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Originally Posted by remltr  Are these all the same just different PN's? This for install on 89 iroc vin 8 |
1985 - 1226870 ECM - Camaros, Firebirds, and Corvettes
Being the first year of production for the TPI system, there were some things that GM wanted to change almost right off the bat. This year was a MAF setup, and used the 1226870 ECM. This was an ECM in the C3 family (like a TBI ECM). This ECM was used only on 1985 models. It used a small box mounted right above the ECM called the Mass Air Burnoff Module. This ECM can be easily recognized by having the PROM access cover at the top of the unit, and has only two harness connectors.
This ECM was used both on 305 and 350 engines. Depending on the engine size however, it used a different PROM, and a different CAL-PAK. There is limited support for this ECM as far as PROM modifications. This does not mean that it is more difficult, or that PROM modifications can't be made. Its just that there hasn't been as large an effort to work on this ECM, enthusiasts often end up converting to a later model ECM. Also, it sends data to the ALDL port at 160 baud, which is very slow. This provides a "snapshot" of what all the sensors are reading once every few seconds. By comparison, the later TPI ECMs were 8192 baud. They sent data several times a second.
I have read on several occassions that late in the 1985 production run, GM had already changed to the ECM and harness that they later used in 1986. I have not confirmed this myself, so I can't say for sure that its true. If this is true though, it is possible though to come across a 1985 model which uses the 86-89 ECM.
1986-1989 - 1227165 ECM - Camaros, Firebirds, and Corvettes
This is the most common ECM which is used on MAF style setups. ECM number 16198259 is equivalent and can be used in its place without any problems. The same computer was used both for 305 and for 350 engines. The only difference between the two engine sizes was the PROM that was used. The Mass Air Burnoff Module that GM used in 1985 is no longer present. This model is part of the P4 ECM family. This ECM can be easily recognized by having the PROM access cover in the center of the unit, and has only two harness connectors.
Support for this ECM with regards to PROMs is much more common. Due to the nature of the MAF sensor, it is very easy to run a large or moderate cam without needing PROM changes. This system is not very sensitive to engine changes, and can adapt fairly well. However, many enthusiasts find that it is a little more difficult to fine tune than the later Speed Density system. Please realize that this is a matter of opinion and personal preference. Each of these systems have advantages and disadvantages over one another. ALDL data is sent at 8192 baud, much faster than the 1985 ECM. This allows for several sets of data per second.
1990-1992 - 1227730 ECM - Camaros and Firebirds
By far the most common ECM used on TPI conversions onto older vehicles. This is the later style Speed Density system. It does not use a Mass Air Flow sensor. Instead, a Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor is used in its place. This allows more flexibility in running air ducts to the throttle body, or an air filter can be installed directly on the throttle body. It is for this reason, that it provides a cleaner looking installation on many street rods, and hot rods. There are two equivalent ECM numbers which can be used in its place without any problems. These are numbers 16196344, and 16198262. This ECM is also in the P4 family. It mounts inside the passenger compartment, as it is not weatherproof. It can be recognized by having a very large PROM access cover that runs from one side of the ECM to the other, and has three harness connectors.
By far the most support for PROM work exists for this ECM. Most enthusiasts feel this is the easiest system to tune. However, it is also very sensitive to engine changes. Any change that affects the engines volumetric efficiency significantly (ability to fill the combustion chamber) will not show its true potential until the system has been tuned. Volumetric efficiency is affected mostly by cam and head changes. This does not mean that you cannot run a moderate or large camshaft with this setup. It only means that tuning is required to see the true potential of engine modifications. This ECM provides ALDL data at 8192 baud as well. This is relatively fast, as it provides several sets of data every second.
This ECM is internally the same as the 1227727. The only difference is that the 1227727 is weatherproof and can be mounted in the engine compartment whereas the 1227730 cannot. The PROMs will interchange between these two computers. Harnesses will not interchange, as the ECM connectors are very different.
