ok I have read tons of threads on here and still cant find the answer to my questions. i am putting a 377 in my camaro that was a 2.8. I am going with the msd kit from jegs for ignition but what about headlights and tail lights?? if i unplug the ECM will the still get power and work this car will be driven on the street as well as at the track that is why i am concerned. as far as starting and charging system all i need to keep is the alternator wire and the starter wires correct?? and will these operate properly without the ECM



thanks for the help

 

Generally, everything needed for basic engine function is on the driver side wiring harness, including lights, starter, guages, etc. Best way to tackle the issue is to wire up what you have with what's needed, then see what's left over and decide what to do with it. Trying to find the correct wires to cut out before you swap the motor is simply foolish, you'll inevitably cut out something you actually need.

 

well i am eliminating everything air, cruise, probably the wipers, basically everything but the radio and the lights it is a carbed motor that im swaping and gauges are going to be manual after market im just trying to get the compartment all cleaned up so i can paint it before i drop the motor in

 

From my own experience, I found that leaving the ecm in was okay. If your using msd and going carb then there should be input for ecm ( smog ) controlled wires. I actually had cut all wires that I did not use when putting , my 355 and had to run the wires back.

 

all the smog stuff will be eliminated as well as i live in ohio and dont have to worry about emissions

thanks again

 

all the passenger side wiring can be disconnected and removed from the vehicle - its only there for the ecm. what are you using for a transmission? what year is the vehicle?

 

my car is an 88 camaro im using a 350 turbo so no worry about the lock up for an overdrive tranny

when you say the wiring from the passenger side does this include the half of the bulk head on the drivers side that runs over to the passengers side??(when you are facing the plug from the nose it is the left half of the block) or will i need to keep that as well

thanks for the help

 

the ecm harness starts under the dash, goes out through the passenger fenderwell, and up into the engine bay in front of the heater box. this whole thing can be pulled without cutting a single wire if you're patient.

there is a small harness that comes out from the firewall center (a bit more to the passenger side though) that is all the hvac related wiring.

the driver side c100 has one big connector that splits into 2 - one part is fuse/relay and guage related, the other is lighting related.

 

ok cool thats good to know one more question for you then ill be done lol

do you know which half of the c100 is light related and which is the gauge and fuse/relay related?

 

they don't have the 88 model year over at my usual recommendation (Here), but this will give you an idea:
http://www.austinthirdgen.org/mkport..._1987_C100.gif

 

awesome thanks alot