How To Choose The Best Display For Your Kit Car

 When it comes to building or upgrading a kit car, one of the most impactful changes you can make is enhancing the dashboard display. A quality display improves functionality, aesthetics and the overall driving experience by delivering crucial performance data and metrics in real time.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will cover the key elements that you should consider when choosing a display for your kit car, along with Aim’s recommended kit car display. 

Considerations When Selecting A Kit Car Display 

When considering which kit car display you should go for, there are a number of key elements that we recommend. Think about what you want from your digital display – functionality, readability, compatibility, data accuracy, or all of the above? Once you have a better idea about what you want from your dash setup, you’ll have a better idea about which display best suits your needs.

Below, we will discuss some of the key elements that you should consider when choosing a kit car display. 

IVA Compliance 

If your kit car is road-bound, IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) compliance is essential in the UK, ensuring compliance with road legality standards, simple plug-and-play installation and connectivity with the vehicle’s ECU to enhance performance. This feature reassures kit car builders who want to stay within legal limits while enjoying advanced functionality. 

Data Display Needs 

For accurate, real time performance insights, a reliable data display is crucial. Ensure that the display features powerful data logging with metrics like speed, RPM and temperature for optimal performance and vehicle safety.

For those interested in deeper performance analysis, consider features such as Race Studio 3 compatibility and video integration with the SmartyCam 3 for detailed session reviews with video overlays. 

Display Size & Visibility 

Size and visibility are extremely important when choosing a dashboard display. After all, there’s no use investing in a display that is too small for your setup, hindering your ability to read vehicle performance data at a glance.

At Aim, our range of kit car displays are available in a range of sizes: MXS 5”, MXP 6”, MXG 7” and MXT 10”, making them ideal for compact and expansive kit car dashes. These TFT displays are also equipped with a light sensor for adaptive brightness, making them ideal for readability in diverse lighting conditions, from night driving to bright daylight.  These features make Aim kit car dashes extremely useful for track events like 24-hour races where lighting conditions vary.

 Precision & GPS Accuracy 

For track-day driving, having the most accurate data can be one of the most vital features of a dash setup. Where every millisecond counts, we recommend that you opt for a device that has GPS tracking of 10 Hz or higher for the most accurate and detailed tracking of your kit car’s position and lap times.

At Aim, our kit car displays come with a GPS09 module with a high GPS frequency of up to 25 Hz for pinpoint accuracy of two hundredths of a second, ensuring you get the most accurate performance data possible.  

Compatibility With Vehicle Electronics 

Another important element to consider is whether the display is, or can be, compatible with your existing sensors or electronic system. We recommend that you check the compatibility of the device with your vehicle’s specific ECU protocols (eg CAN bus, OBD-II) to ensure that you can capture detailed engine and performance data. 

User-Friendliness 

We recommend that you consider a device that has been designed with usability in mind. Opt for a display that is easy to set up, has an intuitive display to minimise distractions, has customisation options to only show the most important metrics to you and can integrate with software for post-drive analysis. 

Durability

For open-top kit cars that are exposed to the elements, it’s particularly important to choose a display that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Consider features like anti-vibration and IP65+ rated displays that resist dust and water for a durable display that can withstand various weather conditions and environments. 

Support & Software Updates 

Consider elements like software updates for long-term use and functionality. After all, what’s the point in investing in a dash display that will eventually become outdated over time?

When it comes to software and support, consider a trusted motorsport manufacturer who will provide firmware updates, bug fixes and compatibility to expand your system with other data logging devices such as sensors and cameras. It’s also important to check the warranty terms and customer service options if you require additional help with your display. 

Which Display Is Right For Your Kit Car? 

Ultimately, the best display for your kit car depends on your unique needs. Whether you prioritise display size, data integration or GPS accuracy, there’s a display for every setup. Take a look at our table to see how our kit car display can exceed your expectations when it comes to providing kit car builders with an advanced, IVA-compliant dash setup.

With a range of fully customisable, high-performance displays, we provide kit car builders with many viable options that deliver on both style and functionality. Explore our full kit car display range online to find the perfect display for your kit car.