Will an 85 ECM work in an 86?

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Jan 25, 2008 | 07:50 PM

Chatman

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,614

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From: Davis CA

Will an 85 ECM work in an 86?

OK. So I grabbed what I thought was a good deal without doing the research. I have in hand an 85 ECM and Prom for a 4+3 and an 86 car. My car is working fine, this was to be a spare or maybe a switchout because I thought that most of the "new" functions in 86 were things I would prefer to live without -- automatic overdrive shifts and VATS. So, how wrong was I?

P.S. If it is hopeless, there will be a reasonably priced ECM and PROM for a 4+3 in the parts for sale section.

TIA

Jan 25, 2008 | 09:10 PM

85vet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,426

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From: Heidelberg PA

Cruise-In V Veteran

Do not use it. The 86 is a faster ECM and different attributes than the 85.
I do not know the specifics other than an 85 is NOT the same as an 86.

Jan 25, 2008 | 09:38 PM

zr1fred

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 10,691

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From: Phoenix Arizona

I think the difference is in the prom. That computer was used on several cars. The ECM's I think are pretty cheap at the local Autozone, or used to be.

Jan 25, 2008 | 10:21 PM

joeld

Racer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 375

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From: Lawrenceville Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85vet

Do not use it. The 86 is a faster ECM and different attributes than the 85.
I do not know the specifics other than an 85 is NOT the same as an 86.

That is correct, ECM replacement year numbers are 1986 thru 1989. Starting in 86 the ECM was updated for a much faster ECM. Sell it and cut your loss.

Joel

Jan 25, 2008 | 10:26 PM

mk842766

Pro

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 666

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From: Richmond TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chatman

Nope, won't work...the connectors are different....if you want to get rid of the vats, and the overdrive shifts, get a burner, and take 'em out of your stock chip, and reburn it...