Do I need a new chip? Or new computer?

[TTypeRiv]

Hey guys, I need some help if you can...
I took a turbo from am 85 GN and installed it on my 87 FWD Riviera. I got everything mounted, wired, and plumed okay. But when I drove it for the first time last night, it didn't run right. I could tell the turbo was building boost, but only a couple pounds. I don't think the wastegate selenoid is working right because of my computer. I am going to try switching to a stock GN computer and chip tonight. I don't know if the GN computer will work with all my sensors or not, but I will find out.

But is there anyone out there that can burn a chip that will work in my '87 Riv computer with my turbo? Or even in a GN computer? Let me know, I want to drive my car again!!

Or if there are any other ideas that you guys can come up with that may be affecting things. I am not up to date on everything about GNs and turbo, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bruce]

Originally posted by TTypeRiv
Hey guys, I need some help if you can...
I took a turbo from am 85 GN and installed it on my 87 FWD Riviera. I got everything mounted, wired, and plumed okay. But when I drove it for the first time last night, it didn't run right. I could tell the turbo was building boost, but only a couple pounds. I don't think the wastegate selenoid is working right because of my computer. I am going to try switching to a stock GN computer and chip tonight. I don't know if the GN computer will work with all my sensors or not, but I will find out.

But is there anyone out there that can burn a chip that will work in my '87 Riv computer with my turbo? Or even in a GN computer? Let me know, I want to drive my car again!!

Or if there are any other ideas that you guys can come up with that may be affecting things. I am not up to date on everything about GNs and turbo, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Get a wiring diagram of the Riv, and GN, then compare the ecm pinouts. If I'm not mistaken they'll be the same, but check first. In which case you can just plug in the GN ecm/chip. Then you'll need to swap the MAF, and injectors, and it should at least try to run. BUT, IMMEDIATELY swap to a GN type FUEL PUMP to get enough volume.

If your the Riv is a Vin code 7 then you have the GN ecm already, and you'll just need to change the chip, MAF, and injectors to run the turbo.

The INSTANT you get it running on the GN ecm connect a scanner to it to see where you are reading wise. It's easy to detonate a motor, and when doing a swap such as this, it's all to easy to kill the motor from a simple error.

 

[TTypeRiv]

I am already running GN injectors, a Walbro 307 fuel pump, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and have a boost guage and air/fuel ratio gague installed. Right now, the car is running a little rich, but that is better than lean. I do know the ECM pinnouts are the same from my riv to the GN, so I am just going to try and switch the whole computer over to a stock GN computer and see where that takes me. Thanks.

 

[TTypeRiv]

Hey guys,
The GN computer didn't work. Is there anyone out there than can burn me a chip to work with my Riviera computer and the turbo? I don't know what else to do. Thanks.

 

[dennisL]

Hi TtypeRiv,

You say the ecm pinouts are the same for the Riv and GN, but the GN ecm doesn't work. That's odd.

Does the Riv have the same sensors as the GN?

What happened when you had the GN ecm connected? Maybe we can troubleshoot that to solve the problem.

 

[turbo2nr]

Are you sure you don't have a 85 Riviera T-Type, and put an 87 gnturbo on it? I have a 85 Rivieria T-Type and a 87GN, I did not think GM made the newer, little 87 Rivieria in a turbo? But, I think the 85 T-Type has the same wiring harness layout, except for the iat (intake air temp) and electric fans. I thought the 85 T-type already had the same turbo as 85GN, so why swap to about the same turbo?? My ecm for Rivieria is the same as a 85GN, but with a different chip. Try out the 84-85 GN chips. Let me know what you come up with. I'm still puzzled about the 87 T-type? Was it a factory turbo car? Is motor sideways? My 85 is not.

Scott

 

[TTypeRiv]

Hey Turbo2nr,

Just to make it clear, I have a 1987 Buick Riviera T-Type. This is a factory FWD car that I did a custom turbo install on. These cars never came with a turbo, but i just thought it would be cool to make one work. My engine is sideways, otherwise known as transverse. I have the turbo mounted and all the plumbing done. I was just thinking about the computer and didn't know how hard it would be for someone to burn me a chip, if it is at all possible. Hope this helps.