If you've invested countless hours restoring or restomodding your 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger or Plymouth 'Cuda, why settle for 50-year-old instrumentation? The Dakota Digital VHX Gauge System (Classic Industries Part #DD86031) delivers the best of both worlds—retaining the unmistakable look of the factory Rallye dash while incorporating cutting-edge electronic technology that today's enthusiasts demand.
Whether your E-Body spends its weekends at national Mopar shows, cruising Woodward Avenue, or ripping through the gears with a modern HEMI or EFI-equipped small block, the VHX system provides the accuracy, reliability, and functionality your classic deserves.
Above top: Lead photo - 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda convertible resto-mod interior (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)
Factory Styling Meets Modern Electronics
One of the biggest challenges when upgrading classic instrumentation is maintaining the original character of the dashboard. Dakota Digital solved that problem beautifully.
The VHX system is engineered specifically for 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda/'Cuda models equipped with the factory Rallye dash, fitting within the original bezel while preserving the iconic appearance Mopar enthusiasts know and love. The black alloy gauge faces, fully illuminated needles, and brilliant blue backlighting create a clean, high-performance appearance that feels right at home inside an E-Body.
Instead of looking like an aftermarket add-on, the gauges appear as though Chrysler engineers designed them with today's technology in mind.
Six Precision Analog Gauges
At first glance, the VHX system looks traditional.
Behind the scenes, however, each gauge is driven by advanced microprocessor-controlled stepper motors that deliver smooth, highly accurate readings impossible to achieve with aging factory instruments.
The system includes:
- 160 MPH electronic speedometer
- 8,000 RPM tachometer
- Oil pressure gauge
- Water temperature gauge
- Fuel level gauge
- Voltmeter
Unlike original mechanical gauges that often become inaccurate over decades of use, Dakota Digital's electronic sensors provide dependable readings every time you turn the key.
Twin LCD Information Centers
The real magic happens in the two integrated LCD message centers.
Rather than cluttering your dashboard with auxiliary gauges, Dakota Digital places a tremendous amount of vehicle information directly into the instrument cluster.
Depending on configuration, drivers can monitor:
- Odometer
- Trip odometer
- Clock
- Engine diagnostics
- Performance information
- Warning messages
- System setup menus
- Additional vehicle data
Everything is displayed in crisp, easy-to-read digital screens without distracting from the classic analog appearance.
Outstanding Day and Night Visibility
Classic gauge lighting has always left something to be desired.
Dakota Digital replaces outdated incandescent illumination with modern LED technology that dramatically improves readability.
Benefits include:
- Brilliant blue backlighting
- Fully illuminated gauge needles
- Even lighting across every gauge
- Easy nighttime visibility
- Reduced eye strain
- Long LED service life
Whether you're cruising on a sunny afternoon or driving home after Mopars at the Strip, every gauge remains exceptionally easy to read.
Built for Modern Powertrains
Above: 1971 Plymouth Barracuda convertible resto-mod fuel injected Gen 3 426/540 HP Hemi V-8 engine (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)
Today's E-Body restorations often include electronic fuel injection, late-model HEMI engines, Gen III swaps, or Holley EFI systems.
Dakota Digital designed the VHX series with these upgrades in mind.
Using optional BIM expansion modules, the system integrates seamlessly with many popular EFI management systems, allowing critical engine data to appear directly within the factory-style instrument cluster.
That means no extra gauges hanging beneath the dash or cluttering the interior.
Complete Electronic Accuracy
Mechanical speedometers rely on cables, gears, and calibration that can become inaccurate after changing tire sizes or rear axle ratios.
The Dakota Digital system eliminates those issues.
Electronic calibration allows owners to precisely dial in the speedometer for:
- Rear gear changes
- Tire size changes
- Transmission swaps
- Overdrive conversions
- Modern drivetrain installations
The result is confidence every time you glance at the speedometer.
Engineered for Reliability
Every VHX system uses solid-state electronics and electronic sending units designed for long-term reliability.
Advantages include:
- No bouncing speedometer needle
- Improved sensor accuracy
- Stable gauge readings
- Reduced maintenance
- Excellent long-term durability
Dakota Digital manufactures the VHX Series in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and backs the system with its renowned limited lifetime warranty, giving enthusiasts peace of mind for years to come.
Bolt-In Installation
The DD86031 is designed specifically for 1970-1974 Mopar E-Body Rallye Dash applications, using the factory-style dash bezel (sold separately or reused from your vehicle).
Because the system was engineered expressly for these vehicles, installation is significantly cleaner than attempting to adapt universal aftermarket gauges into the original dashboard.
Why Mopar Enthusiasts Love Dakota Digital
Owners consistently praise Dakota Digital systems for their factory appearance, ease of installation, and modern functionality. Across enthusiast communities, many describe them as the benchmark for premium digital instrumentation because they preserve the classic look while adding contemporary features and reliability.
For Mopar builders, that's an ideal combination.
Features at a Glance
- Designed for 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda/'Cuda Rallye Dash
- Factory-inspired appearance
- Black alloy gauge faces
- Blue LED illumination
- Fully illuminated gauge needles
- Twin programmable LCD information centers
- Electronic 160 MPH speedometer
- 8,000 RPM tachometer
- Oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and voltmeter
- Precision stepper motor technology
- Electronic sending units included
- Easy electronic calibration
- Optional EFI integration through Dakota Digital BIM modules
- Solid-state electronics
- Made in the USA
- Limited lifetime warranty
The Classic Industries Advantage
Above: 1970 Dodge Challenger resto-mod (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)
Your E-Body is more than just another muscle car—it's an icon of the golden age of American performance. The Dakota Digital DD86031 VHX Gauge System enhances that legacy with precise electronic instrumentation wrapped in timeless Mopar styling. Whether you're restoring a numbers-matching 340 'Cuda, building a Pro Touring Challenger, or swapping in modern EFI power, this premium gauge package delivers the confidence, accuracy, and appearance worthy of your investment.
Available now from Classic Industries, the world's leader in restoration and performance parts for classic Mopars, the DD86031 VHX Gauge System is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your 1970-1974 E-Body—combining classic style with modern performance every time you slide behind the wheel.
Classic Industries - Your Ultimate Resource for Muscle Car & Truck Parts
Above: Here's an excellent example of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 'custom' or 'hybrid' or 'sleeper' car (photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions).
Whether you're building a replica of a Grand Sport Corvette, a Cobra, a 1961 Bubble Top Impala, a Dodge Charger, a Ford F100, a Mustang or what have you, there's sure to be a plethora of parts that are available for your pony car or muscle car at Classic Industries. Simply click the button below to find the catalog(s) that you need.
