Dakota Digital RTX Install Critique

[tadslc]

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.

SNAP-ADAPT 18-PIN SQUAREBODY

New Vintage USA, Classic style gauges, hot rod, muscle car, truck, custom gauges, NVU, Squarebody, OBS

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.

 

[SquareRoot]

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.

SNAP-ADAPT 18-PIN SQUAREBODY

New Vintage USA, Classic style gauges, hot rod, muscle car, truck, custom gauges, NVU, Squarebody, OBS

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.

Yup. Been enjoying mine for several years now. I use it with Edelbrock PF-4 efi and the amount of data displayed is amazing. I love being able to custom calibrate my fuel tanks to the EXACT amount of fuel in them, recalibrating the speedo after gear changes, low fuel alerts, engine hours.....blah blah blah.

 

[kkgp81]

The DD clusters are good. I’m in the middle of one using the DD setup, 4L60e trans controller and American Autowire harness.

One thing to watch out for- do not install the temp or oil sender near your headers. It will melt out the plastic in the plug in. IE the factory water sender location or the oil filter plug in area.

 

[1STLS1]

This was great information, thank you for the write up. I want one but waiting until I get to the point where I need it for the next step.
.

 

[Dleslie212]

That's cool about the bracket. I didn't know they existed. Howbmanynmodules fit on there? I have four - the DD module, the GPS module, the ProFlo 4 module and the gear indicator module. Would all of these fit on that bracket?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I am also not an instructions guy. But the ones included were very informational and easy to follow if you're savvy, don't need to be a wiring guru either!

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yeah I've had my Squarebody Syndicate versions for 3 years and nearly 40k miles now, these are by far the best gauges on the market. That bracket and the wiring adapter didn't exist when I did mine though, wish they had!

 

[tadslc]

That's cool about the bracket. I didn't know they existed. Howbmanynmodules fit on there? I have four - the DD module, the GPS module, the ProFlo 4 module and the gear indicator module. Would all of these fit on that bracket?

My bracket held the controller and 1 BIM. I didn't look into any other options, might want to ask them.

 

[dr_diesel]

Thanks for all the info working on an 82 C20 and think I might go with the VHX model as it is a straight six with 3 speed. Just little touches here and there the kids and I are throwing in.