The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1955 235 Tachometer Options

Hi all,

I'm going to put a tachometer on the old truck soon. It's a Chevy 55 2nd series with the original 235 inline 6 and 3 speed trans. This motor and running gear is stock.

I'm going to go with an auto meter z series pedestal tach that will mount on the steering column. I'm trying to pick between the 4k and 6k models. They are the same price.

Can you help me out with the appropriate choice. I know they will both work but I'd like to keep the range close to the motors redline. I have no idea what a 235 would red line at.

I was hoping I'd fine a 5K z series but no such luck...I think that would be the perfect match.

All that being said...4k or 6k?

Thanks in advance.

I have a 4k tacho , I have found I generally drive the truck like a diesel , 800 - 2100 rpm .

But it is nice to know how fast I am going

For reference, I am looking into these two tachometers for my 235. I'd like to get the unit most appropriate to the inline 6 application.

1. Auto Meter 2891 Z-Series Air-Core Pedestal Tach, 6k RPM, 2-5/8 Inch

2. Auto Meter 2890 Z-Series Air-Core Pedestal Tach, 4k RPM, 2-5/8 Inch

I have a small tachometer in my truck, Sunpro 2 5/8", it's a 8000 rpm unit I bought on close out from Summit Racing. My 250 inline six quits pulling at 4000 rpm, so shifts point is about 3800 if I run it hard. Your 235 will be very similar in rpm range. The second half of the scale will never be used !

I bought the Auto Meter 2306 Autogage Mini Tachometer last yr off Amazon. It's a 12v 6K RPM tach. Since the truck is still 6v I had to get a 6v to 12v converter. I'm eventually going to full 12v whenever I swap power plants.
To keep from drilling any holes in the dash I attachéd the tach to a magnet base just above the shifter between the gauges.

FYI, I rarely get it up to 3K rpm and that's only when passing. My 216 sings like a sewing machine between 1900 & 2K rpm.

So after reading your replies I think I am leaning toward the 4K tachometer. Both are the same price from Speedway.

The motor in the truck is the orignal 235...I take it real easy on it, trying to get as many miles as I can before anything catastrophic takes place!

I sure wish they made a 5K rpm tach in the same series that would be the perfect range.