Keep the factory Ford tach working after an LS swap.
The Vintage Rust LS Swap Factory Tach Signal Kit creates the crank/RPM signal the Ford PCM uses to operate the factory tachometer while the LS engine remains controlled by its own engine-management system. It uses a Ford crank-position sensor positioned beside a 36-1 tone wheel installed on a new LS truck balancer.
CONFIRMED TESTING
This design has produced a working factory tach signal in our New Edge and S197 Mustang test applications. LS swaps vary, so this is not advertised as a universal bolt-on kit. It has not been validated on every engine, balancer or accessory-drive arrangement, oil pan, PCM, gauge cluster, wiring harness, or chassis combination. Compatibility and results outside the confirmed test applications are not guaranteed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• New LS truck balancer with 36-1 tone wheel installed
• New balancer bolt
• 3D-printed ABS-plastic prototype sensor bracket
• Crank-position sensor installed in the bracket
• Sensor-retaining bolt
• Sensor connector/pigtail
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Remove the existing balancer and install the supplied balancer and new balancer bolt using the correct service procedure and torque specification for your engine. Remove the two existing oil-pan bolts at the bracket location and reuse those factory bolts to mount the supplied bracket; oil-pan bolts are not included. The installer must confirm adequate thread engagement, sensor alignment, air gap, rotating clearance, and fastener retention for the exact engine and oil-pan combination.
On our confirmed Mustang test installations, an intact factory Mustang sensor pigtail plugged directly into the supplied sensor, allowing connection without cutting or splicing. A sensor connector/pigtail is included for installations that require it. Wiring condition and pinout must be verified before connection.
PROTOTYPE / EARLY-RELEASE NOTICE
This is an experimental prototype component offered for real-world evaluation in custom LS-swap applications. It is not an OEM replacement. Vintage Rust confirms the results achieved in the tested New Edge and S197 Mustang applications, but does not promise universal compatibility or identical results in a different vehicle or swap configuration.
By purchasing and using this kit, the buyer acknowledges its prototype status and accepts responsibility for verifying vehicle compatibility, installation, wiring, sensor alignment, air gap, rotating clearances, fastener retention, and safe operation before starting or driving the vehicle.
Vintage Rust is not responsible for damage, injury, labor costs, vehicle downtime, or other losses caused by incorrect installation, modification, misuse, wiring errors, inadequate clearance, component interference, or failure to inspect and test the installation properly. Professional installation is strongly recommended. This notice does not limit any rights or responsibilities that cannot legally be waived.
BEFORE STARTUP
Manually rotate the engine through at least one complete revolution. Confirm sensor alignment and a safe air gap, verify all fasteners are properly installed, and secure wiring away from heat and rotating parts. Confirm a stable tach signal before road use.
CURRENT FULFILLMENT TIME
Please allow up to two weeks for the kit to be assembled, tested, and shipped. It may ship sooner when components are available.
