U17 package

[lemarin]

My LM-1 Camaro doesn't have the optional instruments U17 pack. I'm planning to add it, and have few questions about it. I want it to be as close as possible from the original.

which tachometer should I get ? 5500 redline I believe for my 350 4 barrels/255 hp ?

From what I'm reading, I'll also have to buy the center clock, which one is the best to choose ? Was there few U17 without the clock ?

I'm thinking to buy the flooding kit from heartbeat:

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/23909/Camaro-Tach-%26-console-guage-kit-5.5-7-1969/

[BULLITT65]

I was under the impression when you ordered U17 you got the clock in the dash.

[william]

U17 included a clock. Common for U17 to be added without it or the dash housing to be replaced without it. Some very early '69 press photos show a U17 car with no clock, probably a Pilot build.

307, 327 & 350 engines w/U17 would have had a 5000 redline 7000 rpm tach. 5500/7000 was used on the 325 & 350 hp 396.

[BULLITT65]

When you say "common for U17 to be added without it", do you mean by a past owner of the car? not from the factory right?

[69pace]

If you ordered U16 which was the Tachometer only option the center pod held the fuel gauge.

If you ordered U17 you got console and its gauge pack for fuel, oil, battery, and temp, and center clock.

What I see often is post factory conversion that owners have done that fail to insert the clock. I assume William is referring to this. I have had people tell me that they special ordered the U17 and factory delete of the clock and got it. I'm not sure and have no evidence to say it couldn't have happen, but they have had no evidence to prove that it did happen.

[william]

Correct. There was no 'clock delete' for U17.

[BULLITT65]

So when you got later into the year and the tach became part of the Z/28 package, did that factor in the U16 into the price going up?
In other words (for the Z)was the U16 only optional before the tach became mandatory later in the year?

[william]

The U16 Tachometer or U17 Special Instrumentation were not included with Z/28 equipment; as of January '69 either was a required option at extra cost. There must have been supply problems however as many cars were built through May without either.

Intro cost for Z/28 equipment was $458.15. However it required ordering at extra cost J52 Power Front Disc Brakes [$64.25] and a 4-speed transmission [$195.40]. Positraction [$42.15] was not included with the standard 3.73:1 axle; required with the optional 4.10:1 ratio. As of February '69 Z/28 cost increased to $473.95; when spoilers were included March '69 $506.60. As of late May cost increased to $522.40 when chrome tailpipes were added.

1969 Camaro production spanned 16 months. There were many changes to pricing and optional equipment over the run.

[BULLITT65]

ok , thanks for clearing that up. Another question: if you had just the speedo and fuel gauge set up, and wanted a clock, did you have your choice of a clock mounted on the tunnel or the dash, or was the only way to get the clock in the dash was to order U17?

[lemarin]

Hey guys, I don't have a Z28 anyways, just a simple RS 350.

From what I've read here and there, most of LM-1 engine car had the special instrument pack, together with the 12 bolts diff, and dual exhaust, but mine doesn't. I'd like to keep my car as OEM as possible, but I find that so useful to have the coolant temperature informations.....Right now I do have some aftermarket gauges kit installed, under the console...but it's really ugly !

Anyway I ordered this kit, and the clock is included, together with the tach (5000/7000) and the gauges kit. I was thinking maybe, to not install the clock, since I like the "Camaro" plate in the center, but to stay with factory looking, I'll have the clock installed.

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/23908/Camaro-Tach-%26-console-guage-kit-5-7-1969/

[BULLITT65]

I assume you mean after market  "above" the console.  I think it depends on the gauges and pod. I have a non console car and the original owner installed a 3 gauge pod which I thought was a good idea. I found some original stewart warner mechanical gauges and it seems to fit fine.

I do like the look of the console gauges though, you just sacrifice a little accuracy.

[william]

The clock as a distinct option was U35. However the Assembly Instruction Manual only shows the dash cluster clock. My guess, if the car was built with U16 and you wanted a clock it had to come from the accessory catalog. #993581 is listed there as floor mounted for Camaro.

I have seen enough original LM1s to question your "most" statement. LM1 production for the 4 months of availability was 10,406; N10 production was 5,545 for the entire production run. I have dealership docs for 2 LM1s; neither has any of those options meaning they were manual drum brake cars with single exhaust. Both had 2.56:1 positraction axles. Most N10 cars were the standard 8 cylinder or the L65 350/2v.   

LM1 was unusual in that it did not have a standard transmission; an optional trans had to be ordered. Cheapest was the MC1 HD 3-speed which included a floor shift for $79. It was the standard trans for Camaro SS and was dropped as an option with the LM1 as of January 1969.

[lemarin]

Here's a picture of mines, installed by the previous owner:

[lemarin]

Here's a picture of mines, installed by the previous owner:

The clock as a distinct option was U35. However the Assembly Instruction Manual only shows the dash cluster clock. My guess, if the car was built with U16 and you wanted a clock it had to come from the accessory catalog. #993581 is listed there as floor mounted for Camaro.

I have seen enough original LM1s to question your "most" statement. LM1 production for the 4 months of availability was 10,406; N10 production was 5,545 for the entire production run. I have dealership docs for 2 LM1s; neither has any of those options meaning they were manual drum brake cars with single exhaust. Both had 2.56:1 positraction axles. Most N10 cars were the standard 8 cylinder or the L65 350/2v.   

LM1 was unusual in that it did not have a standard transmission; an optional trans had to be ordered. Cheapest was the MC1 HD 3-speed which included a floor shift for $79. It was the standard trans for Camaro SS and was dropped as an option with the LM1 as of January 1969.

According to the POP and the Cowl tag, mine has from the factory:

-power steering
-TH350 auto 3 speed tranny
-all 4 corners manual drum brakes (previous owner add the brake booster for the power brake)
-dual exhaust (I do have the driver's side exhaust braket)
-12 bolts rear diff
-3.07:1 ratio
-No A/C: A/C look to be added bone of the previous owner (from the dealer, I'm not sure but it looks OEM for me)

[BULLITT65]

I think the gauge location is fine. I have also seen them mounted above the console, which is ok as well. I think if you change the gauge pod and the gauges to more of older style gauge you may be happy