Tachometer- swapping 2006 motor into 1993 frame

[ATLRIDER]

Hi guys,

I know this topic has been touched on but I couldn't find a definitive answer.  I know the newer engine uses an electrical tach and the older is mechanical.  Does anyone know if the tach from the 93' can be made to work by installing the gears on the camshaft?
Thanks for any input.

[weedahoe]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=58161.msg659696#msg659696

read post 18

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

I'm in the process of swapping in an 08 motor into my '95 frame at the moment, although it's slow progress because my work schedule isn't really allowing time for sleep this week, much less half a day off to tinker with the bike.  I think the mechanical tacho was a PITA to deal with and Suzuki were right to get rid of it.  The cables tend to vibrate loose, and give you a nice oil leak onto the headers when they do.  I'm looking forward to having a hassle free electric tacho on my new motor.  I'm going to use a cheap aftermarket tacho spliced off the coil wire, and incorporate it into a custom cluster when time allows.  A generic tacho can be had off ebay for under 50 bucks.

[adidasguy]

As I understand and read here somewhere, you can connect the +12 pulse that goes into the spark coils to the input of the tach. Tack also needs +12 and ground.
I'd probably add a current limiting resistor but others have said the directly connected to it - either coil input.

I'm putting an '06 into Trey. For that I'm going 2006 all the way - new carbs, new wiring harness, new ignition control, etc. already got harnesses, new instruments, ignitor, fresh coils (even though old are probably OK and are the same).

[ATLRIDER]

Thanks for your replies guys, but the answers are for hooking up an electrical tach.  I'd like to retain the existing mechanical tach if possible.  Parts 16-19 on fiche shows gears that can be purchased.  http://www.bikebandit.com/1993-suzuki-gs500ep/o/m6053#sch231453   Anyone know if they work with the new motor?

[adidasguy]

IF you can fit the gear, you have a problem that the holes for it and the cable are not there. You have to change the top. I do not think it is worth all the effort to fuggle up the motor for the sake of nostalgia and having the antiquated mechanical tack.
Good luck with it. Post pictures as you modify the top of the motor. Should be interesting.

[ATLRIDER]

That's in line with the answer I was looking for.  If it's not gonna work without some modding then the alternative is to go with a new style tach.  No nostalgia felt with the older tach, just looking for a simple solution.  Now to look for a new style tach.

Thanks.

[adidasguy]

Here you go - if you act fast:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280768875994?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

(Even has the blue high beam plastic cap! Given how everyone loses it - worth $75 just for that alone!)

I'll run a test - but I believe others have simply connected the tach input to the input of one of the coils. That's a +12v pulse from the ignition box, so it should work. I have a signal generator I can connect up first to play with it.

[ATLRIDER]

Thanks for looking out.  Will be keeping my eyes out for one.

[Paulcet]

OK, looking at the fiches:  '04-'06 has the hole in the head but is filled with a removable plug and seal.  The camshaft LOOKS like it has gear teeth cut for the tach drive.  '07-up has no hole in the head, though the camshaft LOOKS like it still has the gear teeth. I don't think you can put old camshafts (pre '04) in new heads, however, because they were changed to accommodate a spring washer to quiet the camshaft endplay.

[adidasguy]

Fisches aren't good at telling things like it is - even though fisches travel in a schools (must be drop-outs  )

I did the only reliable thing: I looked at that 2006 engine I got. The hole is cast closed up. The hole for the mounting screw is not there. I guess if you want to start drilling and tapping the holes in an attempt to make it fit - then OK.

Still the easiest thing to do is use the new tach. It doesn't make sense to fuggle up the engine in the hope that something might work that the casing wasn't made for.

[Paulcet]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up. I was able to order the appropriate parts to cover the hole in my '97 motor, however. 

[ATLRIDER]

I was going by the fiches too.  Just received the motor today and there's no place for a plug as it's sealed off.