How long does an ECM typically last?

[Shane]

I'm just wondering how long an ECM lasts. My last GN threw one at about 160,000 miles, although I don't think it was the stocker.

My new GN just blew one at 86,000 miles. I had modified it a bit with splices into the wiring harness, and I installed Direct Scan so I may very well have blown it myself.

What's the average lifespan on these things?

 

[2 QK 4 U]

Either I'm real lucky or you're real unlucky...

I have owned two Turbo Regals, one WE4 with 169,000 miles (rebuilt 1 time of course) no probs with ecm. An 87 GN with 109,000 miles factory ecm, no probs.

To answer your question, the average lifespan of these computers are pretty good. However, like any other part on a car is subject to failure with or without notice. So mine have about 17 yrs so far.

 

[Maltman]

My question would be when are they going to come out with an aftermarket computer that updates the aldl port more often and is simply a "better" computer???

Some aspects of the 80s just plain suck!

 

[2 QK 4 U]

Originally posted by Maltman
My question would be when are they going to come out with an aftermarket computer that updates the aldl port more often and is simply a "better" computer???

Some aspects of the 80s just plain suck!

I wonder if the sensor would have to be updated as well.

I think that with the proper scan tool the stock ecm is suffecient.

 

[bruce]

Originally posted by Maltman
My question would be when are they going to come out with an aftermarket computer that updates the aldl port more often and is simply a "better" computer???

Some aspects of the 80s just plain suck!

Make up the adapter, and run the 1227749. Also gets you a MAP system instead of a MAF. Then with a simple code patch you can run a 3 bar system.

Some trinkets about what to do are here:
http://www.t6p.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43

I've been running my GN on one for over 6 months now.

 

[Maltman]

Hey...that's not a bad idea....why do I always find out about this stuff AFTER I spend money on things like a new maf, translater, maf pipes!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info....I'll have to do some more research on that and develop an opinion. As of right now, I can say anything is better than the 1 frame every 1.5 secs...or whatever it is! Seriously, the more I learn about this tuning garbage I often wonder how people get buy with the aldl.....it's like playing catch with your hands tied behind your back.

Seriously...1/4 mile run takes 12 secs = maybe 7-8 frames of data...and who knows where you'll catch the stream at!

 

[salvageV6]

An untouched ECM should last a couple of human lifetimes I would suspect, MTBF.

Modified?, all bets are off.

I have two orignals and two used modified for Direct Scan in the car that all have worked fine, one is used and modded for Low Z injectors that has had chip socket issues.

Rebent the socket pins under a magnifier and it seems to be working fine now.

Direct Scan gives you a ton of data to look at for racing.

Just my .02 on these things.

 

[Sleeper-6]

How about DS....

So what if the ALDL port onle updates every 1.5 seconds or so. If you run Direct Scan you get 18 frames per second. And the ability to record. How many more frames do you need?

 

[bruce]

Re: How about DS....

Originally posted by Sleeper-6
So what if the ALDL port onle updates every 1.5 seconds or so. If you run Direct Scan you get 18 frames per second. And the ability to record. How many more frames do you need?

The more the better. When everything is fine, ~15 will get you by, but when looking for an intermittent problem, or data logging a 1/4 mile pass then more is better.

I've looked at some 100 frame a sec data logs, and the amount of info., is incredible.

With the Sy code now available in source code you can even edit the ALDL data stream. Not to mention on that ecm there is 8 unused inputs that you could log. Adding a cam synch pulse, in the case of the 749 ecm, and you could spit out *BY* cylinder what things look like. Imagine being able to tune and say well #3 is the one detonating. And then say have a VIC in the system, and being able to add a little to #3's PW.

 

[kh440]

My belated 87 had a bad time of ecms popping until we discovered a water leak at the rh base of the windshield. I know people 150k+ with oe computer

 

[Sleeper-6]

Bruce, you are a ECM god. You CAN use all the frames you can get. I was thinking along the lines of the other 99% of us.