86/87 ECM Swap Questions

[WH1Driver]

Hey Guys,
I just got my rebuilt hot air running. It is running rough and my aftermarket fans that came with the car are not turning on. I figured this might be a good time to swap over to the later ECM so that I can rewire my fans and get rid of my 84/85 MAF that I've heard causes troubles in hot airs. My question is can I run a LT1 or LS1 MAF with out purchasing the Translator right away. I've heard that it is necessary with colder weather but can I put off spending that money untill fall?

 

[fullahotair]

From what i understand, people have run 84/85 maf with the 86/87 computers, but they encounter problems with the colder weather. Perhaps it also involves a little more tuning. To run the LS1 or the LT1 you will have to get the Translator setup, i don't believe there is anyway around that.

As for your fans, i would try to figure out why they aren't working now, and that would answer the question of if they work right. I would think if you hooked them to an 86/87 ECM, you would then not only be uncertain if they hooked up correctly to the 86/87 ecm, but also if the fans even work.

Try taking a 12 volt power supply to the positive lead and grounding the negative and seeing if they turn on. Then, if that works you know, see if your relay is working right. See if when the engine is up to temp, if the temp sending unit for the fans is sending current to the relay and if relay is passing it on to the fans. Basically work your way backwards and see narrow down the problem. It could be a simple problem.
Nathyn

 

[WH1Driver]

Thanks for the response. Must be a slow day at work.