What do I need for my '85?

[DarthD]

I want to find scan software to tune my '85 Vette but everything says '86 and up. What can I use?

[Bluevette85]

Winaldl is free. Do a search on google and you will find it.

[rsafier]

Winaldl is free. Do a search on google and you will find it.

WinALDL works fine. Data readout on our 85s is SLOW, and some of the good data doesn't get sent as you need to have a 10K resistor in-line to get any data stream, so it puts the car in a mode without knock-retard and an artifically high idle (1000rpm). You can build the interface cable for about 3 bucks of RadioShack parts.
BTW, be careful with the transistors, Radio Shack mislabled a number of there transistor packages and has the Collector and Emitter labled incorrectly on the back packaging. Just check the internet for the proper pinouts to make sure. I built two cables that didn't work until I figured out their mistake :smash:

[DarthD]

Is there anything that will work without the 10K resistor? How can I check if the car is having a problem with the knock sensor if it is disabled?
If I convert to a 1986 computer, will it solve this problem?

[AGENT 86]

If I convert to a 1986 computer, will it solve this problem?


You can use a slew of others on the 165 ecm.
For my 86 I have WinALDL, Moates and Datamaster.
All free :thumbs:

[DarthD]

What does it take to convert to a 1986 ECM? Is there a write up somewhere? I found a new one on Bob Maguire's Chevrolet web site for $81.40. I did not think they would be that cheap.

[GRX]

Go here: http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/gm-eproms/ecm_swap/ for some swap info. Be warned that there are some errors. You will need a GM shop manual; preferably a 1985 AND a 1986 manual....and some good electrical/electronic common sense. I've considered doing this but will stick with mine awhile longer. IF your knock sensor is bad, it will set a code. The ECM checks the system by increasing timing until the sensor hears the knock; upon failing, the code will set. >>>>> Here is a thread I saved awhile back from BluVette85 relating to the errors I mentioned before>>>>

Bluevette85
Senior Member
1291 posts [100%]
Latham NY

Title: 870 to 165 Conversion Instructions 5:28 PM 2/6/2003


This seems to be a popular topic recently. I have sent several members my instructions for this so I figured I would post it here.
DISCLAIMER: This worked for me on the stock TPI and on my Superram conversion. You should double check all wiring yourself because it is easy to misconnect something and fry the ECM. Do this at your own risk.

These two sites have information you can use. The davis site has some
errors and I have noted the corrections below.
http://www.chevythunder.com/fuel%20i...%20pinouts.htm
http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/ecm_swap/

The pin changes below are one way only. i.e. A11 gets moved to C12 but C12
does not go to A11.

There are a few connection changes from what davis posted on his site.

870_________165
-------------------------
A11----------------C12
D2-----------------C1
D8-----------------C15
B4------------------D4
+D12---------------D2
C9------------------D11
B11-----------------B12
+D13---------------A11
+D14---------------D16
+D15---------------D15

*Combine the old C15 into the old D14 (which is now the new D16)
*Combine the old D16 into the old D15 (which is the new D15, it doesn't
change)

+ indicates differences in what davis says to do.

The original C12 is a redundent wire and is not connected to anything in the
165.

You can use your 85 MAF without a problem. From what I have read, the 85
MAF can be used in 86-89 but 86-89 cannot be used in 85.

Buy the MAF relay connectors at Napa #EC85, $4.49 each. The two relays are slightly different. The power relay uses all 5 pins but the burn-off uses
only 4 pins. You can use the power relay for both but I used one of each
type. I use the relays for an 86.

There is a six connector plug coming off the 870 ecm wires which goes to the
burnoff module behind the breadbox. You must disconnect this or your
conversion won't work. This plug is lettered and this is what davis calls
the "MAS connector". The relay connectors you buy from NAPA are labeled
ABCDE and you connect everything as follows: (some changes from what davis posted) I put the relay connectors under the dash with the ecm wires so I didn't have to run a bunch of wires into the engine bay.

MAF Burnoff Connector pin A----------MAS pin D
MAF Burnoff Connector pin B----------must run a new line to D12 on ecm connector. You must buy ecm connector pins.
MAF Burnoff Connector pin C----------MAS pin A
MAF Burnoff Connector pin D----------not connected to anything
MAF Burnoff Connector pin E-----------MAS pin A

MAF Power Connector pin A---------MAS pin F
MAF Power Connector pin B---------MAS pin E
MAF Power Connector pin C---------splice into ecm pin B2
MAF Power Connector pin D---------MAS pin D
MAF Power Connector pin E--------- MAS pin A

I tried to use the 870 burnoff module instead of the relays but it wouldn't
work so adding the relays was the only solution.

I used the ARAP bin and made some adjustment so it would work on my 85
(changed the injector constant, fan switch, MAF filter switch). I also
disconnected my cold start injector and with a slight adjustment in the
start-up fueling table, it starts right away (this is ARAP85 below). I'm using the Craig Moates adapter and scanning software http://www.moates.net , flash chips, Winbin, and Pocket Programmer http://www.transtronics.com

I used Winbin to view and change the bin file. Don't forget to calculate the checksum before saving any changes. http://www.passtimeracing.com/eric/Cars/EFI/index.htm

Use the 6e ecu file (change 'txt' to 'ecu') http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vettewn//6ev009.txt

I started with the ARAP bin (change 'txt' to 'bin') http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vettewn//arap.txt

This will not work without changes specific to the 85 (change 'txt' to 'bin') http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vettewn//arap85.txt

I programmed out the EGR in this bin (change 'txt' to 'bin') http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vet...rap85noegr.txt

These bins provide a starting point for tuning and are not meant to be ideal for all setups.

Hope this helps.



[Modified by GRX, 10:50 AM 2/10/2004]

[B84RADR]

I have an '85 with the stock ECM.

I use Diacom+, Tunercat, Tunercat RT, and a Romulator. I also have chip burning software and a chip eraser to make the changes.

I had considered also swapping the ECM because it isn't the fastest, but like it was mentioned before, there is more to it than just simply swapping out the ECM. As I recall, you have to change out a few things to make it work.

Shayne

[GRX]

oh yeah...I also use Diacom (works good), WinALDL (works good), and I have EASE (works weird) with my '85. I have TunerCATS RT, Romulator and the Pocket Programmer. Also a chip eraser....and lots'o chips :thumbs: