ECM swap. What does it really get you?

[tjhgn85]

ECM swap. What does it really get you? I am very close to doing this, meaning I have purchased all the parts but have not started the project. I am installing a Spearco IC and was told or I was under the assumtion that swapping the ECM with the IC upgrade would make the car run smoother and better. I am not totally into running a Scanmaster tool at the moment....... so should I wait or what?

Thanks

Tim

 

[mycarsucks]

technically the ecm wont really do anything for your ic swap unless you are using an electrical fan. The best benefits from using the new ecm is much faster sample rate for scantools, much much greater chip availability, and greater chip control.

You really need to get a scantool. I know it sounds expensive, but think of how much a blown motor will cost versus the 150+ for a scantool.

 

[tjhgn85]

Thanks. I am running an electric fan so that is a plus to do it, and you are like the 100th person to tell me to get a scan tool. So that is just the extra push to tell me to do it.

 

[mycarsucks]

Yeah, the ecm controlling that fan will be great.

I didnt want to get a scantool either. I just wanted to spend my money on go fast parts. People eventually talked me into it. There's alot you can do with these cars without parts, and its probably best to get to know these turbo cars before tossing things on. Of course, I hope to have my intercooling project finsihed by the end of this week so I dont have a whole lot of room to talk as I havent had the car for a year even.

 

[Men in Black]

In addition there is a much greater chip selection with the 87 ecm, and my 85 runs MUCH better since I installed it.

 

[FJM568]

Originally posted by mycarsucks
The best benefits from using the new ecm is much faster sample rate for scantools,

Ummm...wrong, kind of...If you are talking about the ALDL sample rate, it is no different between the 84/5 and 86/7 ecms, just more info for the 86/7 shown on the scantool for the 86/7s...If you are talking about Directscan, then you will get the faster sample rate for the 86/7s, not only for the reason of getting about 15 fps from Directscan(compared to 1.5 fps from the ALDL port), but also because Directscan won't work with the 84/5 ecms...

Oh btw tjhgn85, if anyone hasn't mentioned it yet, you need to get a scantool

 

[tjhgn85]

Thanks guys for your input.... no just to find the best scantool.!!
Since I have many laptops I might go for the TURBO-LINK .