Hello Third Gen'ers!

I have an interest in getting a programmable ECU for my 1987 Trans Am and wanted some feedback.

First, my car is a 1987 Trans Am with the l98 TPI engine, 700r4 tranny. The engine is bored 30 over, upgraded to 1.6 roller rockers, using BOSCH III 22 lbs injectors and everything else on the engine is stock.

I was planning on doing a new build to a 383 with a carb, but ran out of money on other things during my build. So, I had this brainstorm of an idea that while I save my pennies for a real build, I could get a ECU system in place that would allow me to program my ECU for different driving modes, kind of like what the newer cars have. I know that there are all sorts of aftermarket ECU solutions for my car, but before I get any feedback on how I should approach this type of build, I wanted to pass along some requirements.

My career path is computers and not cars. Cars became a hobby when I acquired my 87 almost 6 years ago. I am in my late 30's and have been programming since I was 5 years old. Long story short is that I am very intrigued and interested in building out a custom interface and display for controlling my ECU in my Trans Am, with the hopes of standardizing the build plan to share with others. I am awesome at writing code, interfacing with different PC interfaces (RS-232, USB), know how to setup the computer system and the computer system to purchase for such a build. I would eventually like to mount it nicely in my car so that I could have a touch screen mounted in my car that not only controls my ECU parameters, but also does other things like play MP3s, and other computer related functions that I could make available in a car. I do a lot of work with Microsoft technologies, so I am always thinking about integration with everything. Again, my end goal is to have a touch screen with a custom interface that I create that allows me to control driveability modes, such as fuel economy, racing, boost levels (eventually), traction control, custom settings and data logging (that can be emailed or downloaded via USB or memory card).

Since I figured I could get the touch screen, computer and code together, I am totally lost on what is the best aftermarket ECU solution. For my TA, I'd rather have the closest thing to plug and play so that the build plan can be easy for just about anyone and not require the knowledge of electronics, soldering, etc. I know that there is megasquirt II, Holley Avenger, solutions from Moates, and a handful of other ECUs through links on this site, but I am overwhelmed on where to start.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the easiest to implement aftermarket ECU that can leverage my existing harness/ECU connection that also allows for the type of control that I am looking for?

Sorry if this is a beat up subject on the board. I have read through a lot of the posts, but it is very overwhelming when I have a very specific idea that doesn't always align with a post topic/thread.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

this is as cheap as I have found not sure if its what your looking for but for just an idea best for the buck...
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...310-post5.html
Here's a list of parts (this will be revised until the engine is running and I know the list is complete):
12200411 PCM (LS1, Truck, S-10, Blazer, Express, others)
Wiring Harness for 12200411 (must follow Vortec L31 schematics)
Vortec 305/350 Distributor (has camshaft sensor in it)
Vortec 305/350 Harmonic Balancer
Vortec 305/350 Timing Cover
Vortec Timing Reluctor Ring (goes behind timing cover)
Vortec Crank Position Sensor
Vortec Ignition Module
Vortec Coil
Knock Sensor (2001 Express Van w/ 5.7 engine)
01-02 Express Van HO2 Sensors

Let me suggest that the O2 sensors from the Camaro/Firebird will probably work, but they use different connectors (but wired the same to the PCM). The Corvette sensors use the same connector as the Express Van. Please look beyond what vehicle the sensors were used with. The O2 sensor simply returns a voltage to the PCM that represents the air/fuel mixture. Zero volts being lean, 1.0 volts being rich. The Corvette sensor is no better than the Express Van sensor.

I just installed the Vortec distributor into my TPI engine. It completely clears the runners, but will require relocating the coil. The distributor is offset just like the runners are (bank two is set further forward than bank one).

 

http://www.dynamicefi.com/EBL_P4_Flash.php

 

Thanks for the reply and all of the details. Ultimately, that would be a better design for a newer LS block or some other FI system for a new build. Who knows, if I can pick all this up for a decent price, I might just go this route. Regardless, thank you so much for sharing with me this information!

 

Is this just an add-on to my existing ECU? That is what it kinda looks like. I am a total noob with understanding FI systems. I like the fact that I can code against it and flash changes. Not sure if that can be done on the fly or if it will have some sort of delay.

 

Yes EBL Is estentially an àdd on board into your exisiting ECU. No rewiring, no extra engine components just plug and play with an ECU that has been somewhat modernized. I got the TBI version for my car and my car ran better out-of-the-box.

 

Building an engine is not an issue. Programming it to run is not an issue when using a engine control car computer (ECM). Since you can do the programming for touch screen and interface that is not an issue. Combining the 2 I think is the issue. Engine sensors need I/O circuts which computors don't have but could be added in if you can control them.

Look over some of the schematics in this link to see what a car ECM has to do.
http://www.exatorq.com/ludis_obd1/schematics.html

HTH!

 

hi do you hve any idea how to bulid a ecu for a 4 cyclinder engine