Is the 165 for all years, JUST a 165? were there any changes? Or the same dang box for all years??
thanks!
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1985 IROC-Z
TPI 305, 700R4 with shift kit, richmond 3.73's, auburn pro series posi, crane compucam 2030, ported plenum, gutted air boxes, all the little insignificant stuff.
thanks!
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1985 IROC-Z
TPI 305, 700R4 with shift kit, richmond 3.73's, auburn pro series posi, crane compucam 2030, ported plenum, gutted air boxes, all the little insignificant stuff.
Supreme Member
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by IROC-Z_85:
Is the 165 for all years, JUST a 165? were there any changes? Or the same dang box for all years??
</font>
165 is short for 1227165, which is a gm part number. It was used in 86-89 FBody V8, amongst OTHER applications, ie some 4 cylinder trucks used them. <font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by IROC-Z_85:
Is the 165 for all years, JUST a 165? were there any changes? Or the same dang box for all years??
</font>
There have been some gm updates and supercesions.
Junior Member
On another list, somebody once asked if the factory ever used reman ECM's (seriously!) and this response came from a GM mechanic:
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">As for the reman 1227165 no car came from the factory with a reman ECM, but this is the original model ECM which was very prone to circuit board cracking and was a real problem so I would not be surprised to find a replacement in there. If you were going to replace it know you would use a 16198259 a much better ECM.</font>
So now I'm wondering if I buy a reman ECM from 'zone or carpartsdotcom and it's not specifically a Delco reman, will it still be the better ECM? I assume Delco by default uses the updated design when supplying a reman '165?<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">As for the reman 1227165 no car came from the factory with a reman ECM, but this is the original model ECM which was very prone to circuit board cracking and was a real problem so I would not be surprised to find a replacement in there. If you were going to replace it know you would use a 16198259 a much better ECM.</font>
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Apr 30, 2026
- Join DateMar 2001
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I would think it might be hard to say. I picked up a 16198259 in a salvage yard for only $20 because the guys book did not show the ECM part number, he was unsure what it was worth. I know locally I can get you a 1227165 out of a salvage yard for $58.xx out the door, if you have a trade in it was only $45.00.
S&H is extra of course. I guess what I am trying to say, if you need an ECM, try some salvage yards and go from there... Make sure they will stand behind the ECM, most places will only do a trade basis not refund your money.
For some reason this does not seem like a DYI PROM answer....
S&H is extra of course. I guess what I am trying to say, if you need an ECM, try some salvage yards and go from there... Make sure they will stand behind the ECM, most places will only do a trade basis not refund your money.
For some reason this does not seem like a DYI PROM answer....
Supreme Member
Quote:
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 86Red4+3:
On another list, somebody once asked if the factory ever used reman ECM's (seriously!) and this response came from a GM mechanic:
The problem is soldering, and traces lifting.<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by 86Red4+3:
On another list, somebody once asked if the factory ever used reman ECM's (seriously!) and this response came from a GM mechanic:
Quote:
As for the reman 1227165 no car came from the factory with a reman ECM, but this is the original model ECM which was very prone to circuit board cracking and was a real problem so I would not be surprised to find a replacement in there. If you were going to replace it know you would use a 16198259 a much better ECM.</font>
So now I'm wondering if I buy a reman ECM from 'zone or carpartsdotcom and it's not specifically a Delco reman, will it still be the better ECM? I assume Delco by default uses the updated design when supplying a reman '165? As for the reman 1227165 no car came from the factory with a reman ECM, but this is the original model ECM which was very prone to circuit board cracking and was a real problem so I would not be surprised to find a replacement in there. If you were going to replace it know you would use a 16198259 a much better ECM.</font>
For the millions out there it really isn't a major problem. Just that it can happen. The only real cure seems to be just going MAP, with a 730. The Australian 808 which is the same board is trouble free.
One of lifes little mysteries.