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Converting to the 87 ECM

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rob350

Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
363
I have a question about using the 86-87 ECM in my 85 GN. Can I use the stock 86-87 EPROM, or do I need a custom burned one since im using the 86-87 ECM on my hot air. I kind of thought the EPROM controlled boost somewhat, which would mess up the way my hot air would run?:confused: Somone explain this more clearly. :o

Rob
 
85/87 ECM conversion

Yes you can use stock 87 turbo Buick chips. Think of it ECMwise as an 87 now, only the CALPAK chip (its the smaller one) is used from your 85 ECM and that's for limp home mode operation.
You cannot use the old EPROM chip from your 85 ECM.
If you decide to get a custom chip made I recommend TurboTweak. Eric has a form to fill out that gives him the pertinent information to provide you with the chip you want.
HTH
Peter
 
Also if you did not install the MAT sensor it will throw a code with the 87 chip.
 
If you run a stock 87 chip at what boost pressure is the wastegate solenoid going to open :confused: Without akly or race gas our cars can't run at the 17 lbs of boost like a stock 87. When Eric burned my chip it was made for 12-13 lbs. I would be very careful if you put your foot down :eek:
 
If you run a stock 87 chip at what boost pressure is the wastegate solenoid going to open :confused: Without akly or race gas our cars can't run at the 17 lbs of boost like a stock 87. When Eric burned my chip it was made for 12-13 lbs. I would be very careful if you put your foot down :eek:


So I need a custom chip? Can anybody else confirm this?
 
So I need a custom chip? Can anybody else confirm this?

Any chip you order = Custom (other than OEM)
Contact TT. He will need to know your mods and burn the chip to match your mods. .......... i.e, "Custom" burn the chip for your set-up and goals. :cool:
 
Any chip you order = Custom (other than OEM)
Contact TT. He will need to know your mods and burn the chip to match your mods. .......... i.e, "Custom" burn the chip for your set-up and goals. :cool:

My car is 100% stock right now. Im upgrading to the 87 ECM because I think my 85 ECM is bad. Can I run a Stock 87 EPROM with my stock 85 motor?
 
Yes but you will get a check engine light unless you install the Caspers MAT sensor conversion kit. This kit is alot cheaper than a new TT chip and the stock EPROM is cheap as well. I would bet somebody on the General section would give you one for free. Get the TT chip when you really start upgrading the entire car. My 2 cents. Brad


My car is 100% stock right now. Im upgrading to the 87 ECM because I think my 85 ECM is bad. Can I run a Stock 87 EPROM with my stock 85 motor?
 
Yes but you will get a check engine light unless you install the Caspers MAT sensor conversion kit. This kit is alot cheaper than a new TT chip and the stock EPROM is cheap as well. I would bet somebody on the General section would give you one for free. Get the TT chip when you really start upgrading the entire car. My 2 cents. Brad

I will be installing the MAT sensor with the 87 ECM. I was just worried about running the stock 87 EPROM with the hot air engine. The stock 87 EPROM will not crank up my boost at all?
 
The 87 EPROM will not ramp up your boost. Boost is basically controlled by the length on the waste gate actuator rod. Good luck. Brad
 
It is my understanding (I have very limited understanding :p ) that the chip controls the WG solenoid. As it pulses the WG (On/Off) more often, the Duty cycle increases, and the boost rises. In essence, it "bleeds off" more boost so the WG actuator does not open as quickly.

Now, the stock 87 boost level was around 16 psi and the HA was set at 12 psi. It is my belief, this was accomplised as follows:
1. Increased WG DC
2. "Y" orifice size (Not documented as of yet)
3. Actuator

The stock turbo on the 87 also pushes around 400 CFM v.s. the 300 CFM on the stock HA turbo. With the more efficient 87 housing in addition to the intercooler, the increased density of the air charge requires more fuel (Read higher injector DC)

The 87 ECM upgrade is a GEAT one, but will cost around $210 with a TT chip.
Back to your question:

As Brad stated ......... Your car will run with the stock 87 EPROM ......... how well it will run is a matter of testing, observing the vital signs (recording capable scantool) and how picky you are with the tune. :cool:

In the end, it all comes down to your goal and budget. Speed = $
 
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