ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 254
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From: Four Hours away from Ten Road Courses! VA
ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car?
I'm thinking about replacing my 16 year old ABS box in my '86 with an updated version; anyone know what years I can replace it with without changing out the main computer? I seem to remember the ABS system improving over the years, but I don't know which one's will work with my stock ECM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
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From: Framingham MA
Re: ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car? (HRD2GET)
I'm thinking about replacing my 16 year old ABS box in my '86 with an updated version; anyone know what years I can replace it with without changing out the main computer?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car? (dgoodhue)
Hello,
Interesting question.
While working on my 90's ABS controller, my used parts guy sent me a controller from an 86-89. Hooked it up, and promptly got a Service ABS light. My Tech 1A scanner, and the Snap on scanner were not happy with the EBCM. Checked the part numbers and noted the mistake. I can say with !00% accuracy they will hook up, mounts are the same, plug in looks the same, and I believe they use the same pump assembly. Now, with the 90 came the updated ABS controller that would set codes and the new Central Control Module (CCM). There may be some wiring and circuit differences BUT, until someone hooks one up, plugs in a scanner, and establishes comm link to check the codes on the new EBCM, not really sure. Secondly, tire sizes between years should be considered and they are a factor in the software. Additionally, later years with ASR could also pose compatibility problems. There are lots of used 86-89 EBCM's out there at a very reasonable price. The lawyers and engineers at GM worked hard to keep us out of the EBCM box. Special little screws with torque paint, few schematics, and limited rebuilders may mean they wanted to keep my grubby little hands away from that box. Who knows?
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Interesting question.
While working on my 90's ABS controller, my used parts guy sent me a controller from an 86-89. Hooked it up, and promptly got a Service ABS light. My Tech 1A scanner, and the Snap on scanner were not happy with the EBCM. Checked the part numbers and noted the mistake. I can say with !00% accuracy they will hook up, mounts are the same, plug in looks the same, and I believe they use the same pump assembly. Now, with the 90 came the updated ABS controller that would set codes and the new Central Control Module (CCM). There may be some wiring and circuit differences BUT, until someone hooks one up, plugs in a scanner, and establishes comm link to check the codes on the new EBCM, not really sure. Secondly, tire sizes between years should be considered and they are a factor in the software. Additionally, later years with ASR could also pose compatibility problems. There are lots of used 86-89 EBCM's out there at a very reasonable price. The lawyers and engineers at GM worked hard to keep us out of the EBCM box. Special little screws with torque paint, few schematics, and limited rebuilders may mean they wanted to keep my grubby little hands away from that box. Who knows?
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 254
Likes: 2
From: Four Hours away from Ten Road Courses! VA
Re: ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car? (dlmeyers)
Hmm, you're right, this is getting interesting. Is the "controller" the same thing/location as where the lines actually go into from the Master Cylinder and are distributed to the four wheels? And is the Controller the same as the ECBM?
Most of my questions are based on REPLACING the physical unit where the lines hook-up (my understanding is that the later units have a bleeder screw); and of secondary interest would be to upgrade the computer (is this the EBCM or controller you're speaking of?) to realize more performance from the system as a whole (better feedback through higher processing speeds, i.e. X+ times/second readings from the wheel sensor).
By your experience, would an '89 unit work in my car, and what do you think I might gain from this upgrade?
Thanks for your help!
Rick
Most of my questions are based on REPLACING the physical unit where the lines hook-up (my understanding is that the later units have a bleeder screw); and of secondary interest would be to upgrade the computer (is this the EBCM or controller you're speaking of?) to realize more performance from the system as a whole (better feedback through higher processing speeds, i.e. X+ times/second readings from the wheel sensor).
By your experience, would an '89 unit work in my car, and what do you think I might gain from this upgrade?
Thanks for your help!
Rick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: ABS Upgrade Possible in '86 Car? (HRD2GET)
OK,
The controler may also be called Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) and is the little aluminum box located next to the pump assembly. Follow big bundle of wires back in pump area and one will lead to the EBCM.
My advice , if it works, no "Service ABS" light, best bet is to leave it alone. I have driven vehicles over 100,000 miles and never activated the the ABS. I seriously doubt the change from 89 to 90 improved processing time to any significant degree or would result in improved performance. The 90 is programmed for 275-40-ZR17 tires. Not sure what tires sizes you are running but the software is programmed for a specific tire size. Also, the pump assebly between 89 and 90 definitely shared some components but likely not all. I checked a few of the numbers and they were the same between 89 to 90. I am almost certain the connectors on the 90 had more active cavitys however the connector will hook up. (90 connector hooked to 86-89 EBCM) . Addtionally, it would be pretty difficult to verify performance gain. Why waste the time, effort, and money.
Keep the greasy side down.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Now when ABS and ASR combined, things changed. New EBCM and new pump assembly.
The controler may also be called Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) and is the little aluminum box located next to the pump assembly. Follow big bundle of wires back in pump area and one will lead to the EBCM.
My advice , if it works, no "Service ABS" light, best bet is to leave it alone. I have driven vehicles over 100,000 miles and never activated the the ABS. I seriously doubt the change from 89 to 90 improved processing time to any significant degree or would result in improved performance. The 90 is programmed for 275-40-ZR17 tires. Not sure what tires sizes you are running but the software is programmed for a specific tire size. Also, the pump assebly between 89 and 90 definitely shared some components but likely not all. I checked a few of the numbers and they were the same between 89 to 90. I am almost certain the connectors on the 90 had more active cavitys however the connector will hook up. (90 connector hooked to 86-89 EBCM) . Addtionally, it would be pretty difficult to verify performance gain. Why waste the time, effort, and money.
Keep the greasy side down.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Now when ABS and ASR combined, things changed. New EBCM and new pump assembly.
