Digital Dash Panels Work With Carburetors Too

Electronic fuel injection in automobiles has been around since the late 1950s, with Rochester and Bendix units available on Chevys and select Mopars. Over 30 years later, virtually all major manufacturers the world over had embraced EFI technology. And some 30 years after that, NHRA mandated its use in Pro Stock. But carburetors are far from dead, as thousands of Sportsman racers, and E.T. Bracket competitors will readily attest to.

The data available from digital systems can be of great benefit to assist in optimizing the performance of fuel injected engines. However, digital technology also brings plenty to the table for racers with carbureted powerplants. Thanks to all of the available sensors on the market and wiring technology, you can get a digital dash to work with a carbureted engine.

Digital display systems have been available in the automotive aftermarket for many years now. First came the Racepak IQ3, which was followed by the Holley EFI digital dash. One company that has facilitated the use of contemporary digital displays in many of drag racing’s most popular doorslammer cars of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s is Classic Dash. The Carson City, Nevada-based manufacturer has developed bolt-in panels made of rugged ABS composite material that accommodates various Holley and RacePak units.

“To retain a factory look and facilitate easy installation, our panels precisely match the originals, but given size limitations some applications are limited, to employing the Racepak IQ3 or Holley EFI 6.86-inch display while others can accommodate the larger 12.3-inch Holley unit. We have dash panels for virtually all popular early Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, early and Fox Mustangs, a wide range of Mopars, plus Pontiac Firebirds. And given the booming popularity of classic trucks, we have many units for those applications, too,” explains Classic Dash President Greg Wambold.

Both Racepak and Holley digital displays can be configured by the user and have programmable function indicators, like shift and warning lights. The Racepak IQ3 can display up to 28 inputs on four pages. Both the 6.86 and 12.3-inch Holley displays have 1280×480 resolution and a smartphone-style touchscreen interface. They come with a choice of 16 different backgrounds preloaded on the device, with custom options available. These features are great for those with a carburated engine who want to have a sleek dash in their vehicle.

In addition to viewing gauge read-outs, the unit…