OK, you want constructive? This is NOT how a 82 knock sensor works as described above. That is how a more modern sensor works, like an 84 and up sensor. The 82 is a completely different beast, more like a tuning fork arrangement if you will. (frequency) Just like what was mentioned about the ecm OK working without it...it won't, as the person finally realized in a later post in this thread. The ecm does a periodic check/randomly to check for sensor validity.

Like I mentioned earlier, i have been down this road with an engineer trying to either find a cost effective way around the issue (for all CFI owners) of not being able to find a sensor OR create brand new sensors at a reasonable cost as well. Both of these have failed. So now, if you really need a knock sensor, you either have to pay the crazy price of some idiot ebay seller at $600 or just live with your paperweight 82. There are alternatives, but in the end they are even more costly on re-modding the entire system to something newer.

As a side note, the 82 camaro knock sensor seems to work OK as well and I have tested that myself and have one as a spare just in-case kind of thing. Not 100% sure, but the firebird and trans am sensor may also work as a replacement? Have not checked the 83 camaro, firebird or trans am sensors, but they may be the same also.

So, there you have it and my opinion on this subject. I don't want to get into any big discussion on this subject since it's pretty much a dead horse kind of issue with me. I've given a solution that I know works and maybe even more solutions? Go to a wrecking yard and find yourself a sensor as a spare if you plan on keeping you 82 IMO.

Like I've said many times before...I've got 30 years+ now specifically on CFI of all types and years and since I've been doing this for a long time, I do know a few things about these cars on what works and what doesn't. However, there are some out there that just want to prove me wrong at every turn for some crazy reason, OK, have at it. So, how's that for constructive vs. being just POO POO?! I'm OUT! Have fun and enjoy.

 

On the later ECM'S such as the 16146299 which is what I'm running yes it can be tuned out.

 

Tom, you need to chill out. I still would like to know if the knock sensors you tried was with the matching ESC module. It doesn't matter to me because I can very easily tune out that spark knock retard system. But for another CFI owner even buying a knock sensor, ESC module, and pigtails new would still be less than $150 and it only 4 wires, all the same colors. I'm sure any CFI owner would find that to be cost-effective and easy to do. 69427 believes that the early CFI ECM'S didn't have a self check for the ESC module. So did you ever try supplying pin #4, white connector with 8 volts to fool the ECM? I would love to experiment but my car is hard wired for the later pin style connector.

 

No, I said I don't know when it was first implemented, as Chevy was still trying to get the diagnostics figured out in the mid to late 80s.

 

So, i wanted to ask then, because the only check engine code im getting if 24 (speedometer cable), and if what is said is true that the knock sensor is only a problem when a code appears and the car could live without it, then what would cause it to knock? The things i did to the car around the time the knock started was change my coolant, replace my thermostat, replaced the 02 sensor, disconnected my smog pump (i just took the belt off, since i havent found anything to plug the holes yet) and my vacuum lines. Ive checked my vacuum and its slightly off, because i think the egr solenoid is the culprit but im having trouble finding one. Im running alittle bit hot, but it is summer. And if it helps to, i am running rich, then i think im leaning out. Ive replaced and adjusted the tps to .525V. replaced the injectors, and rebuild the throttle bodies. Cap and rotor, sparks plugs and wires as well. Ive gone thought pretty much everything that would lead to these issues to no avail.

 

Well that changes everything and everything in the above posts concerning the knock sensor hullabaloo is out the window. Okay, first you're going to need to fix the EGR system. Yes that solenoid is no longer available. I don't remember if they work normally opened or normally closed. I do know they work opposite of the later EGR solenoids. You may be able to substitute a solenoid from one those 80's FWD Chrysler cars. I remember my Turbo Daytona had 3 or 4 of those solenoids and think you could use them either normally open or closed however I'm not 100% sure. Secondly and just as important you got to fix that speedometer code. The ECM not seeing speed can cause a whole host of issues so get that fixed. In the Home Depot plumbing section they do have brass fittings that will thread right onto the air pipe on the manifold. I don't remember the size. Just treat your knock issue just as you would with a carbureted car and you should be fine. Good luck.

 

i checked with brian harris this morning. he is the guy for tbi ecm tuning. and he doesn't know anybody who burns proms for the OE cfi ecm. so the next best option may be skids way. re-wire to a later non-cfi ecm that can be programmed.

 

Thanks Derek. Probably the best thing you can do for an CFI car. Faster processing, eliminates the poor edge card connector, and they are plentiful. I have a second 14166299 ECM with the moates G2 socket installed as a backup. Tuning is definitely a learning curve. I have a pretty good hand on the tuning now but still learning. Drivability, fuel economy and of course 1/4 mile performance is good but won't say it's 100% optimized. I have a few different fuel and timing tables including one tune with the spark knock retard system disabled I want to tryout at Gainesville next month.

 

69427 asked me to weigh in on this since I've dealt with it before on my 82. I ended up going with a Camaro TBI computer and the EBL system on my car. I rebuilt the engine with a Voodoo cam and Renegade intake and the stock ECM ran it "ok" but I wanted more flexibility. When I updated the ECM I also updated the knock sensor and spark unit from a later year TBI ECM to match my EBL ECM. No issues after that. If you are sticking with the 82 ECM your best bet for a replacement would be to look for 82-84 Corvettes and Camaros in your junk yards. Nothing else will work with the 82 ECMs, Tom is right on that one. If your EGR solenoid is toast, your are SOL on that part as well, but I just ran mine without it and blocked off the valve. This was a few years ago. Currently I have gone to the Dark Side and I am running Edelbrock's ProFlo 4 system. No knock sensor, no EGR, tune it with your phone or a tablet but it's not original. I didn't hate the CFI, I just wanted Sequential instead. Good Luck!

 

originality and 1st gen efi's are not necessarily such a good thing.

 

I'm not entirely following what you're saying. Did you try the '84 knock sensor (and knock module) with your '82 ECM?

 

I did try the 84 and it sorta worked but the wiring is different. They ground differently but you can use one. Its best to just update to a newer ECM. I never tried the 84 ESC.

 

food for thought (retrofit ESC & knock sensor)

 

Thanks for sharing

 

I came across some new knock sensors for an 1982 Corvette.

 

Where?

 

they don’t have anymore, I purchased their last ones. Looking to sell at least one of them.

 

How 'bout a picture of those sensors?