If you’re restoring a muscle car or just want a classic look with modern reliability, the Bosch Retro Line 3-3/8″ Tachometer (model FST 8000) is a solid choice. This gauge brings 1970s Sun Super Tach styling into the 21st century, combining vintage aesthetics with updated internals.
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Bosch FST 8000: Classic Style, Modern Performance
The FST 8000 tachometer features a 270° sweep and a 0–8000 RPM range, driven by an air-core meter for smooth needle movement. It supports various engine configurations, including 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cylinders, and is compatible with DIS ignition systems using the 2-cylinder setting. The gauge includes 360° backlighting for visibility and comes with an all-metal housing, a removable chrome cap, and two mounting brackets.
Installation Overview
Installing the FST 8000 is straightforward, thanks to its flexible mounting options and clear wiring instructions. Here’s a quick overview:
Mounting Options
- Steering Column Mount: Use the included clamp kit to mount the tachometer directly to the steering column. Easy in 76-86 CJ Jeeps.
- Flat or Curved Surface Mount: The gauge can be mounted on any flat or curved surface using the provided brackets.
Wiring Connections
- Red Wire: Connect to the ignition switch’s switched 12V source.
- Black Wire: Ground to a clean chassis point.
- Green Wire: Connect to the negative side of the ignition coil or the tach output on your ignition module.
- White Wire: Connect to the dash lighting circuit for illumination.
Our Installation
The jeepfan.com 1978 CJ-5 had a steering column mounted tachometer that was a bit old and kind of out of date from the style of the CJ. The Sun Super Tach holds a lot of nostalgia for vintage vehicle owners and a tach on the steering column just seems right in a CJ.
Make sure to set the proper amount of cylinders in your Jeep before mounting it.
The tach comes with a mounting bracket that will fit a 76-86 CJ steering column using the provided clamp. Attach the bracket and attach it to the column. The 4 wires need to be attached as listed above. Depending on the kind of ignition system you will need to locate a tach signal source. The HEI distributor in this Jeep has a terminal right on it for this – seen below.
Final Thoughts
The Bosch FST 8000 Retro Line Tachometer offers a blend of classic design like the original Sun Super Tach and modern functionality. It is a perfect functional accessory for the inside of your CJ. It’s pretty impressive that products like this exist to keep the retro vibe look but use modern internals for better performance.
Retro Line 3-3/8″ Tachometer – FST 8000
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