SpudFiles

I'm thinking about installing a tachometer into my truck, because it didn't come with one, and I'd like to take it easy on the thing now that it's past 129,000 miles. It's hard to judge the engine speed now that I've fixed my A/C, (i.e. no open window), by pure mechanical sound alone, although I did figure out a trick of listening to the air intake buzz right next to the A/C blower, but that only works in first and second gear.

Anyways, I was thinking of a Splitfire tach. As far as I can tell, they operate in a sort of "universal" way by measuring the frequency of electronic pulses through a spark plug. As far as I can tell through what VERY little I can scrounge up on this tachometer, this would be perfectly compatible with the 2.3L I-4 OHC engine. I've heard of compatibility issues with '99 or later models, that required a, predictably, Ford part to rectify, that costs as much as the Tachometer itself. Don't think it'll be a problem with the engine I've got.

Anyways, ya'll got any thoughts? Has anybody got any information on this model of tachometer and whether or not it operates as I think it does?

Be a nice thing to have. There are a few questions I've got pending. I've always known the interstate ran the truck at a high RPM, just don't know what. I'd also be interested to know what the engine speed is when towing my four-wheeler trailer, as well.

Well if you had a Chevy as opposed to a ford then this wouldnt be a problem... Jk. I think you should be good with getting a splitfire.

rednecktatertosser wrote: Well if you had a Chevy as opposed to a ford then this wouldnt be a problem... Jk. I think you should be good with getting a splitfire.

If I had a choice I might have a Chevy. But remember I'm 17, only have around 800 dollars in the bank, and am trying to get up to 1,200 so I don't have to work next year and can concentrate on school.

When I went to the salvage yard, though, I was only able to find around five Rangers in there, which was a comforting sign. And they were are automatic transmissions.

Ford's Taurus is a good example of what you're talking about. They may break a lot, but you don't have to look very far to find an identical car to rip stuff out of. They had an entire section of decrepit Tauruses in Biloxi, and I see them on the side of the interstate with those little orange stickers on the back window.

Thanks for the advice!