Help rev-counter question

[skysurfin09]

As T25 rev-counters are either as rare as hens teeth or priced out of sight I was wondering if I could use one from a Golf or such. Then I could use VDO gauges for the fuel water etc. Is this possible has anyone tried and failed or tried and succeeded? I've looked in the Tech Archive and doesn't cover this any help would be appreciated. Regards Rob

[CovKid]

There is nothing that fits straight in. Conversion is a nightmare - involves so much cutting work its much easier (and tidier) to fit a separate one.

I have looked at this many times and although I've not given up entirely, it has taken up so much time up to now, I've had to set the project aside. The best way to do it is use the rarer Polo genesis clocks (which have a nice compact tacho) , establish a mount of these within the existing dash and remove its milometer and put yours where the polo one was (same size). However, unless you have a stack of T25 dash clocks and about 2,000 hours spares, its not a project for the faint-hearted and in man hours you might just as well cough up for a proper one when it comes along. The connections are also very different. The biggest problem though is the master cylinder which fouls everything and you can't ignore unless yo swap it for one from a different car maker (more headaches).

Tis possible to build a new set of clocks from scratch but just as time consuming as the one above.

[skysurfin09]

Ralph as always many thanks for the guidance, I'm so afraid of blowing this [2.1DJ] engine up that I was starting to reach for any solution. For my sins I blew one engine up going up an on ramp of the A303 I wasn't aware that I was still in 3rd at 60 the music was so loud that I didn't here the screaming I only saw the black smoke in the rear of the bus. In my old Mk1 Cortina days I was totally unafraid to tackle any task on her but there just seems to be so many things to take into account on the bus that sometimes she defeats me. Thanks Rob

[CovKid]

Go for an aftermarket one Rob. Cheaper in the long run and it'll be working straight away - particularly useful if you have the sound cranked up.

[BOXY]

Can you not fit a rev limiting rotor arm in the dizzie?

[CovKid]

Yes he could although not everyone gets on with them. In this instance it would seem a wise move. Thanks Boxy.

[AngeloEvs]

You asked if it is possible to fit a third party rev into the non rev counter dash and the answer is yes but only if you are comfortable with the other requirements for relocating the fuel and temp gauge. I fitted a TR7 Rev counter which is similar in size to the stock VW one but very shallow so drops into the housing wher the clock is normally fitted. This part is straightforward but relocating the fuel and temperature guages isn't as easy or straightforward. Along with everyone else I would advise fitting an aftermarket Rev counter somewhere on the dash but as a separate item!

If your van has the buzzer of doom circuit (post 86/7) then all the wiring is at the dashpod connector for an after market guage.

[skysurfin09]

Thanks AngeloEvs and Boxy, I didn't know that a rev-limiting rotar was even available for the bus, and Angelo I think that along with Covs' input I'm definitely going for an aftermarket one also I still wish to flt the Oil and Water gauges for safer motoring. Are there any recommendations as to which, my bus is an '89 2.1with the famous clock that does work cluster. Rob