Digital dash Dakota vs Intellitronix

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FastCraig

Master Mechanic
Sep 11, 2017
407
594
93
Huntington, WV
What makes the Dakota worth $750 over the Intellitronix at $350? I've looked at both and I don't see what makes the Dakota better. The lifetime warranty is nice. For the guys with Dakota. What made you decide on the more expensive system? Analog sweep gauges vs digital readout?
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roger1

G-Body Guru
Aug 23, 2010
537
767
93
San Angelo, TX
I have the DD VHX gauges in my El Camino. They are superb. The best $750 I've spent on the car.
I documented my install here:
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/my-dakota-digital-vhx-install-w-dash-remodel.63388/

I didn't know about the Intellitronix gauge set when I bought my DD set but I just took a look at them on their website and am not impressed at all. It's easy to see why they are cheaper being that they are digital gauges. Digital gauges are something I would never consider.
Admittedly the DD are expensive but I think well worth it.
 
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FastCraig

Master Mechanic
Sep 11, 2017
407
594
93
Huntington, WV
I have the DD VHX gauges in my El Camino. They are superb. The best $750 I've spent on the car.
I documented my install here:
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/my-dakota-digital-vhx-install-w-dash-remodel.63388/

I didn't know about the Intellitronix gauge set when I bought my DD set but I just took a look at them on their website and am not impressed at all. It's easy to see why they are cheaper being that they are digital gauges. Digital gauges are something I would never consider.
Admittedly the DD are expensive but I think well worth it.
I read your post before I put this one up. Nice work.
 

PBGBodyFan

G-Body Guru
Mar 3, 2009
792
1,220
93
Wisconsin
I think Dakota had the market cornered for awhile so it could charge more to be honest but their quality is very good and the gauges are worth it IMO, along with some options to add on that are plug and play. To get the PRND indicator you need to spend about $100 for an add on module, not needed but I wanted that back in the stock location, plus you can add other modules for different readings that will then display in the gauges. I bought the A/F ratio one, a valuable gauge I think. I also spent another few hundred to get the gauges customized (working with Dakota Digital) to mimic the 86-88 Monte/El Camino style. Absolutely worth the splurge to me and these are available from them, Mike's Monte's carries them too. I copied the idea from another mcss.com member who had his customized to match the 81-85 styling. I added the yellow 5500-6000 spot in the tach as a nod to the non SS tach which has a little different coloring/lower line than the SS.

I guess I can't speak to the quality or look (first hand) of the Intellitronix gauges. Digital readouts are kind of cool, just not my cup of tea, at least not in my car/build. I also did the VHX starting in 2014, got the current style in 2015, not sure when the Intellitronix came out as a setup to compete with Dakota Digital, feel it was after this time period.


VHX1.jpg


Side by side of the original one I bought and after receiving the custom one, took awhile and back and forth with them to get it dialed in.

IMG_2843_zpsnlcu7ckp.jpg


The A/F ratio gauge, had to add the bung/sensor and controller from another company that worked with the VHX module to display in the cluster. I think you can have 2-3 add on things to the cluster that they offer.

VHX AF Ratio.jpg
 
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mclellan83

Comic Book Super Hero
Jun 27, 2017
4,204
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Pgh, PA
I bought the VHX setup before I knew about the intellitronix as well, but would have went this way. When I bought my setup I think I got every bell and whistle you could for it because I wanted it to appear stock but be able to show all kinds of stuff
 
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MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
43
Kingsport, TN
I think Dakota had the market cornered for awhile so it could charge more to be honest but their quality is very good and the gauges are worth it IMO, along with some options to add on that are plug and play. To get the PRND indicator you need to spend about $100 for an add on module, not needed but I wanted that back in the stock location, plus you can add other modules for different readings that will then display in the gauges. I bought the A/F ratio one, a valuable gauge I think. I also spent another few hundred to get the gauges customized (working with Dakota Digital) to mimic the 86-88 Monte/El Camino style. Absolutely worth the splurge to me and these are available from them, Mike's Monte's carries them too. I copied the idea from another mcss.com member who had his customized to match the 81-85 styling. I added the yellow 5500-6000 spot in the tach as a nod to the non SS tach which has a little different coloring/lower line than the SS.

I guess I can't speak to the quality or look (first hand) of the Intellitronix gauges. Digital readouts are kind of cool, just not my cup of tea, at least not in my car/build. I also did the VHX starting in 2014, got the current style in 2015, not sure when the Intellitronix came out as a setup to compete with Dakota Digital, feel it was after this time period.


View attachment 121541

Side by side of the original one I bought and after receiving the custom one, took awhile and back and forth with them to get it dialed in.

View attachment 121546

The A/F ratio gauge, had to add the bung/sensor and controller from another company that worked with the VHX module to display in the cluster. I think you can have 2-3 add on things to the cluster that they offer.

View attachment 121547
I love the gauge cluster. When i get my next Monte the Dakota Digital gauges is what i am going with. Depending on the year I get I am going to have them do it in the stock design. I am not a fan of digital read out gauges. I like that the Dakota gauges keeps that stock loook.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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Isnt one of them a forum sponsor?

If so that one is better













🤪
 
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