04 Upgrade questions (tach and DIC)

[redly1]

I found a deal on an 04 nicely loaded base Impala. One thing that I do not like is that the Speedometer cluster does not have a tachometer. Is it possible to simply swap in a cluster w/ a tach from a higher end model?

2nd question...A few years ago I added a DIC to my Pontiac Montana. It was easy due to the fact that the cabling was there (under the headliner) from the factory, so I just had to replace the overhead console (thanks ebay!) with a unit that had a DIC...plug and play!
Does any model of the Impala come with a DIC? Is it possible to install one, even if from another model? I am a tech nerd and like to monitor MPG, ect using the DIC.

I guess I need to get some wiring diagrams!

3rd question...what are typical things that go wrong with this model/yr?
I assume since it's an 04 that the dreaded 3400 gasket issue won't pop up. No coolant smell like my Montana had.

THANKS!!

[INF3RN0666]

Hey buddy...
For the tachometer deal. There is no impala with a tach and you can't just swap parts in. People have installed exterior tachs with a link directly from the PCM. It's not as easy as one might think.

Typical things with the impala is the water leaking into the passenger side from the windshield. Turn signal problems. Other than that, nothing major. You might also get the clicking noise when u turn.

[HeMi101]

Originally Posted by INF3RN0666

Hey buddy...
For the tachometer deal. There is no impala with a tach and you can't just swap parts in. People have installed exterior tachs with a link directly from the PCM. It's not as easy as one might think.

Typical things with the impala is the water leaking into the passenger side from the windshield. Turn signal problems. Other than that, nothing major. You might also get the clicking noise when u turn.

Tachometers on cars, and other vehicles show the rate of rotation of the engine's Crankshaft , and typically have markings indicating a safe range of rotation speeds. <--- Just making sure I'm correct on what a TACH is....
With that said: I'm just imagining my 2002 Impala has a Tachometer??

You are right on the Common Problems, but the two u listed are realitivly easy to fix.

I know you can Swap out the LS Clusters for SS ones. I'm PRETTY sure u can do the same for the Base. Far as i can remember: the Monte Carlo SS one with the Oil Pressure doesnt works except for the Oil Pressure Gage (First Picture) But an Impala LS one (second Picture) should work 100% If I am Correct, (Could be wrong! To be sure about the LS CLuster working in a Base Check out this site: http://www.naioa.com )


And I've seen many People Put DIC into the base model years, The guy who runs that NAIOA site has a store site with some Project Step by steps so check that out too:
http://bbengineer.home.comcast.net/cars/impala/





Hope that helps and makes sence (IT's near 2:30 in the morning and I'm very Tired)

[Iflylow]

Hemi101 is correct. LS and SS Impalas have tachs, and a tach can be added to any Impala by swapping out the instrument cluster. BBEngineer at NAIOA.com sells them for about $175, depending on if you want LED lighting in various colors or not. He can also swap your current mileage over to the new instrument cluster.
You can get a cluster out of a junkyard and have him fix it up for you, or send in yours. The car can be driven without the cluster with no problems. However, if you get a junkyard cluster, be sure to get the right one. Ask BBengineer before you buy it, since some clusters do not work with some model years, even though they will fit in the space.