73 Formula 4 speed speedo cable length
 

My 73 Formula needs a new speedometer cable. Looking it up on line, I see lengths listed from 41 inches up to 83 inches. My existing (I'm guessing it's original but don't really know) cable is about 69 inches long. None of the listed ones are close to that. The closest I found is 61 inches, but not sure if it will be too short.

How long should my cable be? I do not have the original transmission; the one I have (Muncie 4 speed with a 69 Pontiac VIN stamp) has the cable attachment on the driver side. Is that correct?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Importsmasher

Nobody knows?

I’ll throw this out there , 63 inches is what I remember. It’s

I looked it up for you;
here's what I found in the four speed section of group 4.342 (Nov 1974 printed MPC):
6477550 1970 all exc adapter - type #CC369
6477547 1970 all w/adapter - type #CC366
6478177 1971 all - type #CC536 - 68 inches long
6477550 1972-74 all exc 350 eng - type #CC536
6478170 1972-74 350 eng - upper 40 inch long - type #CC529
6454481 1972-73 350 eng - lower - type #CC291
6478880 1973-74 all w/cruise control - type #CC430

Now, I'll leave it to you to deduce what length any of these cable are.
;)

I will say this, I have not found any aftermarket speedometer cables that have lasted any length of time before they started to make my needle bounce at low speeds. No matter the lube used they seem to wear out really fast. This last go around I purchased an AC-Delco cable (still made in US) that I think is meant for a late 90s full size. Classic Industries lists it as correct for 70s Firebirds with manual trans. I think it might be a little longer than factory as it is over 80 inches, but it fits nicely on my 72. But mine is an M20 with passenger side exit and I route over the bellhousing. More importantly to me, it came pre-lubed and the speedo is dead steady even at a slow crawl and believe me I have tested it in Southern Californian traffic at rush hour. The classic industries part # is G8793. If you want I think I have the ACDelco part number in my garage book, then you could get one from other places.

https://momcp.com/product/1969-81-ca...-reproduction/
Never purchased from the company, but gives the correct info, IMO.

For the 80+ inch AC Delco cable, the part number is 88959479. This is the cable I got when I ordered G8793 from classic industries.

Thanks for the responses! My 69 inch cable actually seems a bit long, so I'm hoping the 63 inch will work. I ordered one that I'll pick up today. If that's not long enough, I'll order the 71 inch that HFR posted. An 80 inch would be way too long, but I suspect my car probably originally had a passenger side speedo connection, which would explain the need for such a long cable.

Importsmasher

just a thought;
does your 69” cable have any printing (maybe a part number) on the outer sleeve?

Unfortunately, it does not.

I looked in the assembly manual and it lists this PN in section 12J.
Then, I looked in 1974 new model parts catalog. Under the M40 section of Group 4.342 it lists 6478177 as 65".

arg!

I had a wordy reply, and the window accidently closed... so I guess the upside is that no one has to read the exhaustive reply I had nearly completed.

Summary;

My application listings are all exactly as per my November 1974 printed master parts catalog;
The same part number/Delco cable number info appears in the 3 speed section.
I looked in the 'automatic' (read: power glide two speed) section and the '177 cable does not appear;
I then looked in the 'Hydramatic transmision' section (used for both TH350 & TH400) and found the same 68" length referenced for 6478177/CC536 for two applications there.

My seldom used December 1975 printed master parts catalog does shuffle things a bit, as the 1970 'EXC ADAPTER' application now uses the '177 cable - but the Delco number wasn't changed.
The same 68" length appears to be associated with the '177 cable assembly.

I then decided to see if this same '177 cable was used on the 77-81 Firebirds;
The 1977-1981 Pontiac MPC lists things differently, but the speedo cable charts all show a cable length for EVERY application(!).
1977: 6480215 / CC812 / 1700mm (67") / F. Exc. AT With V-8 Eng / 1-piece cable
1977: 25032866/ CC1018 / 1700mm (67") / F. Exc. AT With V-8 Eng / 1-piece cable
1978: 6480235/ CC811 / 1625 (64") / F. With AT / 1-piece cable
1978: (no 1-piece s/t cable application)
(1979 is a repeat of 1978)

Sorry guys - I see a typo in the above post;
The correction has been bolded.

Searching the forums for this answer, did not find anything. But this post seems most relevant.

I am installing my 73 4 spd cable, which is 63 inches long in my 70 Firebird right now.

Because it has been sitting in storage for like four decades, I would really like to lubricate the cable, but not sure what to use? Any comments on what you have lubed cables with in the past?

AC GENERAL PURPOSE LUBRICANT AC TYPE ST-800 AC No. 25033356 I have a tube of this lube it is 3.5 oz so would lube a lot of cables. Not sure if it is still available, but maybe someone in your area has a tube that you could use to lube your cable. Specifically says on the tube it is for speedo cables and is suitable for temps from -50 degrees F to 210 degrees F. Says on tube recommended for speedometers, tachometers, speed adapters, roller and other antifriction bearings.
I see there was a tube sold on E-bay in March. You can look at the images so you know what your are looking for. There may be a common lube available that would work but I dont know what. Maybe someone else will have a modern solution for you. Good luck. I am located in Minnesota North of the Twin Cities about 45 minutes. If you happen to be coming this way, bring your speedo cable and you can lube it up with my grease!

A graphite lube for speedo cables.
Dorman or ATP use to be available, but who knows because of fly-by wiring for newer cars have no need for it.