Adding a tacho/RPM/rev counter

[sunnyeveryday]

So, for my sins and misplaced nostalgia. I bought a ex-military, 1980 series 3, petrol/gas 2.25l, RHD, LWB (109"), FFR (still 24V), hard top Land Rover.

I have barely worked on cars for 20+ years, so its going to be 'a bumpy ride'. :-) and a lot to learn.

Its running a little fast and one of the first 'add on projects' I would like to do, is add a tacho/RPM/rev counter.

Any suggestions on take off's for the engine, parts and parts suppliers.

PS. yes, I am trying to give it a thorough going over, brakes, steering, Oil and grease everything, check for rust etc. etc. But as for adding stuff, I would like the tacho done first.

Thanks...Martin

[crankin]

Martin,
Here are some other posts that might help.

http://forums.roversnorth.com/showthread.php?11629-mgb-tach-in-a-Series

http://forums.roversnorth.com/showthread.php?12174-tach-wiring

[sunnyeveryday]

Hi Clint. Thanks.

I had seen the first link but not the second.

Lots of mentions of col and alternator pickups, but as mine is 24V...

Anyone here have a 24V rover ?

I'll try a UK list as well.

Thanks again Clint.

[disco2hse]

Mine is.

Some good info on that.

You need to have a look at your alternator and see what posts are there. If there is a W post, use it.

You can get 24V tachometers. Like this
http://www.vdo-gauges.com/instruments/by-type/programmable-tachometers-with-lcd-hourmeter/series-1-4-000-rpm-3-3-8-tachometer-with-hourmeter-12-24v.html

At Summit Racing
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/VDO-333-363/

[JimCT]

Why do you feel the need for a tach? You 2.25 is not likely to overpower your 109 and exceed the max rpm, and then tend not go much higher anyway.



Mine is.

Some good info on that.

You need to have a look at your alternator and see what posts are there. If there is a W post, use it.

You can get 24V tachometers. Like this
http://www.vdo-gauges.com/instruments/by-type/programmable-tachometers-with-lcd-hourmeter/series-1-4-000-rpm-3-3-8-tachometer-with-hourmeter-12-24v.html

At Summit Racing
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/VDO-333-363/

[disco2hse]

Why do you feel the need for a tach? You 2.25 is not likely to overpower your 109 and exceed the max rpm, and then tend not go much higher anyway.

umm, you replying to me or the OP?

Mine is a 3.9 V8. ;)

[sunnyeveryday]

Why do you feel the need for a tach? You 2.25 is not likely to overpower your 109 and exceed the max rpm, and then tend not go much higher anyway.

I've always had tacho's on my vehicles, and they have only been up to 90 BHP.

I like to see the idle and how the engine is doing when I change gear.

Yes, you can do it by ear but its not that accurate. Being a techie, I like the feedback.

Its nothing to do with max RPM, as I never go anywhere near there. But I still like to have a tacho. My idle 'sounds fast' but with a tacho, I would know quite precisely. I don't have any other tools to check RPM bar take it to a garage.

I wish they would put tacho's as standard in all cars, as in bulk it probably costs less than $50 and is so useful.

YMMV.