TPI swap - idling problems - Page 2

89IROC&RS · #16 03-03-2005, 10:16 AM

also in regard to the timing issue, how many miles are on your 305? i know that my 350 is due for a timing chain replacement due to stretch and its making it nearly impossible to get the timing correct without setting it by vacume or ear. the markers are useless at this point. That could be contributing to your problem as well.

Morley · #17 03-03-2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

I'm wondering if you have any suggestions on who I should order a new prom/calpack from. I would prefer to have one programmed without the EGR, but I don't know if it's worth the cost. Should I just buy an aftermarket one from hypertech?

Firstly, stay away from aftermarket "performance" chips, they are way over priced and do nothing for you, in fact they can hurt performance.
Look here https://www.rockauto.com/applet3.html for your PROM, they cost $50-$60. You'd want to order one for a 1988 camaro because it has the better programming on it.
For a custom chip look here http://www.moates.net/index.php?cPath=25
You'd want the GP1 package, it costs $55. I can program the chips for it for the cost of shipping.
The kicker is, you really need to get a new calpack first (the GP1 piggybacks on the calpack) and get the car running "right" before going into a "custom" chip. Your calpack may be bad, not just the prom on it, but there are also 2 other chips on it (netres) that contain some basic programming for the engine.

ct91rs · #18 03-04-2005, 11:01 AM

the 305 has just over a 100,000 miles on it, I don't think it is the timing chain though, because the car ran like a top with the TBI on it.

Morley, you said that I need a new calpack first. I had assumed that ordering a new chip would be all-inclusive, guess not. I found the new prom at rockauto, but where do I go for a new calpack?

Morley · #19 03-05-2005, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

Morley, you said that I need a new calpack first. I had assumed that ordering a new chip would be all-inclusive, guess not. I found the new prom at rockauto, but where do I go for a new calpack?

Calpack & PROM are the same thing...kind of. 1986-1992 TPI's the PROM chip is hard mounted to the CALPACK, so they use the 2 names to mean the same thing.
The CALPACK actually consists of a PROM chip and 2 NETRES chips mounted in a holder that plugs into your ECM.
I'd hate for you to spend the $50 on a calpack that you may not need, it'd be better if you could borrow one from a friend to verify that as the problem.
If you want to hold off till next week, my friend and I are going to do a little experiment with an 86 CALPACK. We suspect the 86's were not like the 87 & 88 CALPACKs, and that the NETRES may be incompatable with other ECM's of the same part number. He has had 2 of them that exhibit strange behavior and we are trying to prove out our theory.

ct91rs · #20 03-05-2005, 06:01 PM

Morley-
So you do still think that a calpack from an '88 would work? Either way, I'll wait to order one until I hear back from you about your experiment...

thanks

Chuck

Morley · #21 03-05-2005, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

Morley-
So you do still think that a calpack from an '88 would work? Either way,

Yes, the 1988 used the $32b code, which was the best MAF code GM made for a cold start injector equipped TPI...The BEST MAF code was the $6E from 1989..but that requires some chip modding,
Also...the $32b code didn't have VATS, so that is still going to be a thorn in your side..where as the $6E did have VATS..either way you go you'll need a custom chip to over come problems. What is really in question is the NETRES array on your current calpack but in order to get a "better" one you have to buy a calpack.

ct91rs · #22 03-05-2005, 06:17 PM

I know where I have a 12v source coming off the ignition switch before it goes to the vats module or the clutch switch, besides the possibility of starting the car in gear, do you see any other problems with simply bypassing the clutch switch and the vats this way and running power from this 12v source to the solenoid? If this is ok, I would than get a prom for an 88, right?

Morley · #23 03-06-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

I know where I have a 12v source coming off the ignition switch before it goes to the vats module or the clutch switch, besides the possibility of starting the car in gear, do you see any other problems with simply bypassing the clutch switch and the vats this way and running power from this 12v source to the solenoid? If this is ok, I would than get a prom for an 88, right?

Do a search on bypassing VATS, it will be better and safer than what you mentioned..just uses a resistor.
Yes, you'd want an 88 prom/calpack, that was the last year for the cold start injectors.

Morley · #24 03-09-2005, 01:18 AM

Experiment complete. The 86 prom doesn't run too well in my car but the NETRES seems to be fine. I ran an 86 calpack with my Moates adaptor (eliminates the stock prom on the calpack) and my custom prom (burn em myself) and the car fired right up and ran fine. My friend was having trouble getting his 88 to run on the 86 calpack so we eliminated the NETRES as the problem by using my adaptor.
You probably have either the wrong prom or a defective prom in there.

Open your computer and remove the calpack, next remove the blue cover on the calpack and look at the silver sticker on the prom chip (big chip). and post the 3 or 4 letter code on the sticker.

ct91rs · #25 03-09-2005, 10:14 AM

the silver sticker says:

AUM
0122
8291

Chuck

Morley · #26 03-10-2005, 01:46 AM

OK, that checks out as a 1986 BCC for an LB9 engine in camaro/firebird. So you do have the proper calpack for the application. It was released 09/17/1986, so it was well into the production year and not an "experimental" code.

Heh, what you need is a "custom" prom at this point. You need an 88 prom with VATS enabled and you'd be set.

ct91rs · #27 03-10-2005, 07:00 PM

finally got it runnin', and it purrs like a dream.

morley,

You said you can program a custom chip? I was thinking about ordering one from moates and having it sent to you...
I'll send you the money to ship it back, and something for the programming it you would like. Please let me know.

Chuck

Morley · #28 03-10-2005, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

finally got it runnin', and it purrs like a dream.

morley,

You said you can program a custom chip? I was thinking about ordering one from moates and having it sent to you...
I'll send you the money to ship it back, and something for the programming it you would like. Please let me know.

Chuck

Sure, I can do it.
Pray tell, what was the problem? Or more to the point..what was the fix?

P.S. you'll need to order the G1 adaptor/prom combo from Craig.

ct91rs · #29 03-11-2005, 08:27 AM

After installing the painless wiring harness, and fixing the vacuum leaks, it would start but would kill immediately. I found out that the ignition wire going to the ECM was only getting 12v when the key was turned forward, when it was just in the "on" position it had something like 8 or 9 volts, so as soon as I backed off the key the computer would shut off. But after a whole lot of frustration it runs great now.
In an earlier post you mentioned getting the GP1 package from moates. Is that the same as what you are referring to as the "G1 adaptor/prom combo from Craig". Who is Craig?

Morley · #30 03-11-2005, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct91rs

In an earlier post you mentioned getting the GP1 package from moates. Is that the same as what you are referring to as the "G1 adaptor/prom combo from Craig". Who is Craig?

Yes, the GP1 is the G1 adaptor packaged with 2 chips.
Craig is Craig Moates, the man that makes and sells the adaptors, along with a whole bunch of other F body engine tuning products. Super guy to deal with.

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