I have some low tech questions. I need to replace the carb (E2SE) on my 84 Firebird (2.8 L). Can I use a E2SE carb with a different model number? Also I know that the the TSP voltage setting at idle for my Firebird is .255 volts. Is this the standard setting for all of the E2SE model carbs? Thanks for any help with these questions.

 

You asked specific questions, but I'll only be able to answer in general.

The applications that will work on your car will possibly have different model numbers, but won't cause any problems. This is primarily because they changed model numbers with each year model, even if the carb itself didn't change at all.

I believe they used the same range of TPS voltages, across all types. But, I wouldn't bet the farm on that answer.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car. Rescued w/86 LG4/TH700R with all harnesses, sensors, ECM, etc. 2.73 open, cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, ported heads, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. Currently 396 .030 over, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

 

Thanks for the information. I feel more confident about going ahead with a carb swap now. I imagine you are right about the TPS setting being the same across model numbers. I will try it and see if it runs OK.

 

Doctor, Like the "Kid" I don't know much about your particular carb but my guess would be that your TPS voltage (at idle)should be around .5-.75V

Why? becuase GM is a stickler about standardization (wihich help them cut costs by using the same parts across many models). Almost everything GM builds with a TPS sensor works on either a .5V or .75V idle reading. This is NOT a guarantee, just 15 years of expereince and intuation kicking in.

BTW- WOT is usually indicated by anything over 4.5V

Overall Logic behind this (if anyone cares): The ECM supplies a regualated 5V to the TPS sensor. The TPS then REDUCES that voltage by increasing/decreasing resistance as the throttle opens/closes. Therefore you only have the 0-5V range to play with from the start. Again, all GM computers in my expereince supply 5V power to the TPS.

That's my way of saying, GO FOR IT! The newer carb will probably work fine.


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94 Firebird Formula M6- No options but Z rated tires. No mods over $10. 13.5@105.
79 Malibu "beater" w/junkyard 400 SBC, tweaked QJet 4bbl, finally a decent set of heads, a few other tricks. A maddening 13.000001 @ 108 on the motor with little traction. No nitrous runs with the new heads yet.
Grandma's old 78 Malibu (33K miles!) soon to have the powertrain from the 79 put in it.

"One of the last remaining QJet tuners on Planet Earth!"

 

Thanks for the additional information. The 84 factory Carmaro manual gives the 2 barrel TPS setting as .255 volts and I think the 4 barrel setting is .5 volts. I am leaning heavily towards believing that all E2SE carbs must be .255 volts or close to it. The California smog test guys set my TPS at 0 volts and it ran poorly although it did pass smog test. Now that I have set it to .255 the car runs much better. I plan to set the replacement carb to .255 volts also.