I'm thinking about doing a little side project and ditching the OEM tach and installing an aftermarket one in the corner of the A-Pillar along with an APEX-i SAFC II. Has anyone done this?

 

Just curious, what do you find wrong with the stock tach?

 

Nothing really. I just want to eventually put a cluster of gauges in that spot.

 

Hmm.

I am not one to criticize the personalization of your car. It seems to make good sense that the stock tach location is where it is. If you put in a big aftermarket tach out near where your A piller starts, wouldn't that obstruct your view out the windshield?

There are lots of options for adding other gauges, like boost, oil temp, etc. Many actually fit very nicely around the stock tach. This link is just one of many examples out there!

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p.../GAUGEPOD.html

There is an even better set of gauges for that location, which look much closer to the stock gauge style, but I don't remember who makes them. Does anyone know which ones I'm talking about for our friend in need here?

Lastly, there's also a MINI dual gauge cluster option, that goes down behind your change tray and 12 volt outlet, under the toggle switch bank. That's not the best place though, only because they're so far removed from all your other gauges...

 

I just took the time to read your considerable sig. It is now obvious to me that you have most likely already seen all the options available, and I now realize that you're just not satisfied with those options. I apologize for sounding preachy, and trying to convince you to stick with the stock tach.

I wish you nothing but good luck in your search. :-)

 

Thanks...It's cool. I am pretty set with what I want. I do realize where you are coming from with the OEM tach. I am losing my steering wheel for a smaller QD Sparco unit and I think a cluster of VDO gauges would look good behind it. The tach shouldn't obstruct view enough for me to worry about it. I'm fishing for answers for now since this mod will be done after all others. When I start messing with the motor. CF exterior parts are being had at the moment. BTW, I see you are in Syracuse. I was born there. Don't see many from that part on this board.

 

Yeah, I live in Camillus. Yesterday went to an Autocross at the Shoppingtown Mall, with another MINI owner here. There were 2 other MINIs there as well. This was our very first Autocross, so I can't say we represented the MINI community flawlessly, but we had a ton of fun, and learned the limits of our all-season run-flats' grip!

Good luck.