jstout

Guys, could use a little help or advice. In trying to lighten my car for NASA ST2 class, I have come across 2 items that I don't know what they are or what they do, and if they are essential to keep or not. the first is the door module which is presently mounted on the bottom of my doors, but I don't think this was the stock location. Can they be eliminated on a race car without negatively affecting the operation of the car? similarly, there is a module box presently at the dirvers side rear of the car in a well compartment. The box is about 5 or 6 inches square, and about an inch think with a serious bundle of wires coming out of it, and going into a rubber grommet on the rear side of the fender and disappearing toward the front of the car. Same question, essential? Concerned that I might lose tail lights, fuel pump, or some other critical function. Thanks in advance. Jerry

RX-Ben

You don't need the door control module things, removal has the same effect (i.e. none) of removing the seat control module.
Can you take a pic of that other box? I don't think my car has one, based on what you are describing.
Fuel pump is controlled up front, taillights are controlled by your hazard switch (center brake light is controlled by the ABS computer).

jstout

the rear box is sitting down in a well at the very back of the car on drivers side. the wire bundle comiing out of it goes directly forward into a rubber grommet (large one) on the rear of the fender down low and looks to head toward the front of the car. I will have access to a lift next week, and be able to see where the wires go. Jerry

jstout

Forgot to mention my car is a 98 fastback. Jerry

96CollectorSport

Sounds like your car came with F45 - select ride. Does/did it have a controller on the shifter console for select ride? If so that's the control module for the select ride shocks - I'm assuming that since it's a track car you have already ditched the factory shocks, However if everything is still stock then you would have to program out the select ride with a Tech 2 (if you didn't the car would be limited to 85 mph.)
The other option was to get shock simulators - if simulators are installed then you would probably have an issue if you pulled the module, then you would have to do the Tech 2 thing to program out select ride.

Falcon

I still have those rectangular boxes, along with the wiring harnesses in my doors, but they aren't connected to anything in the door. The other end of the harnesses go through the door into the car somewhere into the body and they're still connected.

Do those harnesses have to be disconnected somewhere in the body or can the harness just be cut at the door frame without any ill effects to the car?

drivinhard

you can dump the door harnesses at the connection on the A pillar and be good to go.

then you can trace that harness back even farther and dump it

fatbillybob

The best reason to trace back harnesses and delete them is because orphan wiring sometimes has power running through it which can lead to electrical fires and short circuits. We have enough problems with our racecars and don't need that issue too.

Falcon

I was hunting for the connection, but didn't see one easily accessible. I guess I just need to look farther.

FBB, I know what you mean about the orphans. I try to find and label everything I can and cap off any loose ends to avoid the hazards you mentioned.

drivinhard

from the door it just goes through the rubber boot on the door, into the hollow A pillar frame post. Inside there are the connectors

Falcon

Great, I'll try to locate that when I get the car out of the garage.

Thanks, Mark!!!!!!

jstout

I am constantly amazed, and very appreciative or the excellent advice and willingness to share it on the forum. Mark and others, thanks so much. You have made my processes much easier and less stressful. jerry Stout

varkwso

geerookie

The box in the back is probably the EBCM. In 97 and 98 they were in the back of the car. In 99 they moved it to the front near the PS pump.

jstout

What exactly is the ecbm? Is that something that is essential? It sounds essential. This car did have the selective ride control. I was hoping that is what this box was. It now has coilovers so ride control apparatus is not needed any longer. Jerry

varkwso

ECBM (Electronic Control Brake Module) runs ABS - so you need it. On the ones I know of all that is under the car attached to the rear cradle I think. But model years do vary. The GM shop manual, by year, will show you the layout of each system (once you figure out where in the ^&*_)()&*& it is)

Falcon

Found the connectors and have unplugged them, and taped over the ends left in the car.

Thanks!

geerookie

All that work to remove weight and you go and add some back in!

Falcon

It was real thin tape.

geerookie

That really thin stuff will work for protecting connectors but not against pregnancy.