Modern Gauges - Zetec

[Galwaylotus]

Gerry,
You are right about the ignition light. You cannot use an LED. When I changed all my dashboard lights for LEDs I found two problems.
1. The ignition light mentioned above stayed on.
2. The blue Main beam light was too bright when driving at night.

So I left the old filament bulbs in these two locations.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Graham

A couple of points if you want to retain the LEDs. The electrical circuit only sees the bulb as a resistance so if the resistance of the branch of the circuit containing the ignition warning LED matches what's expected from a standard 12 V bulb the charging circuit should work.
If the main beam LED warning is too bright (I have the same problem on my Mini) you can either mask most of the LED or, preferrably, add resistance in series with the LED to reduce its intensity.

[richgilb]

Anyone got a photo of an installed Zetec +2 dashboard?

Cheers,
Rich

[mikealdren]

Rich,
Not sure there's really such a thing. Spyder keep them pretty standard. I can dig out a picture or two (I'll have a look over the weekend) but Andy tends not to change things. There are issues with things like temperature ranges on gauges and oil pressure that you may want to address. There are specialists who can recalibrate gauges to suit.

Mike

[davea]

I grant the best practice for oil pressure might be low, but Zetec engines run very high oil pressure.
In my 2.0L Zetec (Europa, not Elan or +2) I see 90+ psi cold, 50psi at idle with oil
temp just over 240 degrees (as high as oil temp gets running on-track).

No, it is not just me, others note the same thing, sometimes
worriedly in Focus forums (but there they get reassurance it is normal).

My Elan running Lotus TwinCam and will remain so

[bcmc33]

Jono

Sorry to hi-jack the thread but why wasted spark?

Jono is going the same way as us, John - FI for ever

[mikealdren]

Rich,
I've had a look at picturesI have taken and the only dsash picture I have of a Zetec +2 shows standard gauges. It was a Spyder conversion in their workshop.
I took the picture so show the radio mounted below the glovebox!

Mike

[bcmc33]

Apart from repairing, converting and calibrating instruments, Speedy Cables offer a design your own service:

http://www.speedycables.com/design.html

[msd1107]

It is nice to have the Speedy Cable design your own instruments. However, the following should be noted:

Speedometer range is lacking 120mph, 160mph, 200kph, and 260kph. Size is lacking 127mm/5" for Jags and similar. No specification for turns per mile for mechanical drive.

Tachometer comes in 140mm, not 127mm/5" for Jags and similar.

No analog water temperature.

Fuel sender has neither of the Elan resistance ranges.

No analog oil pressure. No way to specify oil pressure range.

No analog oil temperature.

None of the 52mm gauges appear to come in 270deg sweep, only 90deg.

The typeface is not close to what we have with the Smith's gauges.

While it may take quite some time, it is possible to acquire NOS or good used examples of period Smith's gauges. S1-S3 speedometer/tachochmeters are rather rare. 50psi oil gauges are not as common as 100psi ones. Several places will refurbish/relegend the old gauges to as new look/functionality.

David
1968 36/7988

[niallf]

A few pics from my dash Zetec re-build...
http://rides.webshots.com/album/243456459vHFsHa?start=0
Niall

[richgilb]

Niall

I couldn't help but notice an Elise S1 in your photo album....which one do you look forward to driving more?

Rich

[Spyder fan]

Gerry,

I enjoy telling people that there's nothing new under the sun when it comes to car gauges and gadgets. You really ought to include the original ambient temperature gauge in your list, perhaps at the expense of the fuel pressure gauge which in my book comes under the heading of WGAF. I like these gauges as there is an element of danger in their production in that cyanide is a component of the production process that makes it impossible to obtain newly made items. It's really nice to have a gauge that works without electrical or mechanical input.

I have 100psi mechanical oil press gauge, smiths clock, fuel, battery condition, ambient temperature and water temp. + normal zetec extras such as shift light, heated front screen and central locking. Next upgrade is TV/Satnav in the radio compartment as a flip out, my local car radio emporium is designing a setup for me and is convinced they can get it into the aperture neatly behind the walnut fascia where the radio is supposed to go.... I will let you know the outcome

Regards

[richgilb]

Next upgrade is TV/Satnav in the radio compartment as a flip out, my local car radio emporium is designing a setup for me and is convinced they can get it into the aperture neatly behind the walnut fascia where the radio is supposed to go

Regards

What happened to keep it simple, then add lightness?

[Spyder fan]

Rich,
Fitting satnav and a tv unit means I can ditch the fat ugly cow who acts as navigator and used to provide entertainment many years ago, its a simple decision and certainly adds lightness! (Mrs T doesn't read this forum I hope!)