araffio

iTrader: (9)

Since I am off this coming weekend, I would like to do another custom LED project. This time it is going to be blue LED shift lights in my gauge cluster. The plan is already figured out, I just need some RPM switch info.

1) I've read poor reviews of the Harlan, would the MSD 8950 RPM Switch from Summit Racing for $59.95 be my best bet, or are there others that work just as well?

2) Are RPM switches a common part that a local speed shop would carry, or even Autozone or Pep Boys (I doubt the latter)

3) Where are the wires located that need to be tapped for the RPM switch to be activated at a set RPM? I am assuming they are in the engine bay, or perhaps on the ECU or gauge cluster itself.


Thanks for your suggestions/advice. I'll post up some pics of the project once it's complete.


-Tony

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Go for the MSD. I burned out me Harlan and emailed him about it 3 months ago. I never got an answer from him. I'm throwin it away.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

I noticed that the switch requires RPM modules to operate, is this correct? I'm assuming I will need the 6,000-6,800 RPM module in order to set my shift light at or near redline.

Thanks


-Tony

araffio

iTrader: (9)

I ordered the Summit RPM switch just now which does not require separate RPM modules to operate. Hopefully it gets here on Friday (I paid for overnight shipping)

Can someone please shed some light on where the wire needs to be tapped into? I'm assuming its the ECU or a sensor on the engine, thanks!


-Tony

DaThrillr

hi tony ... great idea... u can tap the rpm signal from the ECU wire(forgot the color) or the #1 coil or even the TAM screw on the back of the cluster.

KMax2988

If you're using the Summit switch, you have to tap a RPM signal (not coil signal) wire. The ECU wire color for this is White with Green stripe. You can also tap the signal from the TAM screw located behind the gauge cluster (labeled, cant miss it). As for the Harlan, you can choose either a single coil signal or what I previously stated. Not sure about MSD. Remember when using the Summit, if you do, that in order for it to open the VI runners at about 5K you need to set the switch at 3K (no clue why but it works that way for everyone).

araffio

iTrader: (9)

I will use the TAM screw located on the cluster and I will mount the Summit switch under the dash, sounds much easier than tapping a wire off the ECU.
I am only using the switch to power on blue LEDs mounted in my cluster as shift lights, I am not using it for a VI. I'll play around with the settings on the switch so that the lights go on when I want them to.

THANKS for all the info guys, I appreciate it. As long as the switch gets here before the weekend I should have the project completed by Sunday.


-Tony

MyownNismo

iTrader: (13)

Your looking for the tach wire right. on my 2k it's a white/green in the white plug. I am not sure it's the same but it could help.

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Dude, I was totally wrong for telling you to go for the MSD. MSD can modify the switch to work for the Max but its not worth the money.

I meant to tell you to get the Summit switch because that's what's I have and most people are moving over to this switch.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

Dont worry, I got the Summit switch, not the MSD switch.....I wont have any problems. Thanks for your help


-Tony

araffio

iTrader: (9)

I dont see a TAM screw labeled on the back of the cluster. There are 4 screws right behind the Tach and they ae all labeled either SIN or COS.

Anyone know which screw I need to use for the RPM signal for the switch?

Thanks

Tony

MyownNismo

iTrader: (13)

