tadslc
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2020
- Posts
- 120
- Reaction score
- 133
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- First Name
- Tad
- Truck Year
- 1981
- Truck Model
- C10
- Engine Size
- 350 Blueprint
Just installed a Dakota Digital RTX instrument cluster in my '81 C10 and wanted to throw out a couple opinions and comments.
I picked the RTX version because it mimics my stock instrument look almost exactly when off.
The first is that DD has it together when it comes to building and packaging this unit for our trucks. Right out of the box it is a complete kit. Everything is top notch. This is no Chinese junk I've become accustom to with a lot of aftermarket parts.
The second is read the instructions. I know that not everyone holds the same opinion but I bet I went over the instructions a dozen times before starting the install. It made it much easier for me.
Third is research the BIM modules offered by DD, options that could potentially make your install easier. I found one that helps integrate the Holley Sniper into the system and negates the installation of another temp gauge sensor and tachometer hook up by taking this information directly from the Sniper software. Won't stop the usage of the little 3.5" Sniper handheld but I found it quite helpful.
Fourth is there are several aftermarket pieces that made installation easier, at least for me.
The first is a New Vintage USA Adapter for the main instrument cluster wiring harness that does away with cutting any wires.
newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com
The second is a mounting bracket from Pro Performance that made installing the DD control unit and BIM much more professional looking. If you end up using more than 1 BIM you might have to do some creative installation but it's a great idea nonetheless.
azproperformance.com
Once installed I'm still finding it incredible the amount of information now available through this RTX system. Want to know your 0-60 times, 1/8 mile or 1/4 miles times? It's available. Want any alerts for low oil pressure, high coolant temps, etc.? It's available and you can customize anyway you want.
I could go on but you get the picture..
DD also offers a cruise control system which I have purchased but not installed. Much of the wiring can be hooked into the DD dash control module to help make this install easier as well.
Overall the install was not cheap but I think well worth the price. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10, maybe higher.
I picked the RTX version because it mimics my stock instrument look almost exactly when off.
The first is that DD has it together when it comes to building and packaging this unit for our trucks. Right out of the box it is a complete kit. Everything is top notch. This is no Chinese junk I've become accustom to with a lot of aftermarket parts.
The second is read the instructions. I know that not everyone holds the same opinion but I bet I went over the instructions a dozen times before starting the install. It made it much easier for me.
Third is research the BIM modules offered by DD, options that could potentially make your install easier. I found one that helps integrate the Holley Sniper into the system and negates the installation of another temp gauge sensor and tachometer hook up by taking this information directly from the Sniper software. Won't stop the usage of the little 3.5" Sniper handheld but I found it quite helpful.
Fourth is there are several aftermarket pieces that made installation easier, at least for me.
The first is a New Vintage USA Adapter for the main instrument cluster wiring harness that does away with cutting any wires.
SNAP-ADAPT 18-PIN SQUAREBODY
Vintage Classic styles gauges for hot rod, musclecar truck, custom gauges NVU
newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com
The second is a mounting bracket from Pro Performance that made installing the DD control unit and BIM much more professional looking. If you end up using more than 1 BIM you might have to do some creative installation but it's a great idea nonetheless.
Mounting Bracket for Dakota Digital - 73-87 C10
Laser cut steel bracket mounts a Dakota Digital instrument system control box plus an BIM-01-2 as well!
azproperformance.com
Once installed I'm still finding it incredible the amount of information now available through this RTX system. Want to know your 0-60 times, 1/8 mile or 1/4 miles times? It's available. Want any alerts for low oil pressure, high coolant temps, etc.? It's available and you can customize anyway you want.
I could go on but you get the picture..
DD also offers a cruise control system which I have purchased but not installed. Much of the wiring can be hooked into the DD dash control module to help make this install easier as well.
Overall the install was not cheap but I think well worth the price. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10, maybe higher.
