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1993 ECM Options

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Old Aug 29, 2016 | 04:48 PM
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Default 1993 ECM Options

Hi Folks,

After fighting / avoiding it for four years, it's time to do something about the ECM in my Ruby. I've found rebuild offers for between $250 and $300. I found a rebuild one on eBay for about $150 (plus core). In fact I purchased that one, only to have the vendor cancel the sale as he had "sold it locally" and was out of inventory. (Yeah right. With the other one listed on eBay at $495 plus core...)

Are there options beyond the rebuild / remanufacturing that I should look at? Or should I just yank the thing out and ship it off. If the latter, any recommendations beyond K&B? I thought there was a place in Baltimore which is a good bit closer.

Thanks,
Jerry
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Old Aug 29, 2016 | 05:03 PM
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I sent mine to Davies Corvette in Florida for repair a number of years ago. No problems since.
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Old Aug 29, 2016 | 05:26 PM
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1992-93 lt1 including" F body" all use same ECM. For reman, they are you "have to have one to get one". You could search for a 93 LT1 Camaro /Firebird. You will need to transfer chip and don't send your out with it, unless you absolutely have to. If it gets "missing" that will be another "struggle".
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Old Aug 29, 2016 | 07:43 PM
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I'd source a used one from an F Body. They're everywhere, literally.

I'll look and see if I still have an unmodified one laying around, but I think I may have socketed the thing when I was burning chips.

I started converting to the 94/95 so I could flash tune. Its a ROYAL pain, but easier than a stand alone, and I could do just as much with it, at least for my needs.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 10:32 AM
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Update: Thanks to Draves for the note regarding SIA Electronics. (http://siaelec.com/product-category/...repair-return/). Their listed price is $166.25 and he spoke well of them. They're a definate possibility if I can't find something in drop-off and pick-up range, or if I don't find

@Mr. Angry, converting to the later model? How does that work? I've read a bit about tuning via reflashing the prom, but didn't think it applied to the '93.

(Not that I *need* to do that, but it is an option!)

Third gen F-Bodies are the Camaro and Firebird, right?
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 11:16 AM
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No, Gen 4 first year only 1993. It will still be somewhat hard to find for less than a few hundred dollars. Search "parts wanted for sale" there were some for sale.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by gdgeorge
Update: Thanks to Draves for the note regarding SIA Electronics. (http://siaelec.com/product-category/...repair-return/). Their listed price is $166.25 and he spoke well of them. They're a definate possibility if I can't find something in drop-off and pick-up range, or if I don't find

@Mr. Angry, converting to the later model? How does that work? I've read a bit about tuning via reflashing the prom, but didn't think it applied to the '93.

(Not that I *need* to do that, but it is an option!)

Third gen F-Bodies are the Camaro and Firebird, right?
I just recently got mine back from SIA Electronics and the ECM has been solid ever since. It had random issues and they resoldered the cold solder joints.

This might also be an option for you.

Last edited by JimLentz; Aug 30, 2016 at 11:20 AM. Reason: Add info
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
I just recently got mine back from SIA Electronics and the ECM has been solid ever since. It had random issues and they resoldered the cold solder joints.

This might also be an option for you.
Thanks Jim. The Cardone unit was the original path that I followed. They are no longer remanufacturing these units. The ones that are still available for sale seem to be around $400 or so plus core. Cardone will rebuild and return, but require that you go through a third party.

I'm leaning toward SIE right now. If I get the gumption, I'm going to dig out my service manual and see what I need to do to pull the unit out of the car. It looks like threeish bolts and four plugs but I think I'll RTFM in advance anyway.

Best,
Jerry

Last edited by gdgeorge; Aug 30, 2016 at 12:16 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by gdgeorge
Thanks Jim. The Cardone unit was the original path that I followed. They are no longer remanufacturing these units. The ones that are still available for sale seem to be around $400 or so plus core. Cardone will rebuild and return, but require that you go through a third party.

I'm leaning toward SIE right now. If I get the gumption, I'm going to dig out my service manual and see what I need to do to pull the unit out of the car. It looks like threeish bolts and four plugs but I think I'll RTFM in advance anyway.

Best,
Jerry
Disconnect the negative battery terminal (5/16"), unclip the connector cover, remove the 4 cables and remove three nuts. One of them is a little harder than the other 2, but really a pretty fast/easy job.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 01:03 PM
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Well. That *was* easy. I think I'm going to go ahead and send it off this afternoon.

J
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by gdgeorge
Well. That *was* easy. I think I'm going to go ahead and send it off this afternoon.

J
One of the easier things to do on a Corvette.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
One of the easier things to do on a Corvette.
I've got a laundry list at this point, but the computer became a priority when the vehicle became unreliable. I could deal with the idiosyncrasies, but having the engine cut out randomly on starting out is where I draw the line.

J
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by gdgeorge
I've got a laundry list at this point, but the computer became a priority when the vehicle became unreliable. I could deal with the idiosyncrasies, but having the engine cut out randomly on starting out is where I draw the line.

J
Let us know how it runs when you get it back!
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Old Sep 16, 2016 | 04:22 PM
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The computer came back yesterday. It took a bit longer than I expected but, OTOH, they received it on the Thursday (afternoon) before Labor day. The total cost was less than $160, plus my shipping to them.

Putting it back in was as easy as taking it out and the car started right up when the job was complete. I haven't driven the car at all yet, but I'll run it around this weekend and see what happens.
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