LocostUSA.com

On my Locost I am mating a VW turbo diesel to a Suzuki Samurai 5 speed transmission and I have a question about the speedometer. On my Samurai the speedometer cable was pluged into the transfer box, so I no longer have this option...What do you old timers suggest I do?

Thanks.

If you get an electronic AutoMeter type speedo you can also get a sending unit that has a driveshaft mounted magnet and a sensor. You then calibrate it to the correct speed and you are good to go. At least you used to be able to do this. I haven't researched it in a long time though.

_________________
Build sold to a new loving home. May start another one when I have more time to devote to it. For now I play with my boat, Datsun 240Z, and GS700 motorcycle.

If you want to get really cheap a digital bicycle speedo with the magnet on an axle will work. Works if you just want to know how fast you are going.

_________________
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

Sigma Bike computers. I understand the BC800 goes to 180 mph. Most Bike puters are sub 60 mph. Its like 20 bucks to boot, and has some other features. Check out other bike computers, and gps sysptems. The waterproof feature is a bonus.

Garmin eTrex GPS, under a hundred bucks most everyplace; put a bracket on your dash, set the display to mph and go for it. I use 'em lots because they can also save speed and position data as you tool along.

_________________
Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles

Thanks Jack and the others for your advice. There are indeed several ways to go about speedometers. I find the Garmin GPS set-up attractive because it is both affordable and simple to install.

Just check with your state DMV. Most states require a tamper proof odometer to go along with the speedo, even on kit/specialty cars, for the same reason as factory cars have them.

David Tupper

If you can do "mileage exempt," I have a really good bike speedo you can have for $10. Its the same large face unit posted on some of the UK Locost Boards. All you need to do is J/B weld a small magnet (not included) to the driveshaft, mount, then do the math.

PM me if int. Postage in USA should only cost $1-2.

Sorry to bring up an old thread like this, but I'd like to double check that these speedo's will work, eg, they can be mounted using the magnet.

http://tinyurl.com/2zvryz

http://tinyurl.com/3anqmd

The second definately does not work. It says mechanical.

The firsat does not have enough info listed. Generally, the electronic versions of the Autometers use the vehicle speed sensor, which your driveline does not have. They may offer a universal sensor to attach to the driveline as a option. The vehicle sensor is not always a magnet.

I'll find some universals that do not require the oem sensor and reply later.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/V8-chapters/ ... ensors.pdf

Scroll down the last page or so for a solution. Most of the aftermarket electronic speedometers use either the oem pulse generator or a aftermarket pulse generator driven by the oem speedometer cable. Adapting a oem speed sensor designed to work with a aftermarket speedometer (designed for the oem sensor) may be your best option.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

Myself I am looking at using a VDO, which will use the existing oem sensor per my 93 T5 transmission, but the speedo also can be used with inductive, hall and reed system as well.
I have attached a 4 page installation showing the hookups of the VDO.
I would imagine other manufacturers are similiar. They also list a few part numbers for sensors.
I am not sure if it would work for yours, but posted it anyway for the general info.
Al
http://usa.siemensvdo.com/NR/rdonlyres/ ... ometer.pdf

not so locost.....

http://aimsports.com/auto/index.html

_________________
Austen
upstate NY
airframe mech
09 109R
04 IS300
91 MR2t
93 toyota PU
91 alltrac (gt-4)

I believe there are GPS based speedometers available.

I think even the cheapest portable GPS systems have speed indication. It isn't accurate in curves but should be good enough to get the car to the track without a ticket. The bicycle speedo and agricultural products should work fine. Can't beat the bicycle speedo price at around $20. It will need to be close to the driver as well as have a sun visor. Many are velcro or tube mount and adjustable for wheel size and magnet distance from the axle. Most bicycle wheels are 24-27".

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12