chip recall

[873.8Turbo]

I seem to have the chip(8704 prom ID) in the 87s that had a recall for emissions in my car. There is no signs of the chip being replaced and has the right markings on the chip. My car runs like crap. Ildes bad and gets too much knock, cannot keep a steady rpm and the exaust smells funny(cat gutted). Also on a Snap-On scan tool that I used, the spark advance was reading 32-36degrees and fluctuating at idle. Could this be a bad chip? Timing chain? crank sensor?

The car has 178k on it and dont think the engine has ever been touched.
Also the idle gets worse when i put gas in it. not shure what is wrong there, but it seems to affect what ever is wrong with my car.

 

[scottyb]

I'd get a Red Armstrong 93, a Thrasher 92, or one of the others mentioned regularly and be done with that part. My stocker wouldn't cold start worth a crap, but the Thrashers are real smooth. I'd bet that any of the current common ones will be better than the stock chip for general drivability and power.

 

[TurboJim]

open the window on the ecm. Look at the silver sicker. AXCA is pre-recall BBKJ is the recall chip

 

[873.8Turbo]

Yea my chip has the BBKJ on it. I was wondering what is wrong with the chip? I know it is emissions, but can it make your car run as bad as mine?
I plan to order a Thrasher chip for now.

thanks

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by 873.8Turbo
I seem to have the chip(8704 prom ID) in the 87s that had a recall for emissions in my car. There is no signs of the chip being replaced and has the right markings on the chip. My car runs like crap. Ildes bad and gets too much knock, cannot keep a steady rpm and the exaust smells funny(cat gutted). Also on a Snap-On scan tool that I used, the spark advance was reading 32-36degrees and fluctuating at idle. Could this be a bad chip? Timing chain? crank sensor?

The car has 178k on it and dont think the engine has ever been touched.
Also the idle gets worse when i put gas in it. not shure what is wrong there, but it seems to affect what ever is wrong with my car.

With 178k, you need to go to square one.

FIRST THING: Replace the timing chain.

Then do the following:
Spring Cleaning

Adjust your IAC

Set your TPS

*I* would also replace all vacuum lines, (including boost lines) check headers for cracks, replace o2 sensor, PCV valve (Correct AC part) flush radiator, cjeck/replace rear-end fluid, fuel filter, drop fuel tank - replace sock, maybe fuel pump, etc..

Oh, and I think the chip is the least of your worries now, make sure the motor's healthy before putting in an aftermarket chip.

 

[TurboJim]

Supersix is right of course. A chip is not magic. If the car runs like **** with the recall chip, it will run like **** with an aftermarket chip. The only issue you might have with the recall chip is warm up driveability. Other than that, if the car runs bad, its more likely than not the CAR not the chip. Fix the car, baseline the car, then start the modification process.