87 Ecm

[blackjack3]

When i bought my car it came with the factory 84 ecm with a chip. It also came with an 87 ecm with no chip. What exactly is the difference in these ecms? I already have the 87 coil pack installed. So should i put in the 87?

 

[3point8]

I recommend you install the 87 ECM. For one thing they are replaceable at reasonable cost and scan tools like Turbo Link provide more information on the later ECMs.
You will need an 87 chip readily available from vendors that can be customized to your needs. Search on TurboTweak for details. The chip in the 85 ECM will not work although the smaller CALPAK chip in your 85 ECM should be installed in the 87 to prevent malfunction codes showing up and providing a limp home alternate.
HTH
Peter

 

[84GNGary]

Also you do not have to do any wiring modifications at all to convert over, unless you choose to install a MAT (manifold air temp sensor). You can inform whoever is burning your chip that you are not going to be using that sensor and they will program it so it will not throw any codes.

 

[blackjack3]

Awesomeb thanks guys...ANy recomendations for where to get my chip?

 

[Boost231]

Tt

TT Turbotweak.com is the only place to get one right now.

 

[my85grandnation]

So if I get an 87 ECM and a custom chip burned all I have to do is plug it in and go, I wont have to change any wiring?

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

If you want to do it correctly do the following.

1. Buy a MAT sensor conversion kit from Caspers.

2. Get an 87 ECM. ( got mine from a junkyard-alot of other GM cars used the same ECM-Not the calpak).

3. Take your calpak chip out of your 85 ECM and put in the 87 ECM. The calpak chip is the smaller of the two.

4. Order a chip from Turbotweak with your mods. Remember to disconnect the ECM by the battery when changing the chips.

5. Hook up a real scan tool and have fun tuning it.

I am still tuning mine. Alot of fun. Brad

 

[84GNGary]

BTW you should get an 86/87 maf or an LS1 or LT1 with a translator. Here is some helpful info I posted on the other board.
TurboBuicks.com - 84 chip?