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Why does it seem that so many people hate the ECM?

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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 03:12 PM
  #1  
lee33lyn's Avatar
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From: Greensboro N.C.
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3:23 posi disc brakes
Why does it seem that so many people hate the ECM?

I'm trying to improve the perfomane on my 85 305 and was thinking of adding an after market carb and intake. ECM or no ECM what are the plus and minuses of an ECM?
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 03:40 PM
  #2  
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From: MA
Car: '87 IROC/'68 SS
Engine: 5.7L/350
Transmission: 700R4/Muncie 4-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt / 3.31 12 bolt
Re: Why does it seem that so many people hate the ECM?

Originally Posted by lee33lyn
I'm trying to improve the perfomane on my 85 305 and was thinking of adding an after market carb and intake. ECM or no ECM what are the plus and minuses of an ECM?
Plus: More accurate control of fuel mixture and therefore lower emissions and better performance.

Minus: Added cost and complexity. More difficult to service.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 04:12 PM
  #3  
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
ECM plus:
Less complicated, less to do, easy to improve performance (equal to or better than non-ECM), better fuel economy, emissions-legal (and that matters in all 50 states).

ECM minus:
This has nothing to do with ECM or non-ECM. In your case, the only aftermarket carb that should be given any consideration is a Holley-type double pumper. And that's only because you have a 5-speed. The chances of you making more power just from changing the carb is somewhere between slim and none. The intake you'll have to put on will make more difference. If you're thinking any other carb, keep the stock q-jet.

Don't forget you'll need a different distributor as well.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 04:19 PM
  #4  
lee33lyn's Avatar
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From: Greensboro N.C.
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3:23 posi disc brakes
Re: Why does it seem that so many people hate the ECM?

What can I do to improve the Q-jet? Is there any articles you can think of here on the site? I don't have any experience with carbs.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 05:08 PM
  #5  
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From: Nanaimo BC Canada
Car: 2004 GMC 2500HD
Engine: Duramax LLY
Transmission: Allison
Re: Why does it seem that so many people hate the ECM?

There are modified Q-jets out there. If you are interested google SMICarberators. They will custom build a Q-jet for pretty much any application
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