FAQ

Q) What size are the gauges?
A) Minor gauges are 52mm and Major gauges are 80mm. (SAAS)

SAAS Muscle Series :



 *As long as your gauges fall within the specified range, they’ll fit the dash kit. For example, if your minor gauge bezel measures between 8.5mm and 9.5mm, you’re good to go.


 

Q) What’s the difference between SAAS Muscle Series 1 , Muscle Series 3, And Muscle Digital?

Look:

  • Series 1:
    The Muscle Series 1 is traditional analogue-looking gauges. There are some subtle differences between them, and even more differences under the hood. The Series 1 has clear needles and a gun metal bezel.

  • Muscle Series 3:
    Muscle Series 3 is traditional analogue-looking gauges. There are some subtle differences between them, and even more differences under the hood. The Series 3 has red needles and a bright aluminum bezel.

  • Muscle Digital
    The Digital gauges are obviously unique. They have a digital readout, plus an analogue progress bar around the perimeter of the dial face. With a grey bezel

Colours:

  • Muscle Series 1:
    Series 1 can be set to Green, Red, Blue and White.

    *Note that the minor gauges lose their colour setting when the battery is removed, and default to green.

  • Muscle Series 3:
    Series 3 can be set to Red, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Amber, Pink, Ice blue, Orange, and Aqua.

  • Muscle Digital:
    Digital can be set to Red, Green, Blue, Purple, White, Amber, Pink, Ice blue, Orange, and Aqua.

Features:

  • Muscle Series 1:
    Speedo and tach have a remote programing button, while the minor gauges have a programing button on the rear.

  • Muscle Series 3:
    Speedo and tach have a remote programing button, while the minor gauges have a programing button on the rear, and an optional remote programming button (supplied).

  • Muscle Digital:
    Speedo and tach have a remote programing button, while the minor gauges have a programing button on the rear, and an optional remote programming button (supplied).

Sensors:

  • Muscle Series 1:
    oil pressure and water temperature sensors are single wire.

  • Muscle Series 3:
    Oiil pressure sensor is 3 wire, and water temperature is a 2 wire sensor.

  • Muscle Digital:
    Oiil pressure sensor is 3 wire, and water temperature is a 2 wire sensor.

In summary, the Series 1 and 3 are visibly similar, while the Digital and Series 3 are electronically similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to receive my dash?

A) It usually takes around 2 weeks at this stage.

Do you make a VK version?

A) We are looking into the feasibility of VK, We should have some more information in 3-4 weeks.

How do I connect the dash If I'm running a Sniper?

Our dash comes pre-wired and includes its own oil pressure and water temperature sensors.

For LS engines, the temp sender can be installed on the opposite head—typically the driver’s side rear—or in any available water port. You can also install it using a SAAS adapter in the top radiator hose.

For oil pressure, a dual adapter can be used at the factory port to fit both sensors.

The Sniper tach output wire is compatible with the SAAS tachometer, or you can connect to coil No.1 instead.
If your transmission doesn’t have a VSS (vehicle speed signal), you can use a cable-to-VSS converter or opt for our SAAS GPS speed sensor.

What engine / transmission combos are compatible with the Emdawg Retrotech Instrument clusters?

Our Retrotech Dash Instrument Clusters are currently compatible with the following model Commodores:

VB VC VH including SL, SLX, SLE, Vacationer, Executive, Berlina and Berlina Wagon. (Note: Calais may be added in the future.)

Most engine / transmission combinations will work with our instrument clusters. It just boils down to some minor differences in the wiring. Below is an example of engines and transmissions we know will work.

ENGINES:

All carbureted engines 186, 202, 253, 308, & strokers etc.

Newer engines with carburetors fitted such as 304, 355 & LS Gen III.

In this case, the tach signal will come from the coil, or coil 1. 

Fuel injected engines with factory or after-market ECUs such as 304, 355, & LS Gen III engines. 

The tach signal will usually come from the ECU, or alternatively coil 1. 

TRANSMISSIONS:

As the speedo gauge is electronic, transmissions, both auto & manual with a speedo cable output (Trimatic, TH350, TH400, M21, etc.), will require either our SAAS GPS adapter and aerial, or an after-market cable-to-pulsed output adapter for the speedo to function. We have had many cars work well with the GPS adapter. 

Transmissions with electronic Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) output (4l60e, 6L80e, T56, etc.) can use the VSS signal output from the transmission.

You may also need an oil pressure splitter, common for LS, and or a radiator hose temperature sensor adapter. These and more are available from our website.

How much modification work is required to install our instrument clusters?

For the wiring, you will need to replace the existing instrument cluster round connector with a (supplied in the assembled kit) Deutsch connector.

There are also additional wires for the oil, temp, tach, etc. as well, of course. Each kit comes with full instructions on how to do the installation, so if you can wire in say an after-market head unit, amp, and speakers, you can install this dash.

We are also here to provide full support anytime if you get stuck, or have any questions.