DFI and ECM Discuss all aspects of DFI (Digital Fuel Injection), ECMs (Electronic Control Module), scanners, and diagnostic equipment. Fine tune your Third Gen computer system for top performance.

What does ECM do?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 20, 2010 | 11:17 PM
  #1  
jchaussee's Avatar
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?
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2010 | 01:00 PM
  #2  
Camaro305SB's Avatar
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.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2010 | 07:08 PM
  #3  
jchaussee's Avatar
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?

What about tranny??
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:44 PM
  #4  
Camaro305SB's Avatar
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?

Only the torque converter lockup (if your trans has it). Shifting is done through the throttle valve cable.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2010 | 09:28 PM
  #5  
jchaussee's Avatar
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?

If you do have it will it mess it up.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 02:37 AM
  #6  
ZimGTA's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: twin cities
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700 r
Re: What does ECM do?

The Converter won't lock up. There are kits that fix this problem.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:13 PM
  #7  
black85vette's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Near Oklahoma City
Car: 1985 Vette
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.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:00 AM
  #8  
blackfright's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Re: What does ECM do?

does the ECM control any of the gauges or are those all mechanical? or unrelated to the ECM?
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:46 AM
  #9  
Camaro305SB's Avatar
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

Originally Posted by 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.
There are computer control carbs - and I don't believe any Camaros (until 2010) display fuel economy.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 08:59 AM
  #10  
jchaussee's Avatar
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??
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 01:07 PM
  #11  
Ronny's Avatar
TGO Supporter
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,880
Likes: 4
From: wisconsin
Re: What does ECM do?

So no 02 sensor feedback to carb? Is CCC not Computer Controlled Carb(acronym).
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 04:27 PM
  #12  
blackfright's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Re: What does ECM do?

so the ECM only controls the ccc and the distributor? on a carbed Camaro that is.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 04:31 PM
  #13  
jchaussee's Avatar
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?
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 05:09 PM
  #14  
ATX-Iroc's Avatar
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
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2010 | 05:24 PM
  #15  
jchaussee's Avatar
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?
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2010 | 09:01 AM
  #16  
silentkillzr's Avatar
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 :]
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2010 | 12:51 PM
  #17  
Camaro305SB's Avatar
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

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

Originally Posted by blackfright
so the ECM only controls the ccc and the distributor? on a carbed Camaro 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.

Originally Posted by 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?
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.

Originally Posted by 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?
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.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2010 | 05:07 PM
  #18  
eseibel67's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 9
From: Kitchener, ON
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: What does ECM do?

Yes, you can install a manual switch to lock the convertor when on the freeway.
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2012 | 05:07 PM
  #19  
sbeinke's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
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.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
InfernalVortex
Electronics
10
Apr 20, 2021 11:31 AM
Falcon50
DFI and ECM
81
Aug 22, 2020 03:26 PM
thunder57
LTX and LSX
1
Nov 7, 2015 02:28 PM
Jlanz55
TPI
2
Sep 29, 2015 08:55 AM
efiguy
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
Sep 27, 2015 01:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:33 AM.