Carb Conversion Question (Sort of)
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins GA
Carb Conversion Question (Sort of)
I've got an 88 that's acted a little funny ever since I've owned it.
It drives great for the most part, though it runs really rich. It also has a very low idle when I first start it. I've posted numerous threads about this and have had some great leads, but nothing has ever fixed it.
I've replaced every sensor under the hood, injectors, etc. Awhile back a MAF relay went out and I got a Check Engine light, so I know the paper clip trick works.. no codes ever aside from that.
I've also got a data scanner by Autoxray.. here's the thing. No matter what, I get "Vehicle is not responding". So I took it to a shop.. they can't pull data either. Neither can the local Chevy dealership. I've replaced the ECM twice and PROM and checked all connections. They look to be good.
I had a shop try to correct the problem on two seperate occasions.. all I need is to be able to pull some data, then I can go from there. After they failed, I took it to the Chevy dealership. They want big money (in the thousands) just to get my ECM to talk to me.
I've read about carb conversions in here, and I know most people say don't do it. I'm inclined to agree.. I love the benefits of fuel injection, and TPI doesn't seem overly complex. However, I'm just about ready to throw in the towel on getting this problem corrected.
Would you guys say my best bet would be to take it to some more shops, or should I start looking more seriously at converting to a carb setup?
It drives great for the most part, though it runs really rich. It also has a very low idle when I first start it. I've posted numerous threads about this and have had some great leads, but nothing has ever fixed it.
I've replaced every sensor under the hood, injectors, etc. Awhile back a MAF relay went out and I got a Check Engine light, so I know the paper clip trick works.. no codes ever aside from that.
I've also got a data scanner by Autoxray.. here's the thing. No matter what, I get "Vehicle is not responding". So I took it to a shop.. they can't pull data either. Neither can the local Chevy dealership. I've replaced the ECM twice and PROM and checked all connections. They look to be good.
I had a shop try to correct the problem on two seperate occasions.. all I need is to be able to pull some data, then I can go from there. After they failed, I took it to the Chevy dealership. They want big money (in the thousands) just to get my ECM to talk to me.
I've read about carb conversions in here, and I know most people say don't do it. I'm inclined to agree.. I love the benefits of fuel injection, and TPI doesn't seem overly complex. However, I'm just about ready to throw in the towel on getting this problem corrected.
Would you guys say my best bet would be to take it to some more shops, or should I start looking more seriously at converting to a carb setup?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Carb Conversion Question (Tourney3p0)
I would consider attending Gordon Killewbrews C4 training course, a little south of Bowling Green.
When I attended his course, we adjusted bumpers, timing , idle, checked dash lights, computer. May be worth the effort.
Wish you live by. I'd throw the Tech 1A on the thing and see what happens. Did anyone check the grounds for the ECM?
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
When I attended his course, we adjusted bumpers, timing , idle, checked dash lights, computer. May be worth the effort.
Wish you live by. I'd throw the Tech 1A on the thing and see what happens. Did anyone check the grounds for the ECM?
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Carb Conversion Question (Tourney3p0)
Get yourself a 15 buck VOM (volt ohm meter) and check the wiring from the ALDL to the ECM.
There's not a whole lot of wires from the ALDL going to the ECM so it won't take that long to 'ring them out'.
Laying on your back on the pax side getting hooked up to the ECM harness connectors will be a little bit of a pain.
But if a 53 year old guy totally out of physical shape can do it, I'm sure you won't have any problem doing it.
Get yourself some small aligator clips to connect to your ALDL pins one at a time and just check the wiring. (use your paperclip to get 'into' the plugs)
BTW: This is what the dealer wants to charge you "thousands" to do....
VetNutJim, (I take "tips" for saving you the big bucks) :D :yesnod: :lol: :)
There's not a whole lot of wires from the ALDL going to the ECM so it won't take that long to 'ring them out'.
Laying on your back on the pax side getting hooked up to the ECM harness connectors will be a little bit of a pain.
But if a 53 year old guy totally out of physical shape can do it, I'm sure you won't have any problem doing it.
Get yourself some small aligator clips to connect to your ALDL pins one at a time and just check the wiring. (use your paperclip to get 'into' the plugs)
BTW: This is what the dealer wants to charge you "thousands" to do....
VetNutJim, (I take "tips" for saving you the big bucks) :D :yesnod: :lol: :)
