Riviera digital Instrument cluster (IC) into a Fiero dash (Page 8/14)
Fierofreak00 FEB 24, 03:23 PM
Very nice! What a thorough and neat job.

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A coward dies a thousand deaths..................A soldier dies but once.

Cajun FEB 27, 01:39 PM
A couple of three set backs; 1. Several of the locking prongs on the pins in the connector have broken. They could be replaced but set back 2, the dash is too tight where all the wires are bunched up. This will require the relocation of the Fiero BCM. Rather than do a bunch of splices to lengthen the wire loom I have opted to replace the connector and associated wires.

Set back 3, the replacement connector I had ordered is not the correct companion connector for the BCM. I will have to order a replacement connector!

My plan is to relocate the Fiero BCM on the passenger side, somewhere around the "Blue Thingy" . There appears to be sufficient room there that would allow the placement of the BCM.
Cajun MAR 12, 07:24 AM
This is basically a bump!


Still waiting on the arrival of the new 35 pin connector and pig tails.
Chris Eddy MAR 12, 12:40 PM
Ahoy mates, just a few things on the project..
Cajun, I used two different connectors on the PC board, a black one and a grey one. They have the same pins, but have slightly different keying in the plastic. I shooda stuck with one type, probably switched when I could not get the mate. Either way, I have my housing (the end with the wires on it) with a few slots cut in the plastic that lets me plug it into either one, so you might be able to do that.
Cajun was questioning the correctness of the analog inputs (fuel, oil pressure, coolant temp), and sure enough, they needed work. The coolant temp is a thermistor, which is not a linear line, but a curve. Mike sent me the GM chart and I put it in the software. Also, the fuel and oil pressure calculations were improved (they was wrong).
Meanwhile, I did a 14 minute video covering the testing of the inputs. In addition, I went on to show how the 3 setup buttons work and what they do.
Link::
https://rumble.com/vekv9b-t...-use-in-a-fiero.html
Cajun MAR 16, 04:24 PM
Another bump......

No real progress lately. I have sent the Fiero BCM back to Chris Eddy for tuning?

The 35 pin connector and pig tails has not yet arrived (bummer). The shop indicated they would cut the new face plate next week if all goes well.

Once the items arrive I am waiting for it's pretty much just connecting everything up to the new connector, install the dash, done. Everything has been tested and works.

As previously mentioned, I will be locating the BCM on the right side of the dash in the area of the "Blue Dingy" thing. I am hoping this will ease up some congestion on the left side of the dash where the mini-terminal strips are located.

Chris, nice video. Now I understand how to operate the 3 switches. Thanks for that.
Cajun APR 10, 07:46 AM
This is basically a bump!

I finally received the connector with pigtails I thought I had ordered but to find I received only a connector and pins, no pigtails. I have gone back and forth with the supplier with no luck.

So, now I am in the process of building about 35pin connector with 3 foot pigtails. Once completed and tested I will begin installation.

[This message has been edited by Cajun (edited 04-10-2021).]

Cajun APR 27, 03:47 PM
No...the project is not dead.

I received the re-programed Fiero BCM from Chris Eddy (The one I had that he recalibrated). I have re-installed it and was in the process of testing the BCM while I was building another 35-pin connector. While in the testing process I noticed that a couple indicator lights on the Riviera digital IC were no longer operative. It's my guess that they have burnt (incandescent lamps). These indicators are active a lot during the course of the IC operation.

I have removed the Fiero IC surround and Riviera digital IC in order to replace the indicator lamps that are not working. While at it I will go ahead and replace all the incandescent indicator bulbs with LED units. To replace the indicator lamps will require the dismantling of the Riviera IC. A time consuming process, not so much dismantling the Riviera IC but rather the replacement of the indicator lamps with LEDs. I will be using 74-A (Amber) & 74-R (Red) miniature Wedge Base LEDs from Superbrightleds.

I have also updated my security system controller (attached to the 2002 Firebird BCM). Although not directly related to the Riviera digital IC install the Riviera IC does not have a Security indicator that I can attach to the Firebird BCM. This was a function that I had installed into my 86GT instrument cluster. All I did was add an indicator LED lamp for the "Security" function. Basically, when you install the key into the ignition switch the Security lamp lights up! If the dongle is not installed the car will not start or activate the fuel pump. The 2002 Firebird ignition key has a chip (specific value resistor) installed within the key. The dongle I built provides the function of the resistor key.



Here are a couple photos of the indicator lamps in question. As you can see I had already replaced a couple indicators that were burnt. Now for the rest of them!




We are getting close guys..........
Trinten APR 27, 04:03 PM
This is so cool. I've always liked digital displays. I loved it in my 94 Town Car, I was a little disappointed that they went to a hybrid layout in the later Town Cars.

I have a Turbo Sunbird cluster (okay, two of them) that I want to try to put into mine because of the instrumentation on it, but this would become my next choice.

For folks with an automatic, what do you think the feasibility would be to have the RPM gauge be repurposed to be a boost gauge?

I really appreciate the work you put into this, especially with rebuilding it with the LEDs! Lower charge demands, less heat, longer life (depending on LED, of course), pretty cool stuff!
Dennis LaGrua MAY 01, 10:08 AM
If there was ever an award given for the most complicated and technical instrument panel adaptation; it would have to be Chris project. As an EE myself I fully appreciate the large amount of R & D ,fabrication and the interface designs that were used here to get this dash functional. Outstanding A+ work.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Cajun MAY 12, 03:58 PM
Realized that I had not posted in a bit. Hopefully all can understand and appreciate the fact that life sometimes gets in the way of personal projects, especially when it comes to family!

The good news is that the dash is back in the GT. It took some doing to get it in, had to make about 4 or 5 attempts until the fit was correct. Had to reposition the wiring several times to clear the dash internal components. Now that is done I can move on to completing the replacement of the incandescent lamps in the Riviera digital IC. I have replaced 5 of 8. The amber LEDs are on back order.



Just for grins, here is a photo of the Riviera Digital IC disassembled:


I am getting close to the end of this project. Once the remaining LEDs arrive and time permits I will install them into the Riviera IC. Once that is done, then the Riviera IC install into the GT. Then the testing of the system.


Denis, thanks for the kind comments.

Until next time.......stay safe & healthy