aging eyes, especially in bright sunlight.
I had the dealer install them, about $350 including labor and the trim rings (vs. $120. - ouch!). I wish I could blame the Configurator, but I meant to not order the pods...
I love them! And, amazingly, the two clocks are staying in sync! It is also nice that the passenger can now easily see the time as well.
Needless to say, smart #2 (I'm also a 1470) will have the pods from the factory.

[Springlering]

lowndex,
I configured my Smart without, my husbands came with. I would never in a million years confess to him, because he always gets after me for being cheap and not getting what I really want, but I covet his tach and his heated seats.

I'm trying to figure out a way to switch panels on him when he's not looking one day. ;)

[lowndex]

Originally Posted by 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

Please keep me informed. Where do you plan to mount the tach?

[knutliott]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree, though I do also find the analog clock easier to read than the digital one. Still, I'd ditch it in a heartbeat for an oil pressure/coolant temp gauge.

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by MercuryX100

I didn't like the look of the pods in pictures, although I was aware they were iconic.
After getting the car, however, I realized I really missed having a tach, and that the clock was hard too see: small digits, and four basically identical displays - clock/total miles/trip odometer/temp. - hard to isolate the clock fast for my aging eyes, especially in bright sunlight.
I had the dealer install them, about $350 including labor and the trim rings (vs. $120. - ouch!). I wish I could blame the Configurator, but I meant to not order the pods...
I love them! And, amazingly, the two clocks are staying in sync! It is also nice that the passenger can now easily see the time as well.
Needless to say, smart #2 (I'm also a 1470) will have the pods from the factory.

Just reading your comments have sold me. I will be adding the pods, I didn't think much about it, glad you all have feedback. Too expensive to add if I ever changed my mind... THANKS ALL!

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by knutliott

I agree, though I do also find the analog clock easier to read than the digital one. Still, I'd ditch it in a heartbeat for an oil pressure/coolant temp gauge.

Same here, I miss having the feed back on engine operation! I like knowing the exact engine temp, oil press and rpm!!! Too bad smart doesn't incorporate a trio gauge set or offer it as an option. AFTERMARKET GUYS!!! Here is your chance to develope a pilar mounted gauge set for the smart.

[HotCookCpl]

When I was configuring I didn't think I'd really need the tach because I don't use it much on my Saturn, but I configured with them anyway because I thought they really belonged there. Well, I've had Little Blue for over two weeks now and I use the tach all the time. The shift points and engine noises are very different from my old car and the tach has helped me a lot to shift properly. I am SO glad I had the pods installed.

[bull8042]

A lot of you guys/gals are talking about the configurator. Am I the only one that thinks it really stinks?!!
Let me clarify... To me they changed gears in mid-stream, page 1 - select exterior colors and click next. Page 2 - select interior color and comfort package, click next. etc. Well, on one of those pages, there are links to other pages which happen to include the gauges, security system, and fog lights. I wanted all of those, but missed these items because of the way the pages are linked! I know I was excited to get the request to do the final config, but I can't be the only moron out there that missed this because of the links. If nothing else, put all of the options on one page, but not in links on some pages and not on others.
Forget it! I am aggravated at myself for being stupid and not getting everything I want and now having to pay through the nose to the dealer to add them. By the way, fog lights can't be added right now. They don't know about the security whether they can do it now or not. And the want $589 for the gauges!