Manual vs. Auto ECM. Same? Different?

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Mar 9, 2008 | 03:39 PM

MacanGhaill

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3rd Gear

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Manual vs. Auto ECM. Same? Different?

Hello everyone! I was really hoping someone could help me figure this out.
I am swapping a Corvette drivetrain into a streetrod, and originally the engine was backed by a 6 speed, but I am swapping in an automatic. Do I need to have an automatic ECM for them to flash, or a manual ECM, or does it matter? Are they both the identical computer, just programmed differently? I can't seem to find out this information. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Last edited by MacanGhaill; Mar 9, 2008 at 04:13 PM.

Mar 9, 2008 | 04:05 PM

jabez

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From: Milpitas ca

I don't know if this will answer your question but 4 years ago I had a problem with my ECM (auto). Only one I could find was one for a manual. I stuck it in and it ran ok but it gave me a high idle. I left it in for about a year before I found the correct replacement.

Mar 9, 2008 | 06:43 PM

aboatguy

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From: Slidell Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacanGhaill

What year ECM? I believe the ECM in my 1995 is the same as the Manual (just flashed with a different bin.) The earlier ECMs are not flashable (stock) and need to go in for tuning changes. IE I can program my ECM at home with my laptop vice sending it in. The file is different since the A4 in my 95 is computer controlled.
Mike

Mar 9, 2008 | 07:44 PM

geogolf

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From: brookville pa.

ecm

not sure but if you have a ecm that uses a eprom[93 and earlier] you might just need the correct eprom, man. or auto, but hopefully someone with more smarts than me will chime in geo.

Mar 10, 2008 | 01:24 AM

MacanGhaill

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Ok, here is what I have: (The goal is to power an old resto-rod). It's a 1993 Corvette LT1 originally backed by a ZF 6 speed. I currently have no ECM and no plugs. But I do have all the electrical connections for the rest of the engine. I also have a 1995 Caprice Interceptor LT1 backed by a 4L60E- complete with engine harness and ECM. The desire is to use the low mileage, aluminum headed Corvette engine with the newer 4L60E. So the question is, can I use a flashed '95 Caprice ECM to run the '93 engine mated with the '95 4 speed auto? Near as I can tell, the engines are identical. Plug locations, intake- there is a subtle difference in the shape of the fuel rails, but that's it. Thanks again!

Mar 10, 2008 | 02:22 AM

Demonic85

Team Owner

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From: sw Ohio

The ECM will be the same for a given year, but the prom is different for manual/auto. Same can be said for the same ECM used over several years that use different proms. For example, the same ECM was used '86-'89 but the '89 had a different program in the prom that eliminated the cold start injector.

Mar 10, 2008 | 07:49 AM

kalister1

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From: Pasadena Maryland

I think the 95 uses a crank position sensor that the 93 does not have? Look at the timing chain covers.

Mar 10, 2008 | 08:46 AM

scranage

Burning Brakes

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From: Colorado Springs Colorado

There is no difference in the short blocks other than 2/4 bolt mains. In the upper end, the 93 is set up for batch fire (so the injector wiring is different than the later sequential fire), and the fuel rail design is not so good (unbalanced between sides).

So to answer your question, I think you will have no problem if you take the rails & intake off of the Caprice along with the ECM and harness and put them on the Corvette engine. IIRC the Caprice only has one knock sensor where the vette has two, but that should be it.