87 ecm/pcm
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
87 ecm/pcm
I may be purchasing an 87 C4 that I plan on using mostly for drag racing. My concern with this "series" is the computer for tuning, does anybody have first hand experience in "tuning" this generation ECM/PCM for racing? I know from years past, that you could get PROMs made, but do any vendors currently offer them?? I really don't want to change the whole system and install something like the ACCEL unit (assuming it is even still made). My "pie in the sky" ET would be mid 11's, it's possible I may never see that ET but I'd like to keep that option open.
I would like to keep this thread "on target" and don't want discussions on Heads or Cam or Gears or Converters and such (although I'd like PM's on that) so please limit responses to first hand knowledge of the ECM/PCM.
I would like to keep this thread "on target" and don't want discussions on Heads or Cam or Gears or Converters and such (although I'd like PM's on that) so please limit responses to first hand knowledge of the ECM/PCM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 6
From: Middletown New Jersey
It's difficult to find someone around here to do a dyno tune (I used Ida Automotive years ago and I wasn't terribly impressed). That being said there are a number of mail order tuners that seem have a strong following on this board. One that I see mentioned all the time is PCMforLess although I haven't used them myself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
The 87 uses a ECM. I've had Alvin at PCMFORLESS re-program my PROM a few different times for my 86 after each major mod to the engine.
I was always totally satisfied with the result. If you choose to use PCMFORLESS, be prepared to have all the details of your engine available, including complete camshaft specs and head flow numbers.
Jake
I was always totally satisfied with the result. If you choose to use PCMFORLESS, be prepared to have all the details of your engine available, including complete camshaft specs and head flow numbers.
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 395
From: Lakeville MI
With conventional tuning, the 86-89 165 MAF ecm can support up to approx. 350 rwhp (naturally aspirated) and be tuneable up to 6,400 rpm. I'm assuming 30 lb./hr. injectors for this power level.
With increased fuel pressure, this range can be extended somewhat.
There are a few methods available to make these ecms support even higher power levels. With special tuning techniques, along with increased fuel pressure and/or larger injectors, the 165 ecm could be pushed into the 500-750 rwhp range. Beyond this, control for idle with very large injectors (60+ lbs.) will likely become problematic.
It is suitable for a mid 11 second car and has the potential to go significantly faster if necessary.
With increased fuel pressure, this range can be extended somewhat.
There are a few methods available to make these ecms support even higher power levels. With special tuning techniques, along with increased fuel pressure and/or larger injectors, the 165 ecm could be pushed into the 500-750 rwhp range. Beyond this, control for idle with very large injectors (60+ lbs.) will likely become problematic.
It is suitable for a mid 11 second car and has the potential to go significantly faster if necessary.
