Analog instrument cluster??

[ETN]

I know I'll take flak for even posting this, but anyone ever converted the digital cluster to a set of analog gauges? Or is that even possible?? I specifically bought the lower trim of my current truck to get the physical, analog gauges, and have just optioned up and mod'd everything else. But, I know anything shy of a big ubiquitous screen across the dash is becoming less available. The two things I'd change on a Z, right up front, if/when purchased, would be slightly more vocal exhaust and if possible, a physical cluster behind wheel. Anyone?

 

[Hernandooo]

The Z is still fairly new, and i doubt anyone will want to downgrade to a analog cluster. Most just end up upgrading to digital clusters anyways

ie Haltech

 

[bpeckham]

Not giving flak, but just curious why.

The Z's digital cluster is a screen for sure, but it's understated, not looking like an iPad glued onto the dash, and the (very limited) configurability is cool. I switch between sport and normal modes often, depending on my mood. I rarely use enhanced (or whatever it's called). Also, the three gauges top center are analog.

What's the driving reason behind wanting an analog instrument cluster?

 

[ETN]

Purely aesthetic. I agree the screen on the Z is less iPad-ish than other cars I've driven, and they did it well, far as it goes, I just prefer physical gauges behind the wheel. Something akin to those into watches, I guess, with a well designed analog face, applied indices (instead of printed), etc. Just looks much better to me.

 

[Mugzilla]

I like the cut of your jib, OP. Digital and touch panels feel like a solution looking for a problem. Like bpeckham said, at least it doesn't look like an iPad hot glued to the dash.

Glad the temp/fan controls are analog. I HATE the Ford setup. I always have to look at the panel for waaaaay too long. With the Z, I just reach, touch, and adjust.

 

[ETN]

With ya, re Ford. I test drove one before ordering mine with the analog cluster, and was like, yeah, this isn't gonna work for me. That, and them PAYING me $50 to delete the start/stop was a nice day.

 

[trackratZ]

What about adapting the Z34 gauges, would be interesting since most guts are the same?

 

[ETN]

What about adapting the Z34 gauges, would be interesting since most guts are the same?

great suggestion.. Will Tuck that one away to ponder!

 

[dogunbound]

This is a bit pedantic to say, but I do want to throw it out there. Technically speaking, pretty much every single gauge cluster made from the late 90s and forward are all digital. Analog gauge clusters haven't been a thing for a very long time. What has stuck around are digital gauges with a rotating stick on a servo motor (Which is better than "real" analog guages).

IMHO, screens are better even for reliability. It's just a screen, so there are less moving parts. They also feed the data as fast as the refresh rate of the display. Also, screens allow for cheaper gauge cluster customization. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I do believe things that simplify a technology are better, such as this or electronic steering, etc...

 

[ETN]

I don't disagree with any of those points. And realize analog gauges are a thing of the past (I was ecstatic to find them still available when ordering my '22 truck). Like I said, purely aesthetic, with 3D movement of physical gauges being more pleasant to my eyes. But. I also still love my old silver-faced Marantz receiver. Can take the boy out of the analog years, can't take the analog years out of the boy.

 

[Thefunk]

Personally I like being able to change th cluster theme from normal to sport. Tye enhanced cluster is kinda...eh? A fully customizable cluster would be fantastic.

 

[D2M]

In all honesty this took me a while to get used to. Its a flat 2D panel so at a glance it was difficult for me to focus but after a few drives its a non issue, you will get used to it. With "analog" 3D gauge my eye would always fall right into focus at just a quick glance. Only part I don't like is that's its a black flat panel when the car is off, like its missing something.

 

[Leroy819]

Take it for a test drive first. I was hesitant because I saw the first generation of digital screens come out many years ago on other brands and they were laggy and blurry to focus on. I find this gauge cluster is very responsive and sharp. You can even see the RPM needle lightly bouncing at idle and as you engage the clutch.

 

[FSUZ33]

May be worth looking at the gauge inputs (connectors, qty, etc) for the Z34 compared to the RZ34. Not sure if the z43 gauges were wired separately, but I assume on the RZ34 all the signal data is shoved into a module, converted into a GUI and sent directly to the main display all on one harness.

BTW, does anyone know if they’ve come out with a wiper conversion kit yet? Really ready to get back to hand cranking.