elcamin0_77us

I'm trying to determine how to swap a HEI for the Opti-Spark Dist. Here is what i've got so far, if you can help fill in the gaps I'd be thankful

Camino

When looking at the Opti-Spark, it has 4 wires:
High resolution signal - Pulses 360 per revolution of the dist.
Low resolution signal - Equal to the # of Cyls
Dist Ref Low Signal
Dist Ign Feed

The Computor Controlled HEI also has 4 wires:
HEI Ref - Engine RPM and Crankshaft Position
EST Mode
5V Bypass
Ground

Alldata tells me that the PCM uses the high & low signals to determine timing & crankshaft position and that the Dist Ref Low Signal is the system ground

Notes: I going to swap in a TPI into a camino and would like to use the LT1 PCM #16188051 due to being OBDI compatible and you don't need to burn chips. I already know about the prominater, but I believe it would be more cost efective for me to use the LT1 PCM.

Grumpy

The 8051 is a great little PCM.
But, it has it's flaws, ie, if there is a power problem during programming, it's DOA, and has to be sent in to someone that can remove, and rewrite one of the chips on it. And for any change you have to reflash the whole unit, rather then just typing in a change when using the Romulator, or AutoProm.
And you have to get a set of cables that are 8051 specific.

So far using Tunercat R_T and the Autoprom, is hands down the winner on affordable, easy to use, programming.

And I've spent a fair amount of time with both.

elcamin0_77us

Thanks for the info, I have a friend who owns a local TV repair shop who is great with electronics. I'll get him to socket the PCM before I put it in use. This tip could save me time and trouble down the road.

Bill