fia 289 dash question

[jrohrig]

I ordered the mk4 kit for various reasons, but I kinda like the fia 289 dash. I was planning on just ordering a blank dash and then cutting the holes for a 427 competition dash. I might now cut the holes for the 289 fia dash, but realize the gauges are different sizes. Is the fia kit dash aluminum and does it come with the holes already cut? I wonder if Factory Five would allow me to substitute the mk4 gauges with the fia ones

[lasse2]

I'm building a 289 roadster and can confirm that the 289 dash is aluminum and precut for the gauges just like the pictures show on the FFR website. The 289 gauges are different sizes. I've heard that you can substitute a blank dash and gauges if you request it. I'm not sure if the gauge pricing is different.

[cnutting]

As Lars said, you should be able to substitute. Give them a call and confirm. BTW, if you go the FIA dash route, expect to use your phone as a speedometer. Pretty tough to read the gauge on the other side of the car.

[OttawaFFRer]

I believe the 289 and 427 dash is a different size. Engineering at FFR informed me when I ordered my 289.

You can buy a blank 427 dash and cut your own holes.

[Marks289]

Rather than using your phone as your speedo, you can swap the tach and speedo. I find it much more driver friendly to have the speedo directly in view along with high beam/turn signal indicators. You quickly adjust to recognizing RPM at a glance to the right. All other gauges are easily visible. Probably not the best set up for a true race car, but works great for the street. It will work with the pre-cut dash since the tach and speedo are the same size.

[John289]

Something to keep in mind, if you're installing the FFR heater option the 289 FIA speedometer or tach gauge won't fit in the passenger location with the standard firewall. I am at the point where I am fitting the dash and realized this. Between this and the RT turn signal I will order a blank dash and map out and drill new holes. The speedo will end up a little further to the right and lower unless as suggested above I may swap out for the tach.

[lasse2]

Something to keep in mind, if you're installing the FFR heater option the 289 FIA speedometer or tach gauge won't fit in the passenger location with the standard firewall. I am at the point where I am fitting the dash and realized this. Between this and the RT turn signal I will order a blank dash and map out and drill new holes. The speedo will end up a little further to the right and lower unless as suggested above I may swap out for the tach.

John289 has a good point. I went with the FF Metals firewall forward kit to accommodate my heater with the traditional FIA dash layout. It won't hurt to have a little more space behind the dash as well.