What does ECM do?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
What does ECM do?
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?
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: What does ECM do?
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.
Last edited by Camaro305SB; Oct 21, 2010 at 01:18 PM.
Re: What does ECM do?
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.
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.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: What does ECM do?
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.
There are computer control carbs - and I don't believe any Camaros (until 2010) display fuel economy.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: What does ECM do?
These switches that people use for their tc's. Could they be thought of as an overdrive botton that some older cars had??
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: What does ECM do?
So what if your camaro was TPI and then swapped with a carborated motor. Then besides TC do you need it for anything else?
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: Bastrop, Tx
Car: 87 Iroc-Z
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700-r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What does ECM do?
No its not doing anything anymore and I dont even know how it could control lockup with out seeing a tps signal
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: What does ECM do?
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?
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Car: 1984 Firebird (89 Formula Clone)
Engine: 357
Transmission: m29 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt Borg Warner.
Re: What does ECM do?
Idk i use my overdrive in town, its nice, makes my car rumble :]
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: What does ECM do?
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)

There is a solution for this, I believe if you search there should be topics (Im not familiar with it unfortunately)
Last edited by Camaro305SB; Nov 3, 2010 at 12:54 PM.
multple power items do not work......
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.
Any ideas.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
efiguy
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
Sep 27, 2015 01:30 PM







