I'm sure this question has been asked before.

If I were to install a regular vacuum-advance HEI distributor in place of the computer-controlled unit, how would that affect the rest of the computer-controlled components?...

 

In a bad way.

The computer distributor supplies the engine speed data to the computer. A regular vacuum/mechanical advance distributor doesn't have that capability.

If you put on a distributor or carburetor that's non-computer, you have to put the other piece on as well.

 

What "other piece" is that? If I were to change the dist and carb to non-CC, would the remaining CC systems still function?...

(Thanks for the reply)

 

No, because they would serve no purpose if you did that. The distributor and carb are the only two parts controlled by the ECM.

 

Okay, THAT is what I was wondering about. I didn't know what all was controlled by the ECM. I know the lock-up torque converter is (along with the carb & dist), but aside from that, I have no clue. This is an '83/'84 model...

 

The torque converter lock-up function would also be lost. You'd need to supply that in one fashion or another.

 

How could he supply to lockup function on the torque converter? I was kind of wondering the same thing as this guy.

 

There's a tech article linked from the thirdgen.org homepage about hooking up a manual switch. There are kits available from B&M, TCI, Summit/Jegs, etc.

Hooking up an internal 4th gear switch has also been discussed on the Transmission/Drivetrain forum. Should come up in a search of that forum.

 

 

Lock up converter.... forgot about that - all my cars have been stick cars, so never been an issue for me lol.

 

So is my understanding correct that the ECM controls only 3 things; TCC, Carb, Distributor?...

 

It also controls the A.I.R. diverter valve, the EGR valve, and the knock sensor won't operate without the computer (this is an HO, right?).

Are you exempt from emissions testing now?

 

All that, huh?

Yes, it's an "H.O."

And yes, I'm now exempt of emissions testing. I'm really not sure if I should keep everything the way it is, or eliminate all that stuff. I was just kicking ideas around...

 

My opinion is that you have to have a very good reason to remove the computer system. If you have a manual transmission, that's one reason. If you exclusively race it, that's another. Outside of that, other than going EFI, it's hard to beat that good ol' computer q-jet.