KPH to MPH speedometer swap?

[samuelkenneth]

Hey all,

I am looking at importing an '83 Hurst Olds into the US from Canada. I would like to swap out either the entire dash cluster or just the speedometer so that MPH is the primary speed measurement of course. Is this a simple plug and play? Or are there other sensors/cables/recalibration needed? To clarify, I would be properly converting and adjusting the odometer, and at minimum, the entire speedometer would be swapped, not just the plate. Thanks!

 

[Ribbedroof]

Not the answer to your question, but am curious if the new tariff scheme will apply to all imports of automobiles, or only "new" ones?

Nothing I have seen has mentioned this.

Not intended to start a political debate, just a curiousity that could impact all of us

 

[Ribbedroof]

I would imagine there will be some recalculation needed. Lots of info on calibrating MPH speedos out there. GM uses a formula of 1001 revs per mile at 60 MPH as a baseline....no idea what the count is for KPH

Seems like I recall MPH to be about 62% of KPH

Calculate RPM for Given Speed(MPH), Rear Gear Ratio, and Trans Gear Ratio

Calculate RPM for Given Speed(MPH), Rear Gear Ratio, and Trans Gear Ratio

purperformance.com

Is Your Speedometer Inaccurate? Here Are A Few Tips To Correct It

An inaccurate speedometer can be a hassle for car owners. A correct reading might be easy to obtain. Find out more right here.

www.chevyhardcore.com

 

[Rt Jam]

Probably nothing to calibrate. A GN speedometer reads to 85 mph or 160 km/hr. So an cluster swap should do it.

 

[samuelkenneth]

Not the answer to your question, but am curious if the new tariff scheme will apply to all imports of automobiles, or only "new" ones?

Nothing I have seen has mentioned this.

Not intended to start a political debate, just a curiousity that could impact all of us

I thought about that too, and I'll let you know what happens if I proceed with it. I'm already annoyed that I have to pay sales tax in my state for a private sale, and tariff fees would just be the cherry on top!

 

[samuelkenneth]

Probably nothing to calibrate. A GN speedometer reads to 85 mph or 160 km/hr. So an cluster swap should do it.

Yeah, it looks like the mph and kph markers are located at the same angles when comparing the two different plates on some google images so I suspect the actual speed will stay accurate, but what about odometer and trip recordings?

 

[ssn696]

I have an extra MPH cluster if you go with the deal.

 

[86 Salon]

I worked at a Pontiac dealer in the mid 80's. We would get new vehicles from Canada and just swap the clusters out. No problem at all.

 

[Rt Jam]

I worked at a Pontiac dealer in the mid 80's. We would get new vehicles from Canada and just swap the clusters out. No problem at all.

What did they do with all the Canadian clusters?

 

[86 Salon]

What did they do with all the Canadian clusters?

I have no idea.