Speedo modification

[Richy B]

Since my Speedo is a little inaccurate (not quite counting the miles)

I have wondered if it would be good to go with an electric Speedo with odometer/ trip meter
and maybe do away with the analogue speedo cable connection and go digital (just like the TV I suppose!)

There is a company called Digital-Speedos.co.uk who sell Analogue to Digital converters however not sure if this will work

Anyone thought about this topic?

Might increase the accuracy of the speedo and eliminate the (I am doing 30 ish, am I going to get a speeding ticket when I drive past this speed camera) fear!

[AndyC]

Do you mean use electronic to replace mechanical, rather than digital to replace analogue. Analogue could still be electronic, especially if you use a dial type,


So I guess you'd use the current mechanical output and cable, then fit this converter (that general type depending on the dial you want to use)
http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/mechan ... -111-p.asp
Or do away with the cable (blank off the output) and use an toothed wheel/ magnets and pickup type sensor.

Then use a an electronic dial.

If you do go "digital" it would look rather out of place with an Excel due to the clash of old tech / new tech, at least analogue electronic ones could look in keeping with the other dials you'd still have.

[Richy B]

Ah yes mechanical to electronic, digital readout would look wrong

The toothed wheel magnet sensor sounds like a good idea, might be best to remove the whole mechanical output altogether, would be interesting where you would fit the sensor.

Have looked at price of an analogue VDO speedo and they about £240, sender is about £40, it could be an expensive mod however a Stack speedo is less at £190

[lambert.john]

For an really accurate speed readout I use a fairly standard satnav. This will also warn you (with a beep) when you exceed the limit in a known camera location. If you don't want the beeps, you can switch them off and just use the digital readout. The satnav has the added advantage that you can move it from car to car.

John L.

[Richy B]

Ah a fellow SA owner,

not part of the topic but does your Cruise Control work,
mine did but now I just get a click, like a relay engages but nothing happens

[Richy B]

Found another away

A Smiths analogue speedo http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p1218 ... _info.html
Then buy http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p1354 ... _info.html
Fasten it VERY close to the drive flange to count the revolutions and that should do it, calibrate via GPS

Its still going to cost over £200, which is TBH not worth it, but hay ho in case anyone is interested, the research is there!

[lambert.john]

Can't help you with the cruise control, I'm afraid; mine has always worked okay (and, I must say, I am now a fan of cruise control).

To add to the speedo issue, when I changed from 215/50*15 tyres to 205/50*15s (because of the non-availability of 215/50*15s) I found the Excel analogue speedo pretty well spot-on (using the satnav as a guide).

John L.

[Richy B]

I must admit the cruise control worked before the winter set in, think its just a few relays need checking. Just sprayed WD40 down speedo cable, which improved the readings, might give it an overhaul when next on chocks.

[amarshall]

I must admit the cruise control worked before the winter set in, think its just a few relays need checking. Just sprayed WD40 down speedo cable, which improved the readings, might give it an overhaul when next on chocks.

WD40 is not a lubricant. Try running some light oil down there instead - it'll last longer and have a better effect. You'll need more than you think, though.

[Richy B]

Thats strange as it says it lubricates on the tin!

I get the feeling, the other end of the speedo cable needs unscrewing and cleaning, think it needs removing and having a good blast out, then re-oil

[amarshall]

Thats strange as it says it lubricates on the tin!

It's lubricating effect is temporary at best and it tends to evaporate over time - the WD stands for Water Displacement and any lubricating effects comes from the very light oils used to achieve that. It's also quite effective at removing grease and other proper lubricants...

I ran some proper oil down my speedo cable about 5 years ago and it's been fine ever since.

I get the feeling, the other end of the speedo cable needs unscrewing and cleaning, think it needs removing and having a good blast out, then re-oil

That sounds like a good plan, it would also give you a chance to check the routing for any tight bends which would introduce extra friction.