Removing computer and wiring on 81
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 186
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From: Lower Mainland British Columbia
Removing computer and wiring on 81
I have been working on a lot of changes over the winter and will start a thread very soon on all my "While I'm At It Upgrades"
The wealth of information on this forum has been incredibly helpful.
For now, as I will not be using the computer controlled quadrajet with my new engine, I want to remove the related wiring and computer box. I can't see that there is any part of it that I need or that has a purpose without the E4ME. Is there any of this wiring that should be kept or am I safe to remove it all.
Thanks
The wealth of information on this forum has been incredibly helpful.
For now, as I will not be using the computer controlled quadrajet with my new engine, I want to remove the related wiring and computer box. I can't see that there is any part of it that I need or that has a purpose without the E4ME. Is there any of this wiring that should be kept or am I safe to remove it all.
Thanks
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
You have to be careful removing the computer system as I found out...dash warning lights come on/fuel pump relays won'r engage...some systems are tied into the computer that operate other components on the car. Some other component grounds are operated by the computer....I was able to continue using my high volume in-tank fuel pump by keeping the computer and installing a low pressure fuel regulator with a bult=in return line to the gas tank, among other things. Certain harness wires can be used for things like operating electric chokes
It would be best for now just to unplug any quadrajet harnesses and tuck them away.
Expert members might know of some short cuts for removing the fuel computer portion of the system
It would be best for now just to unplug any quadrajet harnesses and tuck them away.
Expert members might know of some short cuts for removing the fuel computer portion of the system
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
The fuel pump issue is for 82, not 81. The 81 fuel pump is the same mechanical one as for all of the earlier C3's.
Remember that you'll have to change your distributor as the 81 version uses the computer for timing advance. This might still work without the carb with some tinkering, but you'd have to leave all of the other systems intact and do some additional work. I'd suggest going to a mechanical/vacuum advance distributor and call it a day.
Also remember that the car probably won't survive emmisions testing in states/counties that have it once you pull the computer systems. Unless you pull the bulb, the check engine light will be on all the time and if you pull the bulb, it won't come on at startup.
Remember that you'll have to change your distributor as the 81 version uses the computer for timing advance. This might still work without the carb with some tinkering, but you'd have to leave all of the other systems intact and do some additional work. I'd suggest going to a mechanical/vacuum advance distributor and call it a day.
Also remember that the car probably won't survive emmisions testing in states/counties that have it once you pull the computer systems. Unless you pull the bulb, the check engine light will be on all the time and if you pull the bulb, it won't come on at startup.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 186
Likes: 18
From: Lower Mainland British Columbia
The fuel pump issue is for 82, not 81. The 81 fuel pump is the same mechanical one as for all of the earlier C3's.
Remember that you'll have to change your distributor as the 81 version uses the computer for timing advance. This might still work without the carb with some tinkering, but you'd have to leave all of the other systems intact and do some additional work. I'd suggest going to a mechanical/vacuum advance distributor and call it a day.
Also remember that the car probably won't survive emmisions testing in states/counties that have it once you pull the computer systems. Unless you pull the bulb, the check engine light will be on all the time and if you pull the bulb, it won't come on at startup.
Remember that you'll have to change your distributor as the 81 version uses the computer for timing advance. This might still work without the carb with some tinkering, but you'd have to leave all of the other systems intact and do some additional work. I'd suggest going to a mechanical/vacuum advance distributor and call it a day.
Also remember that the car probably won't survive emmisions testing in states/counties that have it once you pull the computer systems. Unless you pull the bulb, the check engine light will be on all the time and if you pull the bulb, it won't come on at startup.
I do have a new distributor and will have an in-tank pump as I am using Holley EFI. Will use all new wiring for the EFI box.
Engine already pre-run on a dyno for break in and hp/tq numbers. Very happy with the results but that is for the new thread.
I have already removed the bulb for the check engine light. I thought the computer only affected the distributor, carburetor and check engine light. But that is why I am checking. Does it control other instruments or warning lights?
If other info is required I am happy to provide, this is based on my limited understanding of this system.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 186
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From: Lower Mainland British Columbia
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Only thing left that your computer will affect is the torque converter lockup and it lost that ability once you removed the distributor. Just rip it out 
Since the tach is electronic, you'll need to get that signal from the distributor to the tach board, but I don't think the computer wiring will help you there in any case.
Since the tach is electronic, you'll need to get that signal from the distributor to the tach board, but I don't think the computer wiring will help you there in any case.
Last edited by CA-Legal-Vette; Apr 24, 2015 at 08:11 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 186
Likes: 18
From: Lower Mainland British Columbia
Thanks, I was researching more last night did see that the computer controls the lock up. From what I see the TCM monitors from many sources, but it controls the carburetor, distributor, lock up, check engine light.
I think I am good to remove it all. Thanks for you input.
I think I am good to remove it all. Thanks for you input.