Topic: Remove computer
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Hi all. Im thinking about getting rid of the computer that controls the carb and ignition. What would it involve and what new parts would I need to get in order to do this. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
To make the engine run properly without the ECM, you would need a different carb, and a different distributor. You can do away with the ECM, and still use the original carb/dist, and the engine will still run....it just will not run right. Way back when, we were bypassing the ESC(electronic spark control) by disconnecting the 4 wire flat connector, and jumping across 2 of the terminals in the connector. This helped, but it wasn't the "fix". The only real fix was to replace the carb and dist with earlier stuff. hth
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Good Morning,If you have an electronic Q-Jet carb on there now you could use a Q-Jet or an Edelbrock 1406(650 CFM or 1407(750 cfm),however you would have to get a spacer(1/2 inch or less) or do what I did to use Edelbrock. Use Q-jet gasket(thin)on existing spread bore intake and a Square bore adapter(forgot mr.Gasket part #),it is a thin plate and their gaskets,in conjunction to a Q jet Stainless Steel (very thin)then the Mr.Gasket square bore plate with gasket above and below this plate.This is needed as the secondary's will not open unless you pile the adapters on the spread bore intake.I have a performance engine and wanted to use my Edelbrock,more specifically my Carter 750 with big secondary's.
My suggestion is to go with a standard Q-Jet and not fight the battle.
Now what I did was use a 1979 Vette distributor and played with the springs for my application,however not necessary for your application.
Good Luck and should not have a problem changing carb and distributor
Sal C nosal1
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Not a good idea. The 81 was designed to hafe the computer and ECM. To remove them is just as bad as removing the A.I.R. Pump!! Leave it alone!!
Dan da Man
De-computerized engine pic
(modified life-sized image to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|9/30/2016 7:10:56 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Sorry Guys I did not realize the photo was so big,however just wanted to show engine without smog pump in service,no wiring from computer to carb and '79 Vette dist...Also I now have rid of the spacer below the Edelbrock carb and now have a 5/16" spacer to accept a square bore carb.Again sorry for the big pic. I can not recall the '81 engine,however it should not be the engine like the crossfire..By the way this car performs like a race car!!!
Good Luck all. NOSAL
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
nosal1 said:
Sorry Guys I did not realize the photo was so big,
I fixed it Sal....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines
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