280ZX Speedometer - 85MPH?

[jquigle1]

Here is a tricky one! I'm confident some expert out there might know the answer.

I have a 1983 280ZX 2+2....which has the digital dashboard. What I don't understand is that even with the pedal to the metal, the speedometer tops out at 85 MPH. Going downhill, with the pedal to the metal, I should certainly see a readout of higher than 85 MPH.

I understand if it was only a two digit LED readout, that technically, it would top out at 99 MPH.

Has anyone ever heard of this?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[TomoHawk]

You don't have a speedometer application on your iPhone??

[Arne]

That was because the US regulations in the early '80s mandated that speedos not read higher than 85 MPH. Stupid, but true. This regulation was rescinded for the '84 model year.

[sblake01]

You don't have a speedometer application on your iPhone??

I'm trying to get to what that would have to do with his question......anyway, only the 1979 280ZX had a 100mph speedo. On September 1, 1979, a regulation by the NHTSA required speedometers to have special emphasis on the number 55 and a maximum speed of 85 mph. Starting with the 1980 model year, all US 280ZX's went to an 85 mph speedo. 1983 was the only year that offered a digital speedometer but the 85 mph limit was carried over. Somewhere in the mid-80s that regulation was dropped.

(Arne beat me to it)

[72 OJ]

On my 72 Z I have done 105mph and it was registered on the odometer plus a gps...... my cojones stop me but the Z felt like it had more in reserve.

[sblake01]

On my 72 Z I have done 105mph and it was registered on the odometer plus a gps...... my cojones stop me but the Z felt like it had more in reserve.

Do you know TomoHawk?

[72 OJ]

It was a one and only one act of misconduct on my part, but I95 N was clear and in front of me a shiny silver 370Z.

[sblake01]

You missed my point. I was poking fun because neither you nor TH gave a reponse that could really be thought of as an answer to the OPs question........

[72 OJ]

Is hard not to stick to the subject at times,fast reading and fast responses are the'" culpables""

[sblake01]

Now I know how the Aflac duck feels.......:knockedou

[black gold man]

The answer is JIMMY CARTER.

[TomoHawk]

From what I see on the streets, it seems that an iPhone is the answer to most things lately.