I have to replace the ECM in my 88 auto. How much of an issue is the upgrade to the '259?
Thanks
Harold

 

OK, maybe I'm having a brain fart- to clarify- you want to upgrade you current 615 ecm maf system with???? A 730 ecm speed density? Or considering SC and needing a 2 bar map???

 

No. from the research I have done, gm p/n 16198259 ecm is an UPGRADE from my original p/n 1227165. The 165s are widely available from the discount parts stores as they are used in quite a few apps (ecm only, not prom). 8259s are harder to find and more expensive. I believe GM no longer lists the 165, if you try to buy one you are automatically upgraded to the 8259. Posts on the forum seem to indicate the 8259 is a worthwhile upgrade??? I am trying to find out if this is worth the extra $ as the 8259 is quite a bit more costly and I don't know if they will take the 165 as a core.
Thanks
H

 

They should take the '165 as a core.... I've heard the guts of the 259 are newer design and more reliable.

Don't know if it would be worth the extra money or not, but if it's not much difference it could be worth saving a headache or two down the road.

 

OK, sorry I did brain fart. Unless you're having a problem with the 165? I've heard of very few problems with them. They do have a single driver for both injector banks that potentially could cause a problem, but...how much more $ is the 259?

 

Best price so far $80.99 for the 165 at Autozone, 137.92 for the 8259 at Advance or gmpartsdirect.com. I'm also looking at salvage yards but have to do something soon as this is my daily driver. However, if I buy online I would buy from 18carfan due to his reputation.
H
I should clarify: the gmpartsdirect price is ~110 + ~19 s/h + core


[Modified by TPFKATK, 1:21 PM 12/16/2001]

 

That's not a bad difference in price... Jeff Kopp can probably get you a good deal on that one. I would probably get the newer one.

 

Keep in mind--the AutoZone ECMs only have a 90 day warranty. The Advanced Auto Parts ECMs have a lifetime warranty (at least as of 3 months ago). They are both Remanufactured by the same distributor. I had to purchase 3 AutoZone ones in one and a half years (got my 20% markdown) but now that Advance has opened up in my neck of the woods, I will only purchase ECMs from them. -Matt-

 

Thanks for the heads up. The Advance price is $88.99 for the 165. I think I'm going with the 259 from Advance.

 

I would, too. The posts at DIY-PROM indicate the original 7165 ECM's had a problem with the circuit board itself...

Used 165 ECM's are like $35 from the boneyard; or $40-$45 from on-line yards...Get a cheap one to turn in for core and order the 8259...

FWIW, NAPA charges $100 + $75 core for their rebuilts...

 

Matt,
did you happen to go through a few of them during the '730 swap??? :D :D :D

That warranty sure is handy in times like that!