Forums/Z31P/z31-basics basic-modifications-basic-questions-aka-the-newbie-forum/Analog to Digital swap
Imported from Z31Performance.com Forums{{#if:86na2t85na| — original post by 86na2t85na}}{{#if:2013-10-04 00:14:52|, posted 2013-10-04 00:14:52}}{{#if:27| · 27 post{{#ifeq:27|1||s}}}}{{#if:/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-basics/basic-modifications-basic-questions-aka-the-newbie-forum/22726-analog-to-digital-swap.html|
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86na2t85na: (2013-10-04 00:14:52)
Has anyone ever done this? Ive looked everywhere but cant find anything on this, only digital to analog swaps
reddzx: (2013-10-04 00:27:37)
There's been talk of people doing it but the question that always comes up is "Why"?
FrozenZ: (2013-10-04 00:34:14)
The 80s is weak in this one.
midian: (2013-10-04 19:21:40)
FSM, harnesses, free time.
reddzx: (2013-10-04 20:20:03)
I asked why becuse there are so many problems with the digital dash system, why would anyone switch to that? Plus its not an easy swap.
FrozenZ: (2013-10-04 21:11:29)
Because the digital dash is really, really cool.
85300zxnissian: (2013-10-04 21:21:01)
Both of you are right, sure the digital dash is not the most accurate and can even go crazy at times. However, every time i show off my car there are two things people ALWAYS remember and that is the digital dash and bitching betty. If you are going for numbers and accuracy then the digital dash is not for you. But if you just drive your z and dont really care too much about the slightly incorrect info then get a digi dash. I still rock mine and i like it.
reddzx: (2013-10-04 21:28:44)
I've owned several (more than four) of both type, and reliability and accuracy out weight the 80"s wow factor of the digital dash.
It comes down to that age old question of Form over function.
Parker: (2013-10-04 23:41:37)
I love my digital dash. If I wanted function over form, I wouldn't have bought a Z31.
86na2t85na: (2013-10-04 23:59:41)
Im just a big fan of the digi dash. I always thought digital dashes were a recent thing in cars. That and the digi dash is way cooler. Im just looking for something to do to my DD 85 z31 since i also have an 86 gll parts car.
jaqattack02: (2013-10-05 00:42:14)
What parts of the digi dash are considered inaccurate?
G-E: (2013-10-05 00:44:59)
Mostly, it's slow to react… have you ever used an analog volt meter? Kinda like that…
Dave-D: (2013-10-05 01:02:48)
THIS x10
mizagyu: (2013-10-05 01:16:18)
Im working with dakota digital to create a more elegant dash for my z lol. all i had to do is send in my old digi and the pinout, they are taking care of the rest for about 1500.. comes with new sensors and wires, almost bolt in too.
I love the digi dash, but wanted something less retro. I made my digi white for a while, then pinkish red… then my z blew lol. So now im making a newer old z. led rears, led side markers, hids, new style digi, soundproofing.. (sorry to thread jack, just my .02)
Basically i just want my old z to haave the newer touch.
jaqattack02: (2013-10-05 01:17:22)
The tach on my digital seems to respond better than my old analog one, none of the other functions really require a fast response. I also agree with the others, the digital is just cool.
86na2t85na: (2013-10-05 03:46:03)
[QUOTE=Basically i just want my old z to haave the newer touch.
Thats exactly why i want to put the digi dash in. I know its a stock part but to me it really modernizes the interior.
EDIT: i have no idea how to do the quote thing lol
Dave-D: (2013-10-05 12:51:18)
While what you are doing really does sound cool. (Do you have a build thread or a thread about it someplace?) I do not understand the reasoning behind buying a 80's car and attempting to make it more modern. Don't misunderstand me, Led's, HID's, suspension mods, et, all. vastly improves the safety and daily livability of the vehicle but it kind of ruins the 80's feel of the vehicle. Having lived through the 80's I like my car as the retro beast that it is. If I wanted a modern car I would have one, (and I do.) And to be sure this stays on topic. The Digi dash is positively one of the features on my car I would Never swap out for the analog. When cruising at night the "light show" and the reflection off of the inside of the t tops never fails to impress a first time passenger.
mizagyu: (2013-10-05 18:53:17)
I might be starting a build thread soon. i tried converting one of my older threads to start my build thread. especially after i blew my vg to hell and back lol.
I love the old look and feel of the z, but i want some new eye candy, yknow? lol. plus, with how safe the z31 was, combined with newer suspension + sound dampening = a darn nice ride. [archived image: smile.png]
I know what you mean by the retro thing. there is a very fine line between updated and ricey, so sometimes retro/classy is better.
Actually though, for the OP, the new dash i bought is wired for analog so i will be doing a anaglog to digi conversion to test everything before getting the new digi, if you need any help with wiring, lemme know.
midian: (2013-10-06 05:37:41)
another reason.. well…0-180 kmh meter doesn't fits z=)
86na2t85na: (2013-10-15 19:48:55)
Yeah that would be great if you could do a write up or thread showing it. Id really appreciate it
ty86300zxt: (2013-11-01 07:00:54)
I successfully converted my 86 turbo to digital from analog last year. A lot of work but like the op love the digital and maybe I just got lucky but everything works! digital dash, auto ac climate and even gll radio with steering wheel switches 100% functional
Turbo86: (2014-03-14 03:19:51)
I love the digital dash in my 86! 80's retro awesomeness that I would never trade for an analog! Everything works perfect on my, well except the RPM single digit LED isn't perfect. Response time is fine for me, if I am getting on it I'm not exactly staring at the dash anyway, I go by sound. And the speedo is great in the perfect position, hell way easier to read at night than a gauge IMHO.
reddzx: (2014-03-14 04:10:16)
That's why I almost always have more than one Z. The Shiro is analog and the 86T is digital.
nater86zx: (2014-03-14 14:24:13)
80's digital dash all the way. Unique and retro coolness factor through the roof!
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Marissasimos: (2014-10-22 19:06:44)
I really want to see someone convert analog to digi. I've really wanted to do it, but it seems way too hard and risky for me.. Which is why I wish I hadn't bought a base model. But if someone can do it on this thread or something, I'd really be tempted to buy a digi dash and convert! Digi dashes are the coolest thing.Here's a question I have though: If newer race cars have digital dashes to reduce weight and what not, why can't someone modify a digi dash to be very accurate and reliable? I know it's a noob question but…
ty86300zxt: (2014-10-23 19:44:13)
I did convert my 86 Turbo GL Automatic from Analog to Digital last year
I started to post a write up but really only got as far as providing all the part numbers I required
I converted from the GL analog dash to the Digital Dash as well as from the Manual Climate to Automatic Climate control and from GL radio to GLL radio as well as Clothe seats to the GLL leather seats
It was a lot of work and a lot of parts required but it is possible to do
V8srfun: (2015-03-03 23:47:07)
I had a 87 with analog and it was ok but now I have one with digi dash and to be honest I love it I may even go as far as saying I do not think I would buy another z unless it was digi. I was born in 90 and I have no attachment to the 80s it is just that the digi is cool and makes driving the car more engaging. I hope you have success with your swap and get to enjoy driving g with the digi dash