Best Deals Right Now

Restoration Performance Dakota Digital GSS-3000 Gear Shift Sender Unit Review: Is it the right upgrade for restorations?

Restoration Performance Dakota Digital GSS-3000 Universal Gear Shift Sender Unit
4.7
[Compact Decoder Design]  Smaller decoder with inboard terminals for simpler, cleaner installations.
[Broad Compatibility]  Works with Dakota Digital or standalone; relays gear position to VFD, VHX, HDX, RTX, DGS.
[Built-in Safety Outputs]  Reverse light output up to 15A and neutral safety via supplied 30A relay.
[User Calibration]  User-calibrated for 2 to 4 forward gears plus Park, Reverse, and Neutral.
[Included Mounting Hardware]  Stainless steel and aluminum brackets for GM/Ford automatics plus universal bracket for others.
Show More

Automotive gear-shift senders that provide reliable gear-position signals for digital displays, the Restoration Performance Dakota Digital GSS-3000 Gear Shift Sender Unit enables modern instruments to work with older transmissions. Classic car restorers gain confidence from clearer gear readings and tidier wiring. Is this the right dashboard upgrade for a restoration when indicators are sold separately?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Signal Compatibility: Relays transmission gear position to VFD, VHX, HDX, RTX and DGS-series indicators
  • Best for: Classic car restorers and custom workshops needing accurate gear signals for digital gauges
  • Not ideal for: Buyers expecting a complete gauge kit, since Dakota Digital indicators and gauge systems are sold separately

Universal gear-shift sender that communicates gear position to compatible Dakota Digital displays. User-calibrated for Park, Reverse, Neutral and two to four forward gears.


Accurate gear reporting – with user-calibrated position decoding

The minimised decoder reads selector-arm position and allows user calibration across Park, Reverse, Neutral and two to four forward gears. Calibration stores thresholds so each gear position is detected reliably despite linkage tolerances.

Consistent gear reporting lets digital indicators show the correct gear selection, reducing guesswork when driving or diagnosing linkage issues.

Simpler installation – thanks to compact decoder and inboard terminals

A reduced-size decoder housing with inboard terminals keeps wiring runs short and tidy, while the compact footprint fits into tighter dash or gearbox locations. Stainless steel and aluminium mounting hardware is included for common automatic transmissions.

Faster, neater fitments in restoration projects and retrofit dashboards, with fewer bulky junctions to hide behind the dash.

Integrated safety and lighting control – with built-in reverse and neutral outputs

A dedicated reverse-light output supplies up to 15 amps for direct lamp control, while neutral safety switching uses the supplied 30 amp relay to interrupt starter circuits as required. Outputs are wired for straightforward integration with existing vehicle circuits.

Direct control of reverse lamps and a reliable neutral safety circuit removes the need for extra modules, simplifying the vehicle wiring loom.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Restoration Performance Dakota Digital GSS-3000 Gear Shift Sender Unit
  1. Compact decoder – Sits neatly in tight engine bays for tidier installations
  2. Included mounting hardware – Fits TH350, TH400, 700R4 and Ford C-4/C-6 transmissions
  3. Built-in reverse and neutral outputs – Powers reverse lamps up to 15A and includes a 30A relay
  4. Modernised electronics – Supersedes GSS-1000 and GSS-2000 for improved compatibility and reliability
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Automotive Parts and Accessories
  • Brand: Restoration Performance
  • Model: Dakota Digital GSS-3000
  • Function: Gear shift position sender
  • Compatible instruments: VFD, VHX, HDX, RTX, DGS-series indicators
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the sender fit common automatic transmissions?

A: Yes. Mounting hardware is included for GM TH350, TH400, 700R4 and 4L60/70, plus Ford C-4 and C-6; other transmissions use the included universal mounting bracket.

Q: Can it switch reverse lights and prevent starting in gear?

A: Yes. A built-in reverse-light output handles up to 15 amps and a neutral safety switch uses the supplied 30 amp relay to manage starter safety.

Q: Are gauge displays included with the sender?

A: No. Dakota Digital gear position indicators and gauge systems are sold separately and must be purchased if a display is required.

🏆 Our Verdict

Suitable for classic car restorers and workshops that want reliable gear-position signalling for modern digital displays. Compact decoder, inboard terminals and integrated outputs make wiring and installation significantly easier than older senders. While indicators must be purchased separately, the robust hardware and clear integration make it a practical long-term upgrade for restoration projects.