Corvette ECU Problems

[shakedown067]

Why don't you convert it to Megasquirt? Seems like it's begging for it.

WTF is megasquirt? I was thinking of converting to an LS computer setup, but it's nearly $2k. Then it'll need to be tuned. Should have done it when the opti last went out two years ago.

[Loren]

DIY fully programmable engine management.

https://www.diyautotune.com/faq/faq.htm#whatheckms

[shakedown067]

DIY fully programmable engine management.

https://www.diyautotune.com/faq/faq.htm#whatheckms

Gotcha, of course the 96 Corvette is a bastard child so you lose most of your gauges. I'm looking into a similar kit, but I then have to completely repin my wiring harness for the new computer (and still lose all the digital gauges). Probably not the best thing for a color blind person to do, so we'll see.

[Loren]

Depending on how hardcore you want to be, you could replace all of your gauges with an Android tablet and display any data available in the Megasquirt in any way you want. (you could put up any gauge you want as long as you've fed that sensor to the MS -- Tach, Speed, Coolant Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, Transmission Temp, Exhaust Temp, Intake Temp, Voltage, AFR, Fuel Level, you name it)

[twistedwankel]

Depending on how hardcore you want to be, you could replace all of your gauges with an Android tablet and display any data available in the Megasquirt in any way you want. (you could put up any gauge you want as long as you've fed that sensor to the MS -- Tach, Speed, Coolant Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, Transmission Temp, Exhaust Temp, Intake Temp, Voltage, AFR, Fuel Level, you name it)

Geezus. I like his idea of just mailing away the original computer and plugging it back in Or Ebay

[Loren]

This is the computer geek's equivalent to hardcore internal engine modifications.

But, in Eric's case, I think a properly set up Megasquirt would be more reliable and ultimately less expensive to maintain than the stock systems that he (and everyone else who owns any GM vehicle that uses the same engine control systems) currently has to deal with.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can build a Megasquirt 2 for under $300 in about half a day. And if you do your homework and know what you're doing, you can have it installed on the car and tuned within a week. But, it's definitely not for the timid, or for people who don't like to tinker.

[twistedwankel]

One would think you could run a whole car off a memory stick or a flash drive anymore? My 86 GT computer is massive, heavy AND reliable running off actual 5.4vdc electricity. Pulses of light running anything is just weird. It's like sending Morse Code with a flashlight at night and hoping the recipient can spell and read.

What are you all going to do for solder and diodes when Radio Shack files Chapter 11 in two months and only services ipods?

[shakedown067]

Depending on how hardcore you want to be, you could replace all of your gauges with an Android tablet and display any data available in the Megasquirt in any way you want. (you could put up any gauge you want as long as you've fed that sensor to the MS -- Tach, Speed, Coolant Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, Transmission Temp, Exhaust Temp, Intake Temp, Voltage, AFR, Fuel Level, you name it)

Damn you Loren. Now I've got to look into this. To have the computer rebuilt is $400. If I have to replace the opti again...$400. The megasquirt would eliminate both of those POS's. I know what I'll be doing tonight. Android Tablet in my car. Ugg. But I'm sure it would be easier, much less cheaper, than using an iPad.

[shakedown067]

Yeah, this is cool!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EmKXlMyDac

Holy off topic batman. LOL

[Loren]

Radio Shack has been mostly useless for actual electronics for at least the past 10 years, anyway. These days, there are good supply houses online that can get you anything you need. The only down side is that you pay a minimum of $6 shipping on any order, even if it's a 5-cent resistor. But... how much gas would you burn driving to Radio Shack?

Eric, email me if you want to discuss. I've built a few MS2's and MS3's and tuned a few cars with them. Or, if you're free tonight, I'll be at O'Keefe's with the Monday FAST/Miata crew.

[twistedwankel]

So you left Eric on the entry list...right? If he came at noon he could drive my car in S2 against you and Joe.

Need someone to help Drew build the awesome course.

Loren you are so.......funny......AND easily "Jeremy'd". Everything is online now. Even FAST. Next year I car race my imaginery super car on UTUBE? EVERYTHING is going out of business if it has a door and foot traffic anymore. Bit Coins have named a stadium. It's over for reality.

Everywhere except Dougopolous.

Doug

[Tim_M]

Last time I checked GM ECU's from a junkyard were $75....but that was few years ago. I'd be more focused on a grounding issue...

