Fantastic bang for the buck, late C3 Corvettes offer a lot of performance potential, but the instrumentation leaves a bit to be desired by today’s standards. Look no further than this direct fit instrument system. Use your stock gauge bezels for installation, and your 1978-82 Corvette will enjoy two TFT message centers, LED backlighting and a host of late-model features while retaining a very stock appearance.

*Bezel shown in any pic is NOT included, shown for visual/presentation purposes.
System uses OEM or reproduction style bezel. *Center console trim bezel not included, shown for visual/presentation purposes.

The RTX series is the latest from Dakota Digital, focused on retaining that stock look without sacrificing the late-model features you love. Every effort has been put forth to incorporate OEM design elements regarding the layout, face styling and indicators. A casual glance may dismiss these as original equipment, but once you hit the switch and the LED backlighting comes on in your favorite color scheme, all doubts will be removed.

Starting from scratch, CNC machined housings are filled with electronics designed and built in-house, helping Dakota Digital once again raise the bar for aftermarket instrumentation. The high-definition TFT message centers can be fully configured to display just about any piece of information needed, or just leave the vintage-looking tumbler odometer on the screen for a totally stock appearance. As you’ve come to expect from Dakota Digital, the RTX series utilizes a central control box to make installation and setup as easy as possible. Please scroll through the listing below for a more in-depth look at the RTX series and lots more pics!

MTX-78C-VET Metric system (KM/H and degrees Celsius) is available as a custom option for no additional cost, but may take approximately 12-24 weeks to build. Some systems may take a little longer due to COVID-19 and high demand affecting production. 

RTX System Includes:

Analog Gauges

Digital Message Centers

Standard Displays:

Odometer (One time user settable, Million Mile)
Dual (A/B) Trip Meter (0-9,999.9)
Clock (12 hour)
Estimated Range/Miles to Empty

Performance Meters: 

0-60 MPH Timer (0-100 kmh)
1/4  and 1/8 mile time
1/4 and 1/8 mile end speed (trap speed)
High speed recall
High RPM recall

Built-In Indicators:

Turn Signals (Left/ Right)
High Beam
Check Engine
Parking Brake
Cruise Control (On/ On & Engaged when vehicle is equipped)
Gear Position (Optional GSS-3000 sensor required, sold separately)
4 x 4 (When vehicle is equipped)
Wait to Start (When vehicle is equipped)
Two Auxiliary input indicators with user-programmable labels
Each analog gauge sweep contains a red LED indicator for quick notice of a warning condition (except speedometer)

**Not all OEM indicator lamp functions will be replaced.

• If additional indicators are desired within the new instrument system, consider repurposing any unused indicators to suit your application.

Lighting:

Colors

Over 30 user-selectable color options allow you to independently change the needle color, sweep color and digital TFT display color.

Brightness

Both daytime and nighttime brightness can be easily controlled through the RTX setup menu, allowing you to choose your preferred lighting intensity level, toggled by the activation of the headlight switch. If on-the-fly rotary type control is desired, the DIM-1 (sold separately) is a common accessory to add this functionality.

Themes

With 12 factory preset color themes, you can quickly create a beautiful looking system. Or, for the ultimate in customization, choose all of the color zones yourself.

Technology

Full LED backlighting provides a strikingly visual gauge package, with sharp contrast for ease of viewing both night and day. Full RBG backlighting allows you to create the specific color you want, with a unique daytime and nighttime theme if desired. Whether your goal is an OE look or something truly bold, the RTX Series lets you make the choice.

Included Sensors:

Water Temperature - 1/8" NPT, ground isolated sensor with a 10 ft harness.

Oil Pressure - 1/8" NPT solid state sensor with a 10 ft harness.

Cable Driven Speed Sensor / Generator - Replaces GM style speedometer cables with a 10 ft harness. Sensor requires approximately 5" clearance extending between the cable drive output and any obstruction. Part # 130011 (sold separately) allows for relocation of the pulse generator when additional clearance is required. (Tremec and Ford style adaptors available on request.)

Bushings - Each kit comes with 1/8" to 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" NPT bushings along with bushings for 12mm and 16mm x 1.5 threads.

Calibration and Use

Pushbutton Control - Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmed and operated by the push of a button. A two-sided rocker switch is included with each package; mount this switch in an easily accessible location when in the driving position. The rocker switch provide quick and consistent access to all functions, either in driving mode or while in the setup menu. Button-press feedback is available through the TFT Message Center, or through the included buzzer. Once configured, this same switch is used to access the wealth of information located in the digital message centers.

Mobile App - RTX instrument systems can also be completely configured through the available mobile app, suitable to Android and Apple devices. Using your existing tablet or smart phone, download the free app, sync your device to the RTX system, and enjoy quick and convenient menu navigation and real time gauge readouts for diagnostic use or a secondary display.

Calibration - All calibration settings are handled through the included pushbutton switch or the remote Bluetooth app. While many calibration settings exist, the speedometer and fuel level are completed in most cases (unless GPS-50-2 is used, negating the need to calibrate the speedometer, GPS-50-2 is sold separately) through a few taps of the pushbuttons and a short test drive of the vehicle.

   

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Which extra items that are not included with this kit does Dakota Digital recommend that you consider?

Because Dakota Digital includes the required sensors for the Oil Pressure, Water Temperature and Speedometer with all its instrument systems, in many cases no additional parts will be required. However, you may wish to consider the following optional items, available for purchase separately in our store:

 

GSS-3000 - Universal Gear Position Sensor

All Instrument packages contain a gear shift indicator display allowing the transmission gear position (Park, Reverse, etc.) to be shown within the message center. The GSS-3000 accommodates automatic transmissions with 2- 4 forward gears and enjoys a simple and straightforward installation.

 

DIM-1 - Light Dimming Knob

Although Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmable for both day and night intensity levels, the DIM-1 will allow rotary, or on-the-fly brightness adjustment added convenience.

 

SEN-06-1 - Fuel Level Sensor

Dakota Digital instrument systems are designed to utilize a stock or aftermarket fuel level sensor. If a universal or replacement sensor is desired, the SEN-06-1 is a great choice.

 

BIM-01-2  - OBD II/ Can Interface Module

The BIM-01-2 OBD-II (J1850/CAN) Interface connects directly to the ECM diagnostic port to extract engine and transmission data and supply it to the instrument system, making installation a breeze.

More info about this system and pics are available below.

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The following pictures show examples of some of the user selectable backlighting color options. Bezel shown in any pic is NOT included, shown for illustrative purposes only:

Side View:

Indicators On:

Entry Odometer:

Emerald Theme:

Yellow Flare Theme:

Fire and Ice Theme:

Ice White Theme:

Incandescent Theme:

Steel Blue Theme:

Vivid Orchid Theme:

Wild Aqua Theme:

Wild Rose Theme:

Back of System:

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