Project “Tomahawk”

[ghetdjc320]

The gauge cluster is officially in the hands of the Dakota Digital custom shop. Estimated turnaround is 2–3 months, but there’s no rush on my end.

 

I’ve requested that the temp, voltage, oil pressure, and RPM sweeps match the C5 Corvette layout, while preserving the overall Jeep gauge arrangement. The speedometer will read to 160 mph (no, it’ll never see that speed), and the KPH markings will be deleted.

 

We’re planning to retain the original Jeep font and incorporate the tomahawk emblem I designed—positioned just above the needle pivot, echoing the placement of the checkered flags on the C5 cluster. The temperature gauge will center at 220°F, just like the OE Corvette, aligning perfectly with the factory thermostat and fan settings I’ve kept in place.

 

The cluster will use a CAN bus module to pull data directly from the ECM using the original sensors—again, mirroring the Corvette’s approach. Factory warning indicators like the check engine and upshift lights will remain in their stock locations. However, the turn signal and high beam indicators will now be integrated into the gauge face itself, eliminating the need for bezel-mounted lamps.

 

A compact OLED display will also be added to the dash, compatible with Dakota Digital’s HDX BIM modules for real-time readouts like TPS, AFR, EGT, and more.

 

I’ll post renderings once they’re ready—really looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

[89 MJ]

Sounds super neat!

[Comanche SS]

On 11/18/2025 at 5:05 PM, ghetdjc320 said:

The gauge cluster is officially in the hands of the Dakota Digital custom shop. Estimated turnaround is 2–3 months, but there’s no rush on my end.

 

I’ve requested that the temp, voltage, oil pressure, and RPM sweeps match the C5 Corvette layout, while preserving the overall Jeep gauge arrangement. The speedometer will read to 160 mph (no, it’ll never see that speed), and the KPH markings will be deleted.

 

We’re planning to retain the original Jeep font and incorporate the tomahawk emblem I designed—positioned just above the needle pivot, echoing the placement of the checkered flags on the C5 cluster. The temperature gauge will center at 220°F, just like the OE Corvette, aligning perfectly with the factory thermostat and fan settings I’ve kept in place.

 

The cluster will use a CAN bus module to pull data directly from the ECM using the original sensors—again, mirroring the Corvette’s approach. Factory warning indicators like the check engine and upshift lights will remain in their stock locations. However, the turn signal and high beam indicators will now be integrated into the gauge face itself, eliminating the need for bezel-mounted lamps.

 

A compact OLED display will also be added to the dash, compatible with Dakota Digital’s HDX BIM modules for real-time readouts like TPS, AFR, EGT, and more.

 

I’ll post renderings once they’re ready—really looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

Maybe I missed it, where are you connecting the new cluster? Will it be OBDII based or run directly off of the ECU?

[ghetdjc320]

9 hours ago, Comanche SS said:

Maybe I missed it, where are you connecting the new cluster? Will it be OBDII based or run directly off of the ECU?

I’m actually not sure yet. The cluster will read the data from the ecu but it has an obd2 connector. If I do end up using the obd2 port, I’ll see if I can run some sort of splitter for it so I can still connect other things like the HP tuners to it. I like the idea of seeing exactly what the ecu sees without having to run auxiliary sensors all over the place. 

[Comanche SS]

15 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

I’m actually not sure yet. The cluster will read the data from the ecu but it has an obd2 connector. If I do end up using the obd2 port, I’ll see if I can run some sort of splitter for it so I can still connect other things like the HP tuners to it. I like the idea of seeing exactly what the ecu sees without having to run auxiliary sensors all over the place. 

totally agree,

I have seen use of OBD port splitters before. I know its not an uncommon thing.

[ghetdjc320]

I find myself still taking pictures of my own truck that I’ve been daily driving for months now . Every once in a while it hits that perfect stance look. 

[A-man930]

You're passing what I've heard called "the parking lot test". If you DON’T turn around and admire it as you're walking away, there's work still to do.   

[Comanche SS]

On 12/5/2025 at 6:30 PM, ghetdjc320 said:

I find myself still taking pictures of my own truck that I’ve been daily driving for months now . Every once in a while it hits that perfect stance look. 

Looks great!

What's the story on the winch hook? (or lack of one)

[ghetdjc320]

2 hours ago, Comanche SS said:

Looks great!

What's the story on the winch hook? (or lack of one)

Actually wanted to fit a factor 55 Seth there but just haven’t gotten around to it. The winch line is actually behind the bumper fairlead for now to keep it out of the elements. I didn’t want the hook sitting there rattling. I have the d rings as well but needed to get the bushing kit to keep them from rattling also. 

[Comanche SS]

10 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

Actually wanted to fit a factor 55 Seth there but just haven’t gotten around to it. The winch line is actually behind the bumper fairlead for now to keep it out of the elements. I didn’t want the hook sitting there rattling. I have the d rings as well but needed to get the bushing kit to keep them from rattling also. 

Gotcha, rubber hose works as a bushing and for much less usually. I'm too cheap lol