I attempted to stay as close to GM as possible with my 96...just too much integration issues, loss of resale, etc. Otherwise, I would have installed a Holley HP self learning system like my Nova.

Nonetheless, the Subaru's alignment was updated (back to where it was!) and hopefully a set of new Rivals installed. Just over 16,000 miles on the current set-pretty good tire!

[shakedown067]

Last time I checked GM ECU's from a junkyard were $75....but that was few years ago. I'd be more focused on a grounding issue...

I attempted to stay as close to GM as possible with my 96...just too much integration issues, loss of resale, etc. Otherwise, I would have installed a Holley HP self learning system like my Nova.

The grounding issue "seems" to be via the computer. I just haven't been able to confirm that except with the e-fans. They certainly weren't getting a signal via the computer. But was the computer not getting the proper signal from the A/C or water temp sensors? There is a guy on the corvette forum that has a 96 with similar issues as mine. Sold the car after getting fed up to a fellow forum member. The new owner swapped in a new reman computer and it's running like a champ. I just don't expect to be THAT lucky. But, if that's the root to all my gremlins, then maybe I'll have a solid car for a while. Next issue with the car and I'm ripping all the "fun" parts off and sending what's left to the scrap yard.

[Loren]

Most 20-year-old automotive electronics, such as ECUs and airbag control modules, suffer from failing capacitors. The capacitors go between the +12 and ground and are used to filter noise on the ECU power for reliable operation. When they fail, they can do everything from short internally to leak caustic electrolytic goo that causes corrosion and shorts, to flat out swell up and explode.

EVERY old ECU will suffer this fate. None of the electrolytic capacitors used has an expected operational lifespan of more than 20 years.

When you send one out to be "remanufactured", unless they have to repair a blown component, all they're doing is replacing these capacitors. There usually aren't more than 6 or 8 of them. They cost usually about a dime each, and take a couple minutes each to replace once you disassemble the ECU to get to the board.

Pro-tip: Replace them BEFORE they start leaking and causing problems.

Geek out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyt ... th_of_life

[shakedown067]

Thanks for splitting this off. Didn't mean for it to blow up...but it's been fun.

I'm planning on sending mine off to have tested, then they rebuild it if it doesn't pass. I suck with a soldering iron. At least for small electronics. I guess I could pop it open and take a look though.

[Tim_M]

Electronics/wiring is the worst subject for me.

I took the risk and remained with the GM ECU on mine...knowing that there were other, likely better options. I used LT1 Edit ($550) to tune it myself via flashes and feedback logs. Tedious, but it worked and accepted 90 reflashes without 'bricking' or other ill effects and supported the 130 hp bump over stock pretty well.

I've also doubted the ECU on several occasions...my case it was a missing ground or some other, typically self induced issue (pulling an engine leaves mistakes wide open!) I've gone as far as replacing both battery cables with OEM parts as I had seen on the Forum many unusual electrical issues crop up.

Fortunately, we live in FL allowing one to dump the GM stuff for aftermarket and gain a few benefits as well. It is a turning point for some areas...

I don't have any experience with Megasquirt, but have heard many that believe in it especially if you have that patience, interest...can save big on $$ compared to the mainstream Holley, FAST, etc.

The C4 is a great car and am a bit envious you have an option to continue with that chassis. You probably aren't too far from just going aftermarket EFI and adding a GPS speedo as well as other simple gauges for fuel, etc.

The Opti can be replaced with just a distributor once you machine the intake for it...with aftermarket pieces.

The catch is $$ to make the change along with the time to do so.

I see Autozone has reman computers for $125 plus core. Looks like they include programing...not terribly expensive to do and rule out as an option.

[shakedown067]

Well, I have a guy that can do the programming. Most I've seen for $150 or less require programming. Those with it usually run around $300-400. I'm call a couple of shops tomorrow (one local) that can program them and see what'll cost. Hope to have the ball rolling on Monday.

[twistedwankel]

[Next issue with the car and I'm ripping all the "fun" parts off and sending what's left to the scrap yard.

[/quote]


Corvette Museum now has a "burial pit" if you need it?

[shakedown067]

Well, if they were doing the plexi floor, i'd probably consider it.

[blacksheep-1]

There's 3 people I would talk to Dom Forte at Fortes connection off of 66 street in pinellas park - 727 544 6440
Brian tuner dude - 727 657 2956
and I'd get to know these folks in Hillsborough county (Techni Car) - 813 855 0022

http://www.techni-car.com/about.php