I have recently obtained a 1980 El Camino in what appears to be pretty good condition with the only rust being by the battery tray where some Einstein left a rag up next to the fender. Otherwise, it is a great daily driver. The fender has a chrome plate listing it as a "Limited" and there is also a logo around the door keyhole with "Limited" written there. The vehicle was assembled in Doraville, Ga. and all numbers do match. It has a 305 w/Quadrajet in front of a 700 tranny.

1) The seats are red leather with the word "Elite" stitched on the back rest. Does anyone know anything about these seats?

2) With the key switch off and the key removed the speedometer and tach will register 30 mph and 1000 rpm respectively. However, as I put the key in and turn it to the on position (engine not running) both instruments drop to zero. No other instruments do this. As soon as I start the engine, the tach goes to 800-1000. The instruments seem to work fine, otherwise. Any ideas?

3) Where is the computer located? I am not at all sure that I have one but everything I read says I do.

Since I am using it for a daily driver and the gas prices are pinching the wallet, I intend to keep this one as near to original as possible. (Around 18-20mpg)

Thank you for any advice you may have for me.

I never heard of a "limited" or "elite" El Camino. Maybe the previous ownwer was just a litlle full of himself :lol: I think the computers are located in the passenger side kick panel. If it buldges out and has a little vent around the top, that's where it is I think. And if it's not the computer in there, please tell me what's in there?

A couple answers
2) GM gages stay at their last reading when shut off--see the fuel and temp gages. Since the tach depends on time intervals, it interprets the time betwen the last spark pulse and shutting off the ignigion as rpm and sets that as a farewell gesture. When you turn ignition back on, before starting the engine, it sees zero rpm and reports that. Mine does the same (just a guess as to why, I'd welcome a correction)
3) Computer is in the kick panel ahead of passenger door.

Welcome to the #1 forum for El Camino info

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Welcome to ECC/NECOA Bob!

There was no such thing as an "Elite" or "Limited" edition 5th gen unless it was added by the dealer or a previous owner. It sounds like a previous owner had the seats redone and had that stiched in. The 700r4 tranny was never in any 5th gen.

The speedometer is mechanical so it should always go to zero MPH if the cable isn't turning. The tachometers in my Elky and my MCSS read about 1000 RPM when the ignition is off.

As previously stated the computer is located in the passenger kick panel. If you're going to play with it make sure you disconnect the battery first.

First and foremost, thank you for your responses.

The only reason I mentioned the "Limited" was to get information from anyone who may have knowledge of any aftermarket work in the Atlanta area. The keyhole actually says "Limited Edition". The "Elite" was stitched into the back of the seat. I have found a portion of the seat work order but, it is somewhat faded and part of it is missing. I have not had time to retrieve anything off of it, yet. I am not hung up on having anything special other than a fun car to drive; I am just hoping that someone will know something which will help me bring it as close to original as possible.

Under the kickpanel on the passenger side is what appears to be a relay approximately 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inch. there are two connectors coming out of the bottom. One connector has orange w/black, gray and tan wires. The other has black and lt. blue wires. The closest thing I can find on any of the wiring diagrams would possibly be the neutral/back up relay (?).

Well, I found the transmission oil pan outlines and it does appear to be a 300/350(?). As you can tell, I am still learning. Thanks for the correction.

That was interesting about the instruments and, very informative. I wonder why they chose to leave a current draw on the battery, with the ignition turned off?

For those who know, remember our brothers who have not returned. Semper Fi.

Let's keep them running so they aint ruining!