I have an 80 US model, odometer/speedometer working.

Just curious why it only goes to 85 mph... not that I need to go any faster than that...

My 76 powerwagon goes to 100mph (if you get it going that fast, you'll need to stick out your feet to help stop!!)...

My 86 jetta 1.8 8v used to go to 120 now 160 with a 98 vr6 cluster...

I would assume... something to do with import rules in the early 80's... why didn't it affect the vw's??

Second question is.. if I felt so inclined and documented the cluster swap with photos... can I "swap in" the later cluster?? Or am I going to end up with a bunch of idiot lights pissed off at me??

 

Maybe I don't want to know when I'm speeding in excess of 10 mph over the limit!!

As stated before the cluster works perfectly (one of the few things that did)... a future mod after car is finished!

Thanks

 

85 MPH speedo is a relic of the era, showed up on all cars, but not the exact same model years. I think you can change just the speedo.

 

The 85-mph speedo was mandated in 1979, along with "55" showing up bolder and/or bigger. Not sure of the actual implementation date, but it only lasted until the mid-80s, IIRC. I asked The Great Goog, but all I found were questions, no definitive answers.

 

Number one reason why I'm happy the guy who federalized my '79 did a crappy job. No nanny state speedo here.