I've done searches on the usual forums and have found a specific answer.

I recently modified my '90-'93 gauge cluster to satisfy my desired aesthetic and cure my boredom. I've tested the gauge cluster as best I could with a power supply confirming top level things like LED functionality and general brightness, etc. The next step is to test it in the car.



So here's the deal ... I've got 2 NA miatas, a '90 and a '96.

The gauge cluster is going in the '90, but I'd like to test it in my '96 (since the '90 is currently lacking an engine, ECU, wiring harness ... everything). This leads to the main questions:

1.

Aside from the oil pressure gauges, are the cluster assemblies identical? They look it.

2.

I know the senders are different from '90 to '96, however, are the gauge assemblies functionally different or did Mazda just change the gauge face?

Part of the intended 'testing' is to set the needles. I've got too many hours into this thing to roll the dice. Help me!

-Zach

 

Cool cluster. Sorry that I'm no help, but I had to pay the compliment.

 

The Greddy-few must prop each other up.

-Zach

 

I think some of the tachs are cable based, while the newer ones are electronic. This maybe an NB/NA thing.

A quick google indicates:
Gauge Cluster Interchangabillity? - MX-5 Miata Forum

 

Tach is electronic based on the coils/ignitor for 90-95.

I know that the NAs have a speedometer cable going from the transmission to the gauge.

 

The instrument clusters are broadly interchangeable across all NAs. They all have mechanical speedometers, and while the tach signal is generated differently for the three major NA families, the signals are all the same and all hit the instrument cluster in the same place.

Minor differences exist, as you know, in the OPG and the population of the idiot-lights.

 

This was my assumption ... but I've learned to not trust assumptions

You're a generally reputable source of information so I'll proceed as planned. Thanks! I think the only issue I'll have is an airbag alarm due to a missing airbag light. Not sure if it will throw a code, however, I have a scanner/clearer so it shouldn't be an issue.

-Zach

 

I wouldn't think you'd not have the air bag alarm. Mine doesnt. However I'd also assume that, like all sane miata owners, the first thing you did when you bought the car was unplug the buzzer under the dash.

 

Buzzer? Pulled it in the PO's driveway promptly after the title was signed over.

My '90 has all all the AIRBAG crap pulled; my '96 has a resistor in place of the air bag. I heard a rumor an alarm sounds if you simply pull the bulb. I wasn't sure if the door buzzer shared this function.

-Zach