Dakota Digital basically has four “generations/styles” of gauges for a Tri-Five Chevy: VHX, HDX, RTX & GRFX. The biggest differences are the look, screen technology, customization, and how factory-correct you want the dash to appear.
------
Dakota Digital Chevy Car VHX Instruments - Classic analog-style digital gauges with a hot-rod look and strong value for Tri-Five builds. Note: black or silver background!
The VHX line is the older but still very popular setup. It gives you:
- Analog needles
- LED backlighting
- Small LCD info screens
- A distinctly aftermarket/custom appearance
It’s usually the best bang-for-the-buck option and works great in:
- street rods
- mild restomods
- drivers
They’re clean and reliable plus easier on the wallet while still looking sharp. The series that “revolutionized” their instrumentation lineup with stepper motors and customizable displays.
-------
Dakota Digital HDX Direct-Fit Analog Gauge Systems - Premium highly customizable system with TFT display, color control, and advanced modern features. Note: black or silver background!
HDX is where Dakota went more upscale and modern:
- full-color TFT message center
- customizable colors/themes
- capacitive touch controls
- more advanced diagnostics/info
- cleaner graphics and lighting
These are popular in:
- pro-touring cars
- LS swaps
- high-end customs
The HDX series also supports a huge amount of expansion through BIM modules:
- AFR
- transmission temp
- compass
- outside temp
- OBD-II integration
- extra virtual gauges
Dakota specifically highlights the RGB lighting and TFT center screen on HDX making them “very readable” and packed with features.
--------
Dakota Digital Chevy Car RTX Instrument System -
OEM-style system designed to look almost factory while adding full digital functionality.- a near-stock 1955 Chevy appearance
- hidden modern tech
- OEM-style fonts/layout
- modern TFT displays without looking “digital”
Dakota explicitly says the RTX line is focused on retaining the stock look while adding modern features.
-------
Dakota Digital Chevy Car GFRX Instrument System - Instead of physical-looking fixed gauges, GRFX uses configurable screens.
- swap themes
- change colors
- change day/night layouts
- rearrange gauge data
- choose analog or digital styles
Each gauge area can display:
- analog sweep
- digital numeric
- bar graph
- paired data screens
- Built-in Bluetooth
- configure the dash
- calibrate gauges
- monitor live sensor data
- update themes/settings
Backup camera support - You can plug a camera directly into the cluster and the gauge display becomes your backup monitor.
GPS self-calibrating speedometer - GRFX automatically calibrates speed using GPS.
- change tire size
- swap gears
- change transmissions
GRFX is incredible technologically, but it definitely looks more modern unless you carefully theme it.
-------
All three use Dakota’s central control box and can integrate with many modern drivetrains and sensors. The installation quality and support are generally considered excellent.
You can also add on other features to ensure safety on the road.
- GSS-3000 - Universal Gear Position Sensor - All Instrument packages contain a gear shift indicator display allowing the transmission gear position (Park, Reverse, etc.) to be shown within the message center. The GSS-3000 accommodates automatic transmissions with 2- 4 forward gears and enjoys a simple and straightforward installation.
- DIM-1 - Light Dimming Knob - Although Dakota Digital instrument systems are programmable for both day and night intensity levels, the DIM-1 will allow rotary, or on-the-fly brightness adjustment added convenience.
- BIM-01-2 - The BIM-01-2 OBD-II (J1850/CAN) Interface connects directly to the ECM diagnostic port to extract engine and transmission data and supply it to the VHX/ HDX/ RTX instrument, making installation a breeze.
- BIM-17-2 - Compass w/Outside Temperature - The Dakota Digital BIM-17-2 makes it easy to add compass and outside air temperature information to your VHX/HDX/ RTX instrument system. Readouts are visible in the instrument system's message centers; sending units and mounting hardware included.
- CAM-1000-BTK-1 - GRFX ONLY - Surface Mount Camera with Bracket - The CAM-1000 is a surface mount camera which allows a flexible mounting angle in many locations at the rear of the vehicle. This tiny camera measures .830” in both length and width and 1.100” deep. The pivoting mounting bracket has a footprint of 1.400” x .790”. Double-sided tape is attached to the bracket for mounting, or utilize the included screws for a permanent installation.
