putting a rev counter on a MK4 fiesta

[Thunderchild]

I just got a fiesta, downgrading from my broken modeo - I wanted a smaller car. Only thing is there is no rev counter and I like having a rev counter as I find it helps me monitor the cars running better and helps me drive more economically. Any chance of putting one in ?

I also would not mind a coolant/engine temp display, I used to use this in the mondeo as I'd not put hot air on until the engine had warmed up which meant I was not keeping the engine cold by trying to get hot air out of a cold engine, the engine would warm up quicker and then I'd turn the air up save petrol getting engine hot quicker and get hot air quicker.

I am electronically inclined, although cheap proven off the shelf stuff would be nice

[TWR]

If you car's dash is not set up for a Rev Counter, Its going to be an expensive job fitting one Thunder.

[Thunderchild]

ok, maybe i do need to put into practice all of my electronics know how then. The simplest way is to have a reflective band on the alternator belt and a light emiter and sensor that picks up a flash of the reflective band every time ir passes the sensor and then interpret that information with something.

[TWR]

How did you go on with your Mondeo Re/ Gearbox? it was yours wasn't it?

[Thunderchild]

yes, flogged it for £160 to a couple of lads that think they can do it up - I was bluntly honest about all aspects that need looking at and they took it.

At least it will go back on the road and not just dumped

[Zacs-Master]

Warm air from the cars heater comes from a heater matrix, not the engine.

[TWR]

What produces the warm air Zac? the water / coolant is heated up by the running engine. Sorry about that. lol

[Zacs-Master]

Yes but long before the engine gets to full temp.

[Thunderchild]

zac my observations on the mondeo (baring in mind i work for a radiator and air con company) are that if i put it straight onto hot air it would take much longer for the temp gauge to come up, now my main aim is fuel economy and a hot engine is better. Of course a cold engine don't get me hot air.

In the case of the modeo the hot air rad (a miniature radiator in a box with a fan in it) was part of the coolant circuit, when the stat for the main rad comes in it adds the main radiator AFTER the hot air one so takes out the heat that is left.

I remember doing long distance driving with my dad in an old escort and an overheating engine (actually turned out to be the wrong sensor), we cooled the engine down by running the hot air