Ecm Swap

[motorhead445]

What are the benefits to swaping to a 87 ecm and the other related parts?I need it brokin down so I can understand it.Ive had someone tell me there are just more options with said swap.Im in the market for a chip for '85 GN.I just need to know what is better in the long run?Also what do you guys think of the poston ultra chip in stock ecm?or just swap?THANK YOU .

 

[FJM568]

There are two MAJOR advantages to the ecm swap...

1. You get more information with scantools using the 86/7 ecm...

2. A greater choice of chips and people who can burn them know more about the 86/7 code used in the chips...

Oh yes, and a third is the ability to hook up an electric radiator fan and have the ecm control it...The 84/5 ecm can't...

So there really aren't any downsides to doing the swap...

You can usually pick up the correct ecm at the salvage yards or a pick-a-part place for $50 or less...

 

[mycarsucks]

I think the cost of an 86/87 maf is a downside to the project.

 

[crazygn]

yea the 86-87 maf is a lot of money but it is worth it in the long run. I paid 110 for a org 87 maf in good shape. I think you can get the ones from the parts stores for a little less. YOU can also pick up chips all day long on here to try in your car pretty cheap for the 87 ecm.


save and go with the 87 its better when you go to tune your can and you can get more info.

 

[FJM568]

But if you go with the MAF Trans(or Trans +) plus Impala SS MAF and the extender chip, you have a lot of tuning possibilities...

Or you could keep your 84/5 MAF and have the chip burned for the 86/7 ecm but using the 84/5 MAF tables...Jay C and Joe L both have done this...