I've had the 350TBI deal on the road for about 300 miles and i successfully passed emissions so its time for some fun. My first mission is to play with the timing to squeeze some performance out of the car with the stock computer, so how far is safe to go to advance the timing? Does the computer control it ALL the time? Lastly, if i have a computer programmed for my car, will it make a noticeable difference? (in other words, could some guy sell me a computer and say its modified and i wouldn't be able to know otherwise?) thanks in advance.


TP

 

Do the following and I'm sure you'll be happy:
Junk the current computer for an 89-92 8746 ecm. 88 was the strange year .
Then get or have somebody burn you an ANLU eprom. It's designed for a 350 TBI (from a caprice with the LO5).
The difference is VERY noticable. The idea is to start with a computer eprom that has the same bore and stroke as the engine you have now...that makes the ANLU the best (only) eprom I would use with a 350 TBI.
Even with fuel pressure and timing tuning you can get the ANLU to run VERY well with even my motor.
Yes, the computer controls timing all the time, this isn't a mechanical advance dissy! When you set base timing make sure to do it by the book!!! You have to disconnect the tan wire plug that sticks out on the passengers side wiring harness. Then set the base timing with the car. When doing the timing. If you're running with EGR I'd try 6 to 8 degrees advance. If no EGR then keep it under 6. One thing to keep in mind is that you will NOT be able to hear knock. The computer will detect the slightest hint of detonation and retard the timing without you being any wiser. The only way you can tell it's happening is from poor gas milage and crappy performance all around.

 

Actually, I was sort of curious how much of a difference a custom PROM makes. I guess it depends on the level of modification (i.e. big cam, vortec heads, etc. would require fairly drastic deviations from stock). How about my setup? Stock L05, opened up intake and exhaust. Off the top of your head, how much HP/torque could I be looking to extract from the engine if I were to begin burning my own PROMs? My roommate (who owns an 87 BMW with a MAF system, hint hint) seems to think that all this custom programming everyone does is useless. I don't think so, and I was wondering if someone could chime in on how useful it is.

Thanks....

Kevin
93 9C1

 

The only way to get the right prom for your car is for you to do it. For the price of a custom prom you could be doing you own. There is alot more to proms then wide open throttle. You can set the ecm to the way you actually like to drive.

 

$300 for the stuff to program a prom doesn't cover knowledge grumps - and no offense or anything - but i DEF. dont want to play that game. Its about money i guess...

TP