Hey guys. First time posting in the electronics forum, probably won't be the last I feel. I'm in the process of rebuilding an 86 iroc. While trying to remove the dashboard, I am trying to locate the ECM. I know it's supposed to be on the passenger side up behind the dash, but it's not there lol. The car ran before I started to tear it down. Can a engine run without an ECM? If so why the hell would someone remove it? Thoughts? This car is an interesting mystery... I did find this black box, but it was closer to the middle behind the dash. Can someone identify this for me?

Thanks Dave

 

That's a Cruise Control Module.

 

Answer #1 , Of course it can , car engines ran for what , a hundred years or so before ECM systems were created

Answer #2 , Sometimes people take these cars and remove the ECM , installing instead a non ECM controlled carb. and a stand alone HEI distributor . It's done for various reasons , but my personal opinion is that I'd never do that to one of my cars .

Post up some pictures of your carb. and distributor and that'll help to answer what exactly is and isn't still installed . Here is a pic of what the ECM should look like , it's the big silver box laying on the passenger's side floor ;

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks for replying. I did some more digging, I guess carb canadian cars came with non ECM's from the factory. I had no idea. Also found a good wiring diagram which makes it a little more clear.