Tacho and shift light placement

[Pete]

One for the seasoned racers.

Just starting to design the layout of the controls and dials on the Sox.

Given that all the interior and dash are gutted, I have the opportunity to start afresh.

In terms of mounting the Tach and combined shift light (Stewart Warner of course ) and re-inforcing the fibre glass dash, - would the best postion be directly above the steering wheel in the centre of the driving position in full line of sight, or slightly off to the right in the centre line of the car.

I was concerned that having the large tach directly in front of the driver above the steering wheel may be a bit distracting.

How have other people set up their race cars?

Cheers

Pete

[andyrob]

in my opinion forget the tach pete, thats just for set up, if you want accurate ie same rpm shifts you need a set of lights above the steering wheel, my circuit car rev counter starts @ 6000 & goes to 8500 - the limiter, but also ive got 4 lights above steering wheel ie 8200 8300 8400 & 8500 & always use them, even a monster tach dont give you an accurate enought reading
but then again 1-2 your gonna be getting there real quick, so lights for the last few rpm may not be quick enough

[Pete]

Good point andy, but the 1-2 shift is at different rpm to the 2-3 shift; so I use the light for 1-2 and watch the revs for 2-3....

[NaughtyAlan]

Don't use the light Got the tack to the right of the steering wheel and one eye half cocked at it on the strip, you now then when your getting ready to shift

[Blue]

I think it's personal preferance, as long as you can see it while looking straight ahead it will be fine. On a race car I'd have it right in front of me, but I find off to the right is less distracting for the street.

[Guy]

the 1-2 shift is at different rpm to the 2-3 shift; so I use the light for 1-2 and watch the revs for 2-3....

why not use one of these then Pete,




The tiny digital controller inside of the compact housing gives you the ability to program the rpm activation points through the easy-to-view LED panel and two programming buttons. When the engine reaches the activation rpm, the six red LEDs illuminate brightly enough to alert your senses to throw the shifter at the exact rpm. You can even program up to four different rpm values for different gears
1st light :- Burnout
2nd light :-1-2 shift
3rd light :-2-3 shift
4th light :- through the traps

You could then use a small tach if needed for a less cluttered look, less weight

[Pete]

Like the look of that Guy

[GTXJim]

I only use the tach for setting up timing and warming the engine up got it mounted to the steering column the important thing is the shift light for consistency, and I have that mounted at eye level on the roll cage so both eyes are concentrating on the track.

[Dave-R]

Have you got two right arms Jim?

[Pete]

That looks more like paddling a Kayak than racing a car

Good feedback, thanks.

Pete