i recently checked the trouble codes on my 1988 350 tpi engine and got a "51" which the manual states is a mem-cal error. could i replace the mem-cal chip with a speed chip? I have seen them for $150 and it seems like a good deal. any help would be great

 

Aftermarket chips are junk unless you pay big bucks for a custom burned one from Ed Wright or similar outfit.

For far less you can burn your own. Of course, that doesn't help if your Memcal really is bad (I've never seen one go bad during use). Anyway, I would probably suggest getting a spare one from a used/junked car. Your 88 350 chip will be unique to other 88 350s because of VATS and the presence of a cold start injector, but the MEMCAL might be able to be used from an 87-89. I'm using a Memcal from an 87 L98, and I have neither VATS nor the cold start injector.

 

I would just take the op to get a nice aggressive chip burned and that way you've not only repaired - you've modded! Or you know, the junkyard will save you money...