With the help of Redline Gauge Works, the team at Mopar Connection Magazine was able to get its hands on one of the very first Dakota Digital RTX Rallye dashes for 1968-1970 B-bodies just days after the initial press release. As Christmas morning butterflies worked their way up to fever pitch, a quick, careful slice of the packaging proved that our initial high expectations were not to be disappointed.
Out of the box came not just a new instrument panel, but a complete instrument panel upgrade system with sensors, a control box, hardware, and thorough instructions. It was instantly easy to tell that the wiring is going to be extremely straightforward as the design of the RTX control box inputs meshes perfectly with much of our 1969 Super Bee’s existing dash harness.
With a face reminiscent of an old friend, the RTX is a respectful homage to Chrysler’s original design as everything down to the gauge letter font is a very close duplication. However, a passerby’s closer inspection would note a slightly smaller clock for enhanced tachometer visibility (because tachs are more important than clocks, duh), a TFT message board tucked into the bottom side of the speedometer, and a voltmeter to replace the impractical ammeter.
We were also relieved to find that contrary to the initial press release renderings, the fuel and battery gauges were in their proper locations on the left and right ends, respectively, of the smaller gauge group. Stay tuned as we revitalized the Bee’s long-retired Rallye panel in the coming months!
Curse you Mopar Connection Magazine and Dakota Digital!! (LOL)
I have had my VHX gauges in the box and sealed bags that I got them in in 2016, and my 70 V-code Roadrunner (non #s drivetrain) went into the shop about 3 weeks ago for a long stay, September due date, for the addition of a number of systems (AC, 4W discs, USCT, split mono leafs, Assassin bars, etc) and since the Vintage Air was a lot of “dash work” (and geesh-2016 is a long time to wait) I figured that was time for the VHX to get installed….that is until I read about the new RTX!! I was always happy with the VHX, and it’s a great setup, but I saw that “Tic Toc Tach” and had to know more. Fortunately the gauges are last on the long list of things “to do” and I found a buyer for my VHX gauges, so I guess I’ll be one of the first rockin’ a RTX in my Roadrunner. The cost difference is significant, so I had to weigh the differences between the two. The most appealing features the RTX brings that are not in the VHX for me are: The app provides easy setup and adjustments, but it also functions as a “remote dash” with real time readouts, and when I’m under the hood adjusting the 6bbl carbs, I can monitor the RPMs and more importantly, display the A/F ratio or Lambda of my Innovate Motorsports DLG-1 dual wideband O2 sensor system. I had to buy 2 of the Dakota BIM-13-2 wideband modules, as they only have a 2 wire input, and I have 2 pair of wires, 1 pair per side of the exhaust’s O2 sensors. The data will display on the TFT display of the speedometer gauge, and on the phone app, per the “higher ups” in DD tech support. I also like the on dash warning lights AND buzzer, so if I’m taking in the scenery and there’s something important I should know, I will get a visual AND audible alert.
That sums up the most important differences from a functional perspective, the remote dash and impossible to miss warning capabilities, and I’m sure I’ll appreciate the ease of setup and adjustments the app brings, especially when I take advantage of the 30+ color combinations available with the RTX. The painted on factory redline is below my current shift point, and way below where my BME 541 stroker will shift, but the lights that sweep the arc around the RPM hash marks are programmable, so that will help me keep tabs on how fast my mill is spinning, and the “tach warn” output (also in the VHX) will trigger my LED stand alone shift light. Thanks to the BIM-13-2 modules, the shift light will be the ONLY thing that is not integrated into the gauges in the dashboard, so as nice as the Innovate DLG-1 dual readout gauge is, I’ll have a much cleaner presentation on my dash.
So “thanks” (sort of) again Mopar Connection and Dakota Digital. You raised the standard of what was the best looking gauge setup in the VHX to a new level with the RTX, but the “sort of” is, after careful consideration, I have justified the extra $700 for the features that are truly a practical added value for making the most out of my investment when I’m tuning, and if some problem should occur that needs immediate attention, I will certainly be made aware of it…
Oh-did I mention the “Tic-Toc Tach”? 🙂
Jeez, we’re gonna need ya to dial that down by about 30%, bub.