ECU problem?

I just got the whole timing situation worked out. Now I'm playin around with the ignition timing. When the ignition timing connector is grounded (ecu grounded) the idle is good and the timing is 5 BTDC right where is supposed to be. When I remove the ground for the igniton timing connector, the timing movies to about 20 BTDC, which I'm sure ain't good and the car has a hard time idling and it basically revs itself every once in a while to get the idle back up to 1200 rpms when it drops to 800. Could this be happening just because the ECU is bad? Or might it be the IAC? Is there a way to distinguish?

So does it constantly bounce between 800 and 1200 or just every once in awhile?

It drops back down and revs itself back up about every 5 to 7 seconds

timing should be set at 10 degrees.....

No it's 5 degrees BTDC for basic ignition timing on both the 1.8L and 2.0L, so... I have 5 here, so I'm good

But...

Actual igniton timing, when computer is ungrounded...1.8L 10 degrees BTDC, 2.0L (me) 8 degrees BTDC...unfortunately I'm at 20 not 8

mine ungrounded was at 36 lol prolly

hahaha I have a feeling that might not be the best lol, but if it runs it runs I guess, thats more than most people can say I'm sure haha

Would an OBD2 be helpful in distinguishing the problem at all? I'll check and post

Well I'm stupid of course OBD2 wont work guess I need an OBD1. I tried messin with it again today, all it did was bob between 1500 and 1200 RPMS this time with the engine re-reving about every 10 seconds this time. Still the timing is off 20 degrees btdc when ungrounded but right on 5 where it should be when grounded.