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New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

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Old 02-10-2020, 10:22 PM
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New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

Hello all, I have a 1986 Z28 5 gear t-top that now has a 350 carbureted. 305 Engine was swapped, sub frame connectors put in. Just got it and know very little history. Fixing lots of little things, when I put new dash bulbs in the service engine soon light is always on with new bulb lol. What triggers this light? I can’t see an original carbureted 305 having a computer or anything? The new 350 is mild performance upgraded, 330 hp, headers, cam, intake, etc but definitely no emissions and such exist. i don’t know where to start other than to disconnect the bulb again. Thoughts?
Old 02-10-2020, 10:48 PM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

Originally Posted by caddyescalade
Hello all, I have a 1986 Z28 5 gear t-top that now has a 350 carbureted. 305 Engine was swapped, sub frame connectors put in. Just got it and know very little history. Fixing lots of little things, when I put new dash bulbs in the service engine soon light is always on with new bulb lol. What triggers this light? I can’t see an original carbureted 305 having a computer or anything? The new 350 is mild performance upgraded, 330 hp, headers, cam, intake, etc but definitely no emissions and such exist. i don’t know where to start other than to disconnect the bulb again. Thoughts?
Did you pull the codes?
Old 02-10-2020, 11:16 PM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

If the carb and dist aren't the computer-controlled originals, the light will be on forever. (ish)

Take the bulb back out.
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Old 02-11-2020, 12:34 AM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

Originally Posted by Shinobi'sZ
Did you pull the codes?
nope. Not even sure how to pull the codes but I think it’s probably a waste of time anyway as everything has been modified from original.

Last edited by caddyescalade; 02-11-2020 at 01:12 AM.
Old 02-11-2020, 02:14 PM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

Right: the original carb and dist were computer-controlled. If you have something else in it now, the light will never go out, unless you remove the bulb driver or the bulb.
Old 02-11-2020, 04:26 PM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

I pulled my bulb driver on my 85, cleared it right up. I also pulled the entire ecm and harness
Old 02-12-2020, 07:24 AM
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Re: New 3rd gen owner Service engine soon

Originally Posted by caddyescalade
Hello all, I have a 1986 Z28 5 gear t-top that now has a 350 carbureted. 305 Engine was swapped, sub frame connectors put in. Just got it and know very little history. Fixing lots of little things, when I put new dash bulbs in the service engine soon light is always on with new bulb lol. What triggers this light? I can’t see an original carbureted 305 having a computer or anything? The new 350 is mild performance upgraded, 330 hp, headers, cam, intake, etc but definitely no emissions and such exist. i don’t know where to start other than to disconnect the bulb again. Thoughts?
The original carbureted 305 was computer-controlled; a failure in any component governed by that computer will cause the SES light to come on. Since, as you state, all such original equipment has been removed, that light is now irrelevant. As already mentioned, simply remove the bulb, and go on your way.

Of course, when/if a problem with the engine occurs, you'll no longer be able to pull codes to assist you in troubleshooting. You'll also be dealing with a modified, non-standard wiring harness.
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