Speedometer Question

[Coltrane]

Hey all, I currently have the stock 85mph speedo in my Monte. I won't be taking it over that, except at the track (hoping to trap around 115ish)...do I need to put a higher mph (I had a 140 in my last car) in? Just wondering if going faster than 85 for a bit will snap the needle off or not! Hahah.

 

[69hurstolds]

No. It’ll just max out. You won’t hurt anything if the cable holds up

 

[Coltrane]

No. It’ll just max out. You won’t hurt anything if the cable holds up

Thanks!

 

[SS_Malibu]

When I had the 85 mph speedo in my car, I've had the needle pointing straight down on more than one occasion. It didn't seem to go past that.

 

[69hurstolds]

The needle will hit a physical limit stop at some point or the hair spring will get tight enough to not allow any further needle movement. It's not physically connected to the cable anyway, so there's no risk of it twisting off. Here's a cutaway of a typical setup. The only thing that will happen when the needle stops is the magnet to drum slippage goes to 100%.

 

[Ugly1]

I know I have many times and others on here most likely have as well, without a problem.

 

[Ernest]

I guess GM, by design had dummies(customers) in mind knowing that at least a hand full were most likely going to push it past the speedometer's displayed speed.

 

[Ugly1]

I guess GM, by design had dummies(customers) in mind knowing that at least a hand full were most likely going to push it past the speedometer's displayed speed.

Almost all 60’s up have that style,probably early to. Have to remember that “55 saves lives” government and gas economy of the late 70’s through 80’s. All major highways were 55mph max and figured 85 was the most people would go.

 

[69hurstolds]

Almost all 60’s up have that style,probably early to. Have to remember that “55 saves lives” government and gas economy of the late 70’s through 80’s. All major highways were 55mph max and figured 85 was the most people would go.

And 85 was the most some of those cars back then COULD go at best. Like the Aries K...

 

[Wageslave]

Some cars were even designed with going past 85 in mind, while still being in compliance with having no speed past 85 displayed on the speedometer.