'81 Spider--Ok to change speedo's ??

[chastrialer41]

Hi guys. I have 1981 Spider 2000. The speedo that came in the car is the one that registers 80mph and has 96000 miles. I am wanting to install one that registers 140 mph and only has 56000 miles. How do I know if it will fit and how difficult is the install. Will my actual speed change going down the road ?
Also looking for any burgundy interior parts for this car. Good carpet, rear inside quarter panels, inside rearview mirror. You may call my cell at 731-394-3169 or correspond via email at calliscrew@hotmail.com. Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

why would the actual speed of the car increase?

[mbouse]

the difference is in the connector for the cable... possibly. i performed the exact same surgery a few years ago. it was really nice to see what the car was actually doing rather than watch the needle resting on that peg.

what vehicle is the 140 mph speedo off? does it have the screw on connector or the snap on connector for the cable?

[ga.spyder]

Be aware that the 140 speedos have a deep face,as opposed to the shallow 85 mph units.I started to do the same thing,bought a speedo then ralized it would look silly next to my tach.Changing both is the only way it would look right.
Craig

[chastrialer41]

Ok. So if I do purchase the 140 mph one with deep face how would I know which Tach to get ? I cannot say how mine installs. I have not removed the front panel yet. Let me know. Thanks.

[ga.spyder]

I am not sure when they changed from the deep guages to the shallow(78?),but someone here will chime in.If you got a tach from one of the early models,they all have the deep set guages.I am thinking they might not be compatible though because of electronic ignition,but again I am not sure.This is the reason I scrapped my plan and the 140 speedo has been in my parts box for 2 years! Mine wont go 140 anyway !!
Craig
ps.... There may be a carryover year where they had a shallow faced 140.I remember seeing one on a car but it could have been a mod by the owner.