Cluster Swap - White to Blue - 9 LED to 7 LED

[Jordih]

Anyone know if you can swap a late model, 7 LED SI, blue cluster into an early model car that came with a 9 LED SI, white cluster? I want to go from '84 to '91.

The plugs are the same shape and pin count, but I'm having a hard time comparing each wire from diagrams for each year.

I have found a couple dead threads about this, no answers.
:thankyou:

[AndrewBird]

No, they are not compatible. See here, post #6:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=71266&highlight=cluster

[Jordih]

It seems they were talking about interchanging components, though I don't see anything mentioning swapping the entire cluster from 9 LED to 7.

[AndrewBird]

Yes, I suppose you are correct about the thread, but I'm fairly certain it's not as simple as just swapping clusters. I know the gas gauge changed from early to late and since early and late clusters can't swap parts, you can't just swap the gas gauge.

Why do you want to change?

[Jordih]

I have the S.I. Shift Light kit for 7 LED clusters, but no longer have the car I was going to use them for, but I have a 9 LED car and a spare 7 LED cluster.

[Gregs///M]

Yes, you can swap a late model cluster for an early model and vice versa. I usually replace my clients early model clusters with late model clusters configured for an early model car. I do this because quality non damaged parts are more readily available and the late model cluster is more robust electrically.

Also, the speedometer, fuel and temp gauges are interchangeable between early or late model clusters. It seems only the tach/MPG is the only gauge not interchangeable and must stick with its original generation.

But to answer your question, you will need to swap in your 7 LED cluster to install your shift light kit. I also recommend you replace the SI board batteries in your 7 LED cluster while your in there. Swap your early model fuel gauge and speedometer and you will be good.

[Jordih]

Yes, you can swap a late model cluster for an early model and vice versa. I usually replace my clients early model clusters with late model clusters configured for an early model car.

Swap your early model fuel gauge and speedometer and you will be good.

So, swap in my 9 LED cluster fuel gauge & speedo into my 7 LED, install new SI batteries, install shift light kit, then plug and play?

[Gregs///M]

So, swap in my 9 LED cluster fuel gauge & speedo into my 7 LED, install new SI batteries, install shift light kit, then plug and play?

Exactly!

[Jordih]

Wow, sounds easy. I'll try it out.

Thank you for the great info!

[Jordih]

Wow, sounds easy.

I knew I would regret saying that... :oops:

It was going great, up until during the set up of the shift lights.
My tool to turn those little dials slipped and connected the two exposed pins.
Lights off, little puff of smoke... I fried the SI board. :curse:

Notice the brown mess underneath the last pin...