I keep seeing people talk about not using the ECM in their cars. I have an 86 Regal with the 3.8 N/A. I have been looking at building the N/A up for awhile and was wondering if this was something I should look at? What are the PROS and CONS of this, and is anything neccessary to to this?
To ECM or Not To ECM?????????
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b4black
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
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PROS to ditching the ECM:
More flexibilty with tuning,
Less wiring
Easier for those that think ECM's are too high tech. (Those old guys stuck in the 60's
)
No sensors to replace (oxygen, MAP, etc.)
CONS:
You need to find a Carb and distributor
You'll loose the torque convertor clutch lock up.
Slighty higher emissions
Slighty less drivability
Slighty lower fuel economy
I don't see the ECM as an impediment. I would keep it until you truely find it's holding you back. With a cheap scan tool, you can take advantage of all the sensor's for tuning. The Q-jet's secondaries aren't controlled buy the ECM, so you tune for WOT the old fashioned way and timing can still be adjusted either the initial or with a MSD box.
First mod - find a 4.1 Buick V6 and get the four barrel carb and intake. Second mod - better rear end gears.
More flexibilty with tuning,
Less wiring
Easier for those that think ECM's are too high tech. (Those old guys stuck in the 60's
)No sensors to replace (oxygen, MAP, etc.)
CONS:
You need to find a Carb and distributor
You'll loose the torque convertor clutch lock up.
Slighty higher emissions
Slighty less drivability
Slighty lower fuel economy
I don't see the ECM as an impediment. I would keep it until you truely find it's holding you back. With a cheap scan tool, you can take advantage of all the sensor's for tuning. The Q-jet's secondaries aren't controlled buy the ECM, so you tune for WOT the old fashioned way and timing can still be adjusted either the initial or with a MSD box.
First mod - find a 4.1 Buick V6 and get the four barrel carb and intake. Second mod - better rear end gears.