this info is from the 5th gen how to's and wonder if it could help you.
Pro-Shift Lite Install Click here for some pics
------------------------------------
1)Disconnect Battery NEGATIVE terminal! Wrap terminal in shop towel and put it where it won’t move.
2)Remove (3) Philips-head screws under steering column to remove top half of plastic steering column cover.
3)Move steering column to lowest position.
4)Remove (2) Philips-head screws underneath top part of gauge bezel(Tach/Speedo).
5)Unsnap large electrical connector on top back portion of steering column near the gauge bezel for more clearance.
6)Pull black bezels’ lower quadrant until snaps on left and right side release.
7)Carefully pull bezel away from the dash on the LEFT side and unsnap power mirror and gauge dimmer harness.
8)Remove bezel completely.
9)Remove (3) Philips-head bolts(White) on Combination meter.
10)Carefully pull Combo meter out of dash and turn UPSIDE down to expose reverse sides’ wiring harnesses.
11)Put Dielectric grease on an universal 18-22 gauge TAP.
12)Tap the White with GREEN stripe wire on Combo meters’ left most harness down towards the Y in the wires where the foam insulation is split. Use tape to protect the wire/tap from chaffing and rattling.
13)Connect the TAP to the GREEN wire of Shift Light.
14)Run the Shift Lights’ RED and BLACK wires to the FUSE panel on lower left side of steering column.
15)Connect BLACK ground wire to bolt on car.
16)Find empty “fuse slot” in fuse block.
17)Snip SMALL amount off one leg of a SPARE 5-AMP fuse.
18)Place RED power wire on shorter leg of the fuse and push into the LOWER/BOTTOM half of the “fuse slot”.
19)Reconnect the NEGATIVE battery terminal.
20)Plug in the 3000 RPM pill, start the car, rev slowly past 3000, and see that light comes on and stays on.
21)Replace the 3000 RPM pill with the correct HIGH rpm pill.
22)DO NOT LEAVE THE 3000 RPM PILL IN! The light remains on and the unit gets VERY hot.
23)Reverse steps 2-10 to reinstall gauge cluster/bezel.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

Well, the Summit RPM switch didn't get here today, so I will have to wait until Monday to install it. I did however mount the 6 blue LEDs down the center of my gauge cluster, so everything is ready to go.
I will try and tap the white wire with green tracer when the switch gets here, if that doesn't work, then I will ask for some more help.
Here's a couple pics of the LEDs mounted in the cluster, should definitely catch my eye when it's time to shift






-Tony

MyownNismo

iTrader: (13)

Are those all going to light up at the same time cause there going to blind you man. I got 2 in my radio pocket that blink with the music and at night they get bright.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

Yes all at the same time and no they wont blind me. I have blue LEDs all over my interior, I know how bright they get, I'll be fine. They'll only be lit for a split second anyway, till I shift.


-Tony

MyownNismo

iTrader: (13)

Yeah I guess. I plan to put blue LED's in the doors by the grills and hook them also up to speakers so blink with music and light up the grill.

Nismo98

iTrader: (7)

Andrei

erty67

iTrader: (104)

I was gonna suggest hitting them with tint spray. they won't be so bright and they won't stand out as much. ...just a suggestion, but it looks good.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

The whole point of having a shift light is to get your attention. I don't want them dim, I want them as bright as possible, thats why I put 6 of them....


-Tony

Badaxxima

Because it's probably set up for a V8, not a V6, which has only 6 timing events per revolution.
6/8 = 0.75
0.75 x 5000 RPM = 3750 RPM

Of course, at full throttle, the engine moves through the rev range rather quickly, and it takes a second for the VI runners to switch. In order to FEEL the effect of the MEVI by 5000 RPM, it needs to activate around 4700 or 4800 RPM, i.e.- Set the switch around 3400 or 3500 RPM.

tampamax

What's your plans there. Are the lights there to designate which gear you are in?

araffio

iTrader: (9)

A shift light is meant to let you know when it's time to shift. I will set the RPM switch so that the LEDs light when the car gets to around 6000rpms.

I know what gear I am in when I'm driving, and if I forget, I can always feel where the shifter is...no need to have lights in the cluster for that.


-Tony

tampamax

I know what a sifter light is for. I just figure you might have the light on to designate the gear you were in(kind of like the auto's do) and it would flash rapidly when you got to the designated shift point, or something to that effect. Not hatin here cause i love your other projects, but it just seems a bit tacky to have all those lights light up for a shift light. So in reality you will have shift lights not 'a' shift light. Just thinking out loud that's all.

araffio

iTrader: (9)

Correct, I will have 6 shift lights. I wanted something to catch my eye while driving so I don't have to look down at the tach. This should do the trick....


-Tony

ny96max

lookin good Tone!

Ant