jchaussee

Hi. I just recently got an 85 Z28 with a 68 327 in it. It is carborated. I am curious do I still need my ECM, and if so for what?

Camaro305SB

To run, no. The ECM basically controls the mixture control solenoid (which you don't have anymore) and spark timing (and most likely you have a vacuum advance distributor). There are other things it controls, but those are the things needed for the engine to run. Just make sure your carb is adjusted properly and your timing is on and there shouldn't be any issues.

jchaussee

What about tranny??

Camaro305SB

Only the torque converter lockup (if your trans has it). Shifting is done through the throttle valve cable.

jchaussee

If you do have it will it mess it up.

ZimGTA

The Converter won't lock up. There are kits that fix this problem.

black85vette

The ECM provides no functions if you went carb. It does feed the digital display info about gas milage but that does not work if it is not controlling the injectors. I run a Thruster EFI system and have the factory ECM removed from the car.

Regarding the TCC; I had a transmission shop install an internal torque converter switch that is mechanical / pressure operated rather than electrical. No need for an ECM. ECM will not do the TCC on your car anyway because it is no longer able to control / sense the the engine. However I do have the option of having the Thruster control the TCC but don't use it.

blackfright

does the ECM control any of the gauges or are those all mechanical? or unrelated to the ECM?

Camaro305SB

My computer is disabled (stupid previous owner) and all the gauges work. Well, as good as they will on a 23 year old Chevy

There are computer control carbs - and I don't believe any Camaros (until 2010) display fuel economy.

jchaussee

These switches that people use for their tc's. Could they be thought of as an overdrive botton that some older cars had??

Ronny

iTrader: (1)

So no 02 sensor feedback to carb? Is CCC not Computer Controlled Carb(acronym).

blackfright

so the ECM only controls the ccc and the distributor? on a carbed Camaro that is.

jchaussee

So what if your camaro was TPI and then swapped with a carborated motor. Then besides TC do you need it for anything else?

ATX-Iroc

No its not doing anything anymore and I dont even know how it could control lockup with out seeing a tps signal

jchaussee

And even as far as lockup, I assume that if it is just driven around town then it never needs it, and at a later date I could probly just put a button for when I am on freeway?

silentkillzr

iTrader: (2)

Idk i use my overdrive in town, its nice, makes my car rumble :]

Camaro305SB

I always use overdrive. I don't see a point in maintaining higher engine RPM than you need to when cruising. 45 mph that bad boy is locked and ready to roll

Yes O2 feedback is needed if you are retaining computer controls. If not, then no you do not need an oxygen sensor (unless you are tuning with a wideband that is)

Simply put, yes. And torque converter lockup. Look up a pinout sheet for the ECM and you can see all of the inputs.

No as long as you revert to a vacuum controlled distributor. Although I don't see the logic in the swap, I mean a properly setup TPI system is more accurate and efficient than any carburetor could ever be.

There is a solution for this, I believe if you search there should be topics (Im not familiar with it unfortunately)

eseibel67

Yes, you can install a manual switch to lock the convertor when on the freeway.

sbeinke

My power mirrors do not work, electeric locks do not work, overhead lights (t-top version), cig lighter,,, ps my radio has been removed by a thef. The radio has been gone for awhile.
Any ideas